Health Highlights: Endometriosis | Cancer in younger Americans
Celebrities have been drawing attention to Endometriosis, when the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, is found outside of the uterus.
The often painful condition can cause bleeding, pelvic pain and scarring.
Dr. Vanessa Foster, an OB/GYN with OSF HealthCare, says you don't want to ignore the pain.
“Endometriosis affects 5-10% of reproductive age women, and about a third of them will have infertility problems associated with the endometriosis.”
Dr. Foster says Endometriosis can only be diagnosed surgically. She recommends keeping a journal of the pain cycle and scheduling and scheduling an appointment with your OB/GYN to discuss treatment options.
Age isn't just a number when it comes to cancer. And the number of younger Americans getting cancer is going up according to a recent JAMA study.
From 2010 to 2019, there were more than 500,000 cases of early-onset cancer or cancers diagnosed in those under 50.
Breast, gastrointestinal and cancers of the urinary and female reproductive systems were some of the most common.
To lower your overall cancer risk, maintain a healthy weight, exercise, limit eating processed foods and don't smoke. You should also have conversations with your physician about your health and get regular screenings.