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41
Although not quite so common as cancer of the
breast, cancer of the uterus accounts for one-fifth to
one-sixth of the total mortality from cancer in women.
It is now an axiom that cancer tends to attack
diseased rather than healthy organs and although its
actual cause is unknown many of the so-called precancerous
conditions which predispose to its occurrence
are recognised and are, in fact, preventable. Thus the
lower part of the uterus (cervix) which is frequently
torn during child-birth and is liable on that account
to become the seat of chronic inflammation, is the part
most commonly affected; cancer of the cervix is, in
addition, more serious than cancer of the upper part
or body of the uterus and affects on the whole younger
women.
It is fortunate that only a small percentage of
women who have had such injuries subsequently develop
cancer, and that women who have had many children
are no more liable to the disease than those with one
or two children.
The reports lay stress on the value of increased
care before, during and after child-birth, as a contribution
towards the cancer campaign and is a reminder,
if any is required, of the value of Maternity and Child
Welfare Schemes. It is now definitely stated that,
contrary to popular belief, there is no special tendency
for cancer of the uterus to occur about the period of
the menopause (change of life).
Symptoms of Cancer of the Uterus.—There can be
little doubt that in most instances the condition begins
without producing any recognisable evidence of its
presence. The most common initial symptom is haemorrhage
(in nearly 70 per cent. of cases), especially
haemorrhage unconnected with the monthly periods,
although increased loss on these occasions may also be
a manifestation. An abnormal discharge occurs in
about 20 per cent. of cases as an early symptom either
during the monthly period or between the periods. The
discharge may be irritating, foul or mixed with blood.