This already-common cancer — and its deadliness — will significantly increase in the next 25 years: study
'My doctor really wasn't super concerned with it,' Spickler, 24, recently recalled on TikTok. 'About a week later, I just had this sinking feeling that something was wrong, so I went and saw another doctor, who sent me to get an ultrasound.'
The exam revealed a polyp, and the Illinois teacher was shocked to be diagnosed with Stage 1 uterine cancer. She's not alone — cases of uterine cancer have been on the rise in the past decade, even as other cancers have become less common in the US.
Advertisement
4 Uterine cancer cases and deaths have increased over the last decade, even as other cancers have declined.
saksit – stock.adobe.com
'Overall, uterine cancer is one of the few cancers where both incidence and mortality have been increasing,' said Dr. Jason D. Wright, chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Columbia University and lead author of a new study about uterine cancer.
'Understanding future trends will help inform the development of robust strategies to reduce the burden and improve outcomes.'
Advertisement
The uterus is the pear-shaped organ where a baby grows in a woman. Endometrial cancer — which develops in the lining of the uterus — is the most common type of uterine cancer.
About 69,000 new cases of uterine cancer and nearly 14,000 deaths are expected this year, according to the American Cancer Society.
4 A doctor shows a patient a model of the uterus.
Evgeniy Kalinovskiy – stock.adobe.com
Cases increased an average of 0.7% each year from 2013 to 2022, and age-adjusted death rates rose 1.6% annually over the same period, according to the new study, published this week in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Advertisement
Wright's team projected a jump from 57.7 cases per 100,000 in 2018 to 74.2 cases in 2050 for white women. Deaths are estimated to increase from 6.1 to 11.2 per 100,000 in this group.
Black women are expected to see a spike from 56.8 cases to 86.9 cases per 100,000. Deaths are predicted to climb from 14.1 to 27.9 per 100,000.
'There are likely a number of factors that are associated with the increased burden of uterine cancer in black women,' Wright explained.
Advertisement
'They more commonly have aggressive types of uterine cancer, face delayed diagnosis resulting in later-stage disease at diagnosis, and there are often delays in their treatment.'
The average age of uterine cancer diagnosis is around 60, with most women being postmenopausal.
4 This pelvis X-ray shows uterine cancer.
BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Risk factors include a family history of uterine cancer, hormonal imbalances and obesity.
A 2022 study identified a possible link between the use of chemical hair straightening products and an increased risk of uterine cancer. These products often contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, potentially interfering with hormone levels.
The good news is that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound may spur obesity rates to decline.
At the same time, a hysterectomy is known to reduce the risk of uterine cancer. Rates of the procedure, which is the removal of the uterus and cervix, are estimated to drop about 26% from 2020 to 2035.
4 Hysterectomy, shown here, is the primary treatment for uterine cancer.
Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Advertisement
There is no standard screening test for uterine cancer in women without symptoms, which tend to be abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge or pain during urination or intercourse.
Diagnostic tests may include a pelvic exam, an ultrasound and an endometrial biopsy.
Screening is most effective starting at 55, Wright said.
Hysterectomy is the primary treatment. Other options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
Advertisement
Spickler revealed on TikTok that she's done hormone therapy this year, but her cancer persists.
'Lowkey deserve to be spoiled going through all this,' she joked this week.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Rescue Dog Struggling To Adjust to New Home Breaks Hearts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. In a viral TikTok video, a formerly neglected pup struggles to adjust to his new loving home, and internet users can't cope with the heartbreaking footage. The post shared in June under the username @barkandmeoww, shows the 3-year-old pup sitting by the door, looking confused as he is not used to be inside with people giving him love. In a previous post, his owner said that, at his old house, Gizmo was left alone outside for most of his day, and so now he doesn't know what to do indoors. "Poor Gizmo … He is still adjusting to his new home. Sometimes I find him just sitting here," reads layover text in the clip. "He was an outside dog. maybe that's why he sits by the door," the poster added in the caption. While dogs do need time outdoors, especially during their daily walks, leaving them out more than necessary can be detrimental to their health. Vetster says that outdoors dogs are exposed to elements, diseases, pests, and lots of other hazards that can potentially be very dangerous. First of all, when coming into contact with wildlife, such dogs can catch diseases such as leptospirosis and rabies. They can also become infested with fleas, ticks, and tapeworm outside. Extreme temperatures can cause hypothermia and frostbite, paw burns and heat stroke. In the summer, outdoors dogs also run the risk of dehydration. The outdoors is also full of plants that can be highly toxic, and even fatal to our pups. If you suspect that your pup has ingested a toxic plant, call ASPCA Poison Control on (888) 426-4435. Stock image: A small-sized dog stretches indoors near a couch. Stock image: A small-sized dog stretches indoors near a couch. getty images The video quickly went viral on social media and has so far received over 146,800 views and more than 30,900 likes on the platform. One user, Chan Chan, commented: "He'll adjust. I recall when I got my first dog Flash at four-years-old. He sat just like this for a few days. He finally started walking around the house. He was my best friend for 15 years. I miss him so much. Please give your baby time to adjust. He's cute." posted: "Engagement and enrichment—take him on a tour everyday of the house and the grounds. Lead him to things to sniff. Do it regularly. He needs to mentally map his (huge) new landscape and feel safe doing it." PattyGrza725 wrote: "Oh sweet baby still can't believe it's really happening to him … Please give him time, don't give up on him." Newsweek reached out to @barkandmeoww for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Newsweek
