After menopause, your risk for developing uterine, or endometrial , cancer increases. An early warning sign of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Other risk factors include late menopause (starting after age 52); using estrogen without progesterone; having never been pregnant; obesity; and strong history of gynecological cancers among immediate family members.

Ovarian cancer, which causes more deaths than any other cancer of the reproductive system, is very difficult to detect because it has few symptoms. You are at greater risk if breast, ovarian, colon or uterine cancer run in your immediate family.

Cervical cancer is most common in women between ages 40 and 60. It often has no symptoms, but can be easily detected with a Pap smear. Cervical cancer is easy to treat in its early stages. Left untreated, however, it can spread to other parts of the body. This is known as invasive cervical cancer.

Your primary care doctor, ob/gyn or midwife can work with you to reduce your risk for gynecological cancers and make sure you get the right screenings.

For more information on gynecological cancer services at Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, click here.

To schedule an appointment with an Einstein doctor, call 1-800-EINSTEIN. Or, find a doctor on-line.

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Glossary term:

The endometrium is the lining of the uterus.