Coffee may lower risk of uterus cancer: Japan study

AFP - Monday, September 1
TOKYO (AFP) - - Women who drink a lot of coffee may have less risk of developing cancer of the uterus, a Japanese study said Monday.

The study led by Japan's health ministry monitored some 54,000 women aged 40 to 69 over about 15 years, during which time 117 women developed cancer in the womb, according to the medical team.

The researchers at Japan's National Cancer Center divided the women into four groups by the amount of coffee they drank.

They found the group of women who drank more than three cups of coffee every day were more than 60 percent less likely to develop uterine cancer than those who had coffee fewer than two times a week, the study said.

"Coffee may have effects in lowering insulin levels, possibly curbing the risks of developing womb cancer," the study said.

The medical team also studied the effects of drinking green tea, but did not find any link to uterine cancer.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control, uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women.

Below info is taken from KK Women's & Children's Hospital website:

Cancer of the uterus is the 3rd commonest cancer of the female genital tract in Singapore. It usually affects the endometrium (lining of the uterus). If it is found and treated early, the cure rate is very good - it can be over 90% when the disease is at an early stage. The more advanced the disease is, the lower the cure rate. This is why early detection is so important.

Who Is At Risk?
In Singapore, the majority of uterine cancer is diagnosed after 40 years of age, most commonly between 50 and 70 years old. Some women have a higher risk of uterine cancer:
•Women who are obese
•Women who do not ovulate regularly and often miss periods
•Women who have late menopause (when menstrual periods end, which is usually around age 50)
•Women with polycystic ovarian disease (in which the ovaries contain many abnormal cysts)
•Women with endometrial hyperlasia (abnormal thickening of the endometrium)
•Women who have had cancer of the ovary, breast or colon
•Women with a close family member (mother or daughter) with uterine cancer

It is also thought that some women who take oestrogen alone after menopause may be at risk for cancer of the uterus. If oestrogen is given along with another hormone, progesterone, this combination protects against the risk of uterine cancer.

Women who have ever used the most common type of birth control pills, combination (oestrogen plus progesterone) birth control pills, have a reduced risk of uterine cancer. This protection persists for at least 10 years after a woman stops taking the pill.

A woman may have some or all of the risk factors described here and never have uterine cancer. But women at risk should be aware of the symptoms of uterine cancer and discuss their concerns with their doctor. Regular check-ups, including pelvic examinations, are important.

Symptoms
At present, there is no simple way to screen for uterine cancer. The key to finding the disease in an early stage is being alerted to its symptoms which include:
•Abnormal bleeding which is not according to the usual menstrual pattern
•Spotting
•Discharge

The cause of any abnormal bleeding needs to be looked into by your doctor. Except when combination hormone therapy is being taken, any bleeding or spotting after menopause is abnormal, no matter when amount or colour. Ask your doctor about any bleeding or spotting you have after menopause.

Prevention And Early Detection
There are several things you can do to lower your risk of uterine cancer and to improve the changes of early detection :
•Report any abnormal vaginal bleeding promptly to your doctor. Most bleeding is not caused by cancer, but only your doctor can perform the tests needed to diagnose the problem.
•Get a yearly pelvic examination.
•Eat a healthy diet. A diet that prevents obesity can help prevent cancer. This means eating foods that are low in fat and cholesterol and high in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables and wholegrain breads and cereals.

Do not take chances if you think you have a problem. See your doctor at once. When uterine cancer is found early, the outlook is excellent. Delay in seeking treatment makes this disease much harder to cure.