Did you know it’s predicted that one in four women will suffer from Uterine Cancer in their lifetime?

I so respect women who passionately reach out to help other women. They inspire me to be more supportive, proactive and involved in women’s causes and in sharing information that can help women, and, in this case, possibly save their lives.

So when KANDI JAEGER approached Girlfriendology about sharing information on Uterine Cancer, we knew it was going to be great girlfriend advice and info. As she shares, September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month so it’s perfect timing for sharing this information with your girlfriends. Together we can make the world better with our friendships and healthier by sharing information like Kandi shares here:

Did you know it’s predicted that one in four women will suffer from Uterine Cancer in their lifetime? Yet, breast and ovarian cancers are the women’s cancers we hear most about. There is not a national group for Uterine/Endometrial cancer.

September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, and with that, I’d like to share some information that will make you think and arm you with the right questions and thoughts to make you aware of what’s happening in your body.

Uterine cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer (i.e., cancer that originates in female reproductive system). It originates in the inner lining of the uterus and accounts for about 90% of uterine cancers. Uterine sarcoma originates in the myometrium and accounts for less than 10% of cases. Uterine cancer usually occurs after menopause. But it may also occur around the time that menopause begins. That’s why it is so important to pay attention to your monthly cycles. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of uterine cancer. Women should not assume that abnormal vaginal bleeding is part of menopause. In the United States, endometrial cancer is more common in Caucasian women and uterine sarcoma is more common in African American women.

A woman should see her doctor if she has any of the following symptoms: Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, difficult or painful urination, pain during intercourse or pain in the pelvic area.

These symptoms can be caused by cancer or other less serious conditions. Most often they are not cancer, but only a doctor can tell for sure. So be sure that you pay attention to what your body is telling you. You check your breasts monthly in the shower, so take the same precautions and watch what the rest of your body is saying. You will hear that endometrial cancer is probably the “best” if any can be called “best” gyn cancer to get as it is usually can be caught very early and thus often surgery alone may be the cure.

For me after almost two years into menopause, I had a cycle begin at the end of February. I knew that wasn’t right and called my doctor right away. I had just had my annual exam not 60 days prior, and was really worried. The doctor gave me a typical pelvic exam, and explained that my annual pap test did not screen for nor detect Uterine or Ovarian cancers; it was only for Cervical cancer. I then had a transvaginal ultrasound, and an endometrial biopsy in the doctors office, which showed increased thickness in the uterine wall. The cells from the biopsy showed Atypical cells for Uterine Cancer.

This was followed up with a D&C which confirmed the cancer. I was then scheduled for a complete total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy. Also known as TAH-BSO (so much easier to say!). During the surgery, they removed 17 lymph nodes that were all negative, and found that the cancer was Stage 1 Grade B. Three days in the hospital, followed by five weeks of recovery, and I feel great. I didn’t need chemotherapy or radiation, since it was found early. I actually have more energy than I did in the past, and knowing that I paid attention to my body, gave me a new outlook on life.

So in this month of Gynecological Cancer awareness, I urge you to think about all of the parts of your body, and watch, think and learn. Your family and loved ones will be happy that you did. Join us on Facebook (My fight Against Uterine Cancer) if you need support for yourself or a Girlfriend, you’ll be happy you did.

KANDI JAEGER: 25 years working in the Commercial Real Estate industry in Cincinnati Ohio, Kandi is the mother of two sons, and been married to Steve for 32 years. Kandi is involved in many civic and philanthropic activies in her community. Currently Kandi holds the position of Senior Brokerage Administrator and Office Manager of Equity Inc. In her spare time Kandi enjoys kayaking on the Whitewater River, Ham Radio and spending quality time with her family.

Share this with your girlfriends so we can hopefully avoid this terrible cancer. And THANKS Kandi for passionately sharing great girlfriend advice!

Check out these ways to be a better friend to a friend with cancer.

Tags: guest blog, gynecological cancer awareness month, kandi jaeger, uterine cancer

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 3:23 pm and is filed under Be a Better FRIEND. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.