Uterine cancer is on the rise in recent years—cases have gone from 39,000 in 2005 to 65,950 in 2020.

A sharper rise has been found in Black and Hispanic women, which has some drawing conclusions with new research that found a chemical hair straightener could pose a small risk for uterine cancer.

While it’s not expected that you would have to get screened if you use chemical hair straighteners, doctors say knowing the signs and symptoms and then getting checked is the best course of action to take. After all, like most cancers, early detection is key.

Holliswood Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing looks at the risk factors of the disease and the signs that you should be on the lookout for.

Risk Factors for Uterine Cancer

Risk for women increases as they age. While it can appear in younger women, it typically appears in people in their 50s and 60s. It’s believed that parabens, metals, and formaldehyde can also increase the risk, and these are found in personal care products like straighteners.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can have a higher risk as can those who have hormone imbalances that lead to women skipping some of their periods.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptom is abdominal bleeding, especially for women who have gone through menopause. Even light spotting a year after having your last period should be reported to your doctor.

For women who are still of child-bearing age, signs to look out for include a change in bleeding pattern, which includes bleeding between periods or just heavy bleeding in general.

Bloating, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained pelvic pain or pressure are other signs to look for. If these last for two weeks or more, you should tell your doctor.

To learn more about Holliswood Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://holliswood-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.