All anyone wants to do is live a long, happy and healthy life. However, sometimes we encounter health challenges that make it difficult to do everyday activities. Even worse, there’s not enough awareness surrounding some of the healthcare issues we face.
Women’s health remains a taboo subject throughout the world, especially when it comes to gynecological health. In particular, the most common form of uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, continues to be on the rise among women, but it’s a topic it’s rarely discussed.
Even worse, communities of color keep the topic of endometrial cancer under lock and key, due mainly to a lack of knowledge. Only “53% of Black women receive an early diagnosis because of the stigmas surrounding conversations about gynecological health.” It’s definitely a difficult topic to discuss aloud. However, having these conversations can save more lives in the long run.
Specifically, discussing the early warning signs of endometrial cancer can save thousands of Black women from undesirable outcomes. Even better, it can decrease the death toll among female Black patients. Here are a few early signs of endometrial cancer that women should watch out for:
Unusual Bleeding Patterns
The most common sign of the chronic disease is irregular bleeding patterns. If women happen to notice that they’re bleeding outside of their normal menstrual cycle, then that’s a major cause for alarm.
Additionally, brownish discharges from the vaginal area aren’t a good sign either. It might be time to pay a visit to the doctor.
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Postmenopausal Bleeding
Another early symptom may include Postmenopausal bleeding. It’s entirely common for women to have menstrual bleeding in the years leading up to menopause.
However, research dictates that if a “woman experiences bleeding past one year after their very last cycle,” then it’s time to seek out a healthcare provider.
The unusual bleeding could be a sign of an infection or a noncancerous growth. However, there’s a good chance that it could also be a sign of endometrial cancer. Getting early screening done, like a pap test and an endometrial biopsy, can address the problem immediately before the disease progresses.
Women Experiencing Pain During Urination
Painful urination can also mean there’s a serious issue at play. Too often early signs like these may be mistaken for