Womb cancer
Women with womb cancer usually have a hysterectomy. This can be a major operation, and recovery may takefrom6 to 12 weeks.
During this time you will have to avoid lifting things (for example, children and heavy shopping bags) and doing heavy housework. You won't be able to drive for between three and eight weeks after the operation.
Most women need4 to12 weeks off work after a hysterectomy. The recovery time will depend on the type of surgery you have, whether or notany problems develop, and what type of work you will return to.
Some of the treatments for endometrial cancer, particularly radiotherapy, can make you very tired. You may need to take a break from some of your normal activities for a while. Don't be afraid to ask for practical help from family and friends if you need it.
After your course of treatment has finished, you'll probably be invited back for regular check-ups. At the check-up, your doctor will examine you (this is likely to include an internal examination) and possibly carry out blood tests or scans to see how your cancer is responding to treatment.
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Knowing how to talk to your friends and family about your cancer can be difficult, and they may find it hard to talk to you, too. People deal with serious problems in different ways.
It's hard to predict how a diagnosis of cancer will affect you. Being open and honest about how you feel and what your family and friends can do to helpmay put them at ease. But don't feel shy about telling people that you want some time to yourself, if that's what you need.
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Wombcancer and its treatment can affect your sex life. This can happen in several ways:
It's understandable that you may not feel like having sex while having to cope with all this. Try to share your feelings with your partner. If you feel you have problems with sex that aren't getting better with time, you may want to speak to a counsellor or a sex therapist.
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Being diagnosed with cancer can be hard, both for patients and their families. You'll need to deal with the emotional and practical difficulties.
Withwomb cancer, you have to cope physically with recovering from a hysterectomy, as well asthe possible emotional impact of losing your womb.
Younger women may have to face the fact they won't be able to have children and all the grief and anger that may cause.
Often, it can help to discuss your feelings and other difficulties with a trained counsellor or therapist. You can ask for this kind of help at any stage of your illness. There are various waysto find help and support:
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If you have to reduce or stop work because of your cancer, you may find it hard to cope financially. If you have cancer or you are caring for someone with cancer, you may be entitled to financial support.
Find out what help is available to youearly on. You can ask to speak to the social worker at your hospital, who can give you the information you need.
People being treated for cancer are entitled to apply for an exemption certificate giving free prescriptions for all medication, including medicine for unrelated conditions.
The certificate is valid for five years, after which you can apply for it to be renewed.You can apply for a certificate by speaking to your GP or cancer specialist.
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If you're told nothing more can be done to treat your womb cancer, your care will focus on controlling your symptoms and helping you to be as comfortable as possible. This is called palliative care. Palliative care also includes psychological, social and spiritual support for you and your family or carers.
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Cancer of the womb (uterus) is a common cancer of the female reproductive system that often causes abnormal vaginal bleeding.
The most common symptom of womb cancer is abnormal bleeding from the vagina, although most people with abnormal bleeding do not have cancer.
It's not known exactly what causes uterine (womb) cancer, but there are certain things that can increase your risk.
You should visit your GP if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding. While it's unlikely to be caused by womb cancer, it's best to be sure.
Surgery is the main treatment for womb cancer, although different methods can be used depending on your personal circumstances.
A diagnosis of cancer is a challenge for most people. How cancer affects your daily life depends on the stage of your cancer and the treatments used.