This month we put the spotlight on Cancers of the Uterus. We discussed risk factors, symptoms and treatments of endometrial / uterine cancers as well as uterine sarcomas.
We were pleased to have 24 participants join us including the Peach Society an organization devoted to raising awareness of endometrial cancer.
You may find a complete transcript here and more analytics here.
The following are some sample responses to out topic questions. You may find additional resources shared with the community at the end of the post.
T1: What are the risk factors for #endometrialcancer #uterinecancer? Do genetics play a role?
- Risk factors for uterine cancers from @cancerdotnethttps://t.co/wptvJ7lIGE
- T1: uterine/endometrial cancer risks include: Age, obesity, reproductive history, hormone therapy, as well as genetics
- T1: #endometrialcancer is the malignancy most closely associated with obesity. Of course genetics #Lynch can play a role as well.
- About 3% of endometrial cancer is due to a hereditary cause, called Lynch syndrome. If you have a family history of endometrial and colon cancers,you may want to meet w/ a Genetic Counselor to learn more
- T1: some of the genetic links are Lynch syndrome (up to 60% risk), Cowden syndrome (up to 30% risk), and a small risk with PJS
- All of these factors increase systemic estrogen which is implicated in the most common types of #endometrial cancer.
T2: How are cancers of the uterus diagnosed? What are the signs and symptoms and, if diagnosed, did you experience these?
- T2: Any vaginal bleeding after menopause is uterine cancer until proven otherwise.
- T2 Via Canadian Cancer Society Signs and symptoms http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/uterine/signs-and-symptoms/?region=on&utm_content=buffere910b&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
- @OncLive: Dr. Haldorsen on the Role of Imaging in the Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/esgo-2017/dr-haldorsen-on-the-role-of-imaging-in-the-diagnosis-of-endometrial-cancer
- My main symptom included abnormal bleeding.
T3: What treatments are used for #endometrialcancer #uterinecancer? What are the common short and long term side effects?
- @CancerDotNet website : surgery/radiation/ chemotherapy https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/uterine-cancer/treatment-options
- T3 Most are treated surgically with up to 50% receiving radiationa as well. 10-20% receive chemotherapy.
- T3: We discussed radiation oncology during our July 2017 #gyncsm chat - recap and resource links: http://gyncsm.blogspot.com/2017/06/radiation-oncology-what-is-it-when-is.html
- Post treatment side effects are related to the type and intensity of treatments used
- vaginal brachytherapy is a kind of radiation treatment
T4: How do uterine sarcomas differ from other endometrial/uterine cancers? What are the types? Differing symptoms and treatment?
- Sarcomas are more rare, and often more aggressive. They often start in the muscle tissue of the uterus
- T4: Uterine Carcinosarcoma (formerly called MMMT) - info: http://gcsproject.org/carcinosarcoma-facts/
- T4: Leiomyosarcoma is a rare type of uterine sarcoma.
- T4: Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma - Info: http://ess-sarcoma.com/
- T4 : Brittany Sullivan’s Story w/ Sarcoma https://connection.asco.org/magazine/society-member-news/conquering-sarcoma-clinical-research-doctor-and-her-patient-are-paving
T5: Are there any special support services for cancers of the uterus? Where can people learn more?
- T5: For all the gynecologic cancers, @GYNCancer (The Foundation for Women's Cancer (FWC)) had great guides and resources.
- T5: Resource | Foundation for Women's Cancer (2017): Endometrial Cancer - Your Guide http://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/wp-content/uploads/FWC-Endometrial-Cancer-Your-Guide-website.pdf
- For support some great organizations like @CancerSupportHQ and for one on one support @CancerHopeNet are two I would recommend.
- Short overview of uterine cancer via @gyncancer http://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/category/blog/uterine-cancer/
- @Peach_Society: You can get more information at http://www.peachsociety.net/
Please join us next month on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 (9pm ET/ 8pm CT / 6PM PT) for a chat on I've Survived - Dealing with Side Effects and Other Losses
Wish all the members of our community a very Happy Thanksgiving!
See you in December.
Dee
Co-founder #gyncsm
RESOURCES
@MayoGynecology video obesity and endometrial cancer https://t.co/rJcT0ryuRL
Peach Outreach symptom cards, visit: http://peachoutreach.com/symptomcards/
Imaging and endometrial cancer diagnosis http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/esgo-2017/dr-haldorsen-on-the-role-of-imaging-in-the-diagnosis-of-endometrial-cancer