Paralyzed Dachshund Tries Running with Brother, His Efforts Melts Hearts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When dachshund Monty lost the use of his legs aged six, he didn't let it slow him down. Now seven, Monty has gained viral attention for the way he rides in a dog-sized stroller alongside his brother Charlie. While Charlie runs ahead, Monty springs upright on his front legs, enthusiastically bouncing as if he's racing too. Owner Amy, 42, from Canada, told Newsweek that Monty's signature hop is nothing new. "He's always danced on his front feet—even when you bring him a water dish," she said. "Now when we go for walks in the stroller, he gets even more animated. If his brother or sister runs ahead, it amps him up." Monty and Charlie on one of their walks, where Monty doesn't let his paralysis slow him down. Monty and Charlie on one of their walks, where Monty doesn't let his paralysis slow him down. @amqzak/TikTok Monty was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) last year, a condition that commonly affects dachshunds because of their elongated spines. After undergoing treatment that included medication, acupuncture, and ten weeks of crate rest, Monty didn't regain mobility. But his personality has never changed. Read more Woman defends "hardest decision" to euthanize dog over behavior Woman defends "hardest decision" to euthanize dog over behavior "It was devastating," Amy said, reflecting on his sudden paralysis. "He was a healthy, happy boy. But how he's handled these circumstances has made it so much easier—as his mom, I just had to share his joy." IVDD is a degenerative condition that damages the discs cushioning the vertebrae and can lead to stiffness, weakness, or full paralysis. Dachshunds are particularly at-risk of IVDD, but so are other breeds like French bulldogs, beagles, cocker spaniels and Welsh corgis to name a few. Veterinarians urge owners to take proactive measures to prevent IVDD, including helping dogs maintain a healthy weight, avoid jumping on furniture or stairs and using proper support when lifting dogs. After Monty's diagnosis, Amy came up with the perfect solution to ensure he never misses out, with his trusty stroller helping him and his brother enjoy outings together. In a video caption sharing one of the pair's adventures, which amassed more than 900,000 views since being shared earlier this week, Amy said: "Despite being paralyzed, Monty is confident he is going to beat Charlie to the finish line. It's all in your mindset." "He hasn't lost his spirit. If anything," she said, "he's bouncing more than ever." Monty isn't the first dog with IVDD to captures the internet's heart. In 2024, another dog owner shared how their Labrador Bo suffered IVDD after a fall. While specialists were able to help him to walk again, he still sometimes needs reminding that he can move. In a heartwarming video, the owner shared how she sometimes had to remind her pup he can walk. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Newsweek
Owner Notices Bernese Mountain Dog Changing Color, Reason Goes Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Bernese mountain dog with vitiligo has melted hearts online with his unusual appearance. With their black-and-brown fur, Bernese mountain dogs have very distinctive markings that make them instantly recognizable. But one adorable pup, named Bauer, certainly stands out after losing his regular markings and developing an almost-entirely white fur coat instead. Bauer has vitiligo, an uncommon skin condition among humans and animals that causes skin to lose its natural pigmentation. As vitiligo develops, it progressively destroys the melanocytes and causes the affected area to turn white or pink. A dog's fur covering the affected skin may also turn white, as in Bauer's case. Although he has a different appearance, Bauer refuses to let his condition get him down. From left: Bauer the Bernese Mountain dog is seen before losing his markings. From left: Bauer the Bernese Mountain dog is seen before losing his markings. @bauerthebmd / TikTok His owner, from Twin Cities, Minnesota, shared an adorable post on the dog's dedicated TikTok account (@bauerthebmd) showing the gradual progression of his vitiligo. The slideshow of images shows Bauer as a puppy with seemingly no signs of the condition. The next image shows him fully grown with minor white patches dotted around his face, which soon developed into a face covered in white fur. As the condition progressed, Bauer was left with a white face, white legs, and a trunk that is a mixture of black-and-white fur. By now, Bauer has lost almost all his pigmentation and is almost entirely white. Parts of his front legs still hold the rich brown color, but he has lost all of his usual markings. Indeed, his owner said that he's "not a Great Pyrenees," despite looking remarkably like one. Since the slideshow was shared online on May 13, it has gone viral with over 472,000 views and more than 64,000 likes on TikTok at the time of writing. There are two types of vitiligo: focal, which affects only one area; and generalized, which causes white patches across the body. The condition will usually spread to its full extent within three to six months of the first appearance, according to PetMD. From left: Bauer the Bernese mountain dog rests outdoors. From left: Bauer the Bernese mountain dog rests outdoors. @bauerthebmd / TikTok It is thought that most cases of vitiligo in pets are hereditary, PetMD suggests, but breeds at a higher risk of developing it include rottweilers, dachshunds, golden retrievers, Labradors, German shepherds, and German shorthaired pointers. Internet users can't get enough of Bauer's extraordinary appearance, which has led to almost 300 comments on the viral TikTok post. One comment reads: "Bro switched up, he's a Great Pyrenees now." Another TikTok user wrote: "Your Bernese identifies as a golden retriever." A third person posted: "He ran out of ink!" A fourth commenter added: "I've never seen vitiligo spread across the whole body before, so cool! He's a stunner!" Newsweek has contacted @bauerthebmd via TikTok for comment. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.
