Worried about uterine cancer being genetic - Cancer: Uterine Message Board

odina · 10-02-2006, 11:02 AM

Hi everyone,
Firstly I would like to give everyone who's life has been touched by cancer, my love and prayers. You are all so brave.

My mum recently passed away due to her uterine cancer spreading.
I have only today plucked up the courage to investigate whether or not it is a genetic cancer, and discovered that it is.
Does anyone have any info on this? I'm 36 and would like to know if I will be able to have certain tests etc?

I'm very stressed out about it and would like to do whatever possible to avoid inheriting it.
All replies will be much appreciated.

browneyedsusie · 10-02-2006, 07:16 PM

Hello Odina.
I am so sorry about your Mother , my thoughts are with you. Uterine cancer is a very curable cancer if caught early so prevention is everything. Having an transvaginal ultrasound tells alot about your uteruss' health. I am 43 and had one 2.5 weeks ago and lo and behold I have changes that need to be investigated. The report comments on a possible hyperspasia (pre cancer changes) but polyps and carcinoma cannot be ruled out without furthur testing. Do you use the birth control pill? It is very protective to the uterus and protects years after stopping it. Most uterine cancers (or pre) are from estrogen overload and not enough progestrogene. This I think would be my case. Being on the pill gives you an even amount of both hormones keeping everything pretty steady. Do not fret... even though it is genetic does not mean being proactive can't give you a long healthly life. Discuss your feelings with your doctor and be persistant about testing . May I ask.... Did your Mom find out about it in late stages? Take care
Lesley

odina · 10-03-2006, 04:11 AM

Hi Lesley,
Thanks for such a quick response.

Mum had not felt right for years. I found a health diary that she had kept before she had found out that she had cancer, detailing how she felt healthwise everyday. I was shocked at how ill she had been for so long because she kept it from me. All mum had said to me was that for some unknown reason she just knew there was something wrong but her doctor wasnt taking her complaints seriously. I guess that is why she began keeping a diary.

Thanks so much for you advice. I'm not on the pill because I was sterilized 6yrs ago. I will go to my doctor and share my concerns....hopefully he will be more helpful to me than my poor mums was to her.

I wish you lots of luck with your tests...keep me posted on your progress.

mary25jane · 10-29-2006, 03:21 PM

I was 60 when diagnosed. Had a total hysterectomy. Had not spread to my lymph nodes. I am post menopausal, had no bleeding for about 8 years. A couple of months before I had bleeding, I had different and strange "feelings" in my lower abdomen. Then I had slight bleeding and went immediately to the dr. After my surgery, I also realized that my fingernails were also a clue. They would not grow as they normally do on me. They would break after a short growth.

So, what I am saying is that your body can give you signals even though you may not quite know what it is saying. I would say take care to recognize changes in your body. If you dr does not listen, go to another. I was fortunate my dr took the bleeding seriously and within 2 weeks, had surgery.

I am almost at the one year mark now.