Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is the most common type of gynaecological cancer in the world. In comparison with India, it is more common in western countries. Nevertheless, India has a high incidence of gynaecological cancer, so it is necessary to raise awareness. Endometrial cancer originates from the uterus lining made of endometrium tissue. Cancer gradually spreads to the rest of the uterus and other organs. Fortunately, the survival rate of endometrial cancer is more than 80 per cent. However, it is necessary to diagnose cancer in its early stages.

Endometrial cancer arises when the endometrium cells grow abnormally and multiply faster. The abnormal cells spread all through the organ and kill the healthy cells. The deposits of dead cells form a mass called the tumour or cancer. The root causes of this multiplication of cells are unknown. However, endometrial cancer risk factors are often associated with high estrogen levels in women. The rise in estrogen can be seen as an imbalance between progesterone and estrogen. The imbalance can be due to hormonal therapy, menopause, and obesity.

To detect endometrial cancer early, it is necessary to know the signs. Following are the most common symptoms of endometrial cancer:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting even after menopause
• Heavy menstrual periods
• Bleeding in between periods
• Pain in the pelvic region
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Bloating
• Difficulty while urinating.

There are four stages of endometrial cancer. In the first stage, the cancerous cell growth is only in the uterus. In the second stage, the development expands even further to the other parts outside the uterus but not to the pelvis. The third stage involves the growth in the uterus and the surrounding areas, including the cervix. In the fourth and final stage, the cancerous growth appears all over the uterus, the nearby areas, and beyond the pelvis.

The diagnosis of endometrial cancer should be done in its early stages. Fortunately, 9 of 10 cases are diagnosed in this early stage. The diagnosis is usually made through a biopsy or a CT scan to see any abnormalities or changes within the uterus lining. Occasionally, the thickening of the uterus lining can be due to an infection, but it is important to confirm. The endometrial cancer treatment often involves surgery, along with chemo or radiotherapy if needed.

You can take some protective measures to reduce your risk of getting endometrial cancer

• Try to maintain a balanced weight. The American Cancer Society says the occurrence of endometrial cancer is interlinked to obesity.
• Consult your doctor before going for any hormonal therapy. Hormone therapy can lead to estrogen imbalance in some cases.
• Try contraceptive pills as a birth control method. According to researchers, it helps reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. But, it is ideal if you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the contraceptive pills with your gynaecologist.
• Try eating healthy food and practice daily exercise.
• Talk to your doctor for endometrial cancer testing if it runs in your family.

Endometrial cancer can be costly to treat. So, you must have a health insurance cover that shares your financial burden. Here are some of the leading plans-

There are several benefits associated with a health insurance plan. Irrespective of the insurance provider you choose, some of the benefits remain the same, like-

• No-claim benefit If you make no claims in a policy year, you are rewarded with no-claim benefits. It benefits you, especially during the policy renewal.
• Tax benefit With most health insurance plans, you get to enjoy the tax benefits under section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
• Cashless treatment All the leading health insurance providers have network hospitals. You need not carry cash to these hospitals as the insurance providers pay the bills to the hospital on your behalf.
• Financial support Having financial support at the time of a medical crisis makes a huge impact. Not only do you get the financial aid but also the mental peace needed to recover soon.
• Add-ons To expand the benefits and features of your existing health plan, you can purchase add-ons at a slightly higher premium. Make sure to choose the right ones.
• Better treatment When you have a financial pillar, you tend to avail better health treatment as medical expenses do not play a centric role anymore.

Inclusions are basically the coverage provided. All the facilities provided under a health cover are mentioned as Inclusions. These are -

• Road ambulance services
• Pre and post hospitalization cover
• In-patient hospitalisation expenses
• Daycare benefits
• Health check-ups
• Health coach
• Organ donor expenses
• Wellness supports
• Cashless hospitalization
• Diagnostic expenses
• No-claim benefits.

Covering everything in a health insurance plan is practically not possible. Hence, some of the conditions are out of the coverage of the insurance provider. These are referred to as the exclusions of the plan. Some of the common Exclusions are-

• Certain diseases
• Pre-existing diseases
• Cosmetic surgery costs
• Injuries due to self-harm or suicide attempts
• Medical expenses incurred due to the intake of alcohol or drugs
• No claims until the waiting period ends.