Sponsored Links

 

IUD fights cancer

young women

The popular birth control method, intrauterine devices or IUDs, can also be used to treat endometrial cancer and may even cure it completely. New research published in the Annals of Oncology reveals the good news that a cure to this debilitating cancer may be relatively easily and inexpensively treated. This is especially important for young women with the disease as the normal course of treatment includes hysterectomy making it impossible for them to give birth.

Endometrial cancer is the sixth most common cancer for women worldwide. The go to treatment is total hysterectomy including ovaries. For some women an oral hormone therapy can be used to slow but not stop the cancer and the side effects can be debilitating.

The research team from Italy placed IUDs in young women of child bearing age who had experienced a precursor to the endometrial cancer. The IUD released the progestin hormone levonorgestrel and was combined with a monthly injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) for six months. The IUD was left in place for one year. If the cancer did not develop or had diminished, the women were allowed to remove the device and become pregnant. Once the women had their children, they were advised to get a full hysterectomy to prevent any recurrence.

Ninety-five percent of the 20 women studied had a completely successful experience with the treatment although four relapsed much later and were retreated successfully. “Using an IUD allows us to deliver a much higher dose of the hormone levonorgestrel to the endometrial surface than would be possible via a pill. It keeps concentrations of the hormone at a low level I the blood serum, thereby avoiding the many side effects resulting from giving the drug via the systemic route,” said Dr. Lucas Minig, an author of the study.

Most importantly, “We think that treatment with levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs is ideally suited to young patients who may not want to have children immediately but would like to have the opportunity to have them in the future.”

Source: European Society for Medical Oncology, ScienceDaily


 

Need Help? A Counselor is Waiting

All Sessions Start for Free - Click below to get started

 

Sponsored Links


Support Groups

SupportGroups.com

SupportGroups.com is for individuals, friends and families who want to connect during life's challenging times. Share experiences get a helping hand in a confidential, supportive environment.

 

disclaimer

This information is solely for informational and educational purposes only. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, family planning, child psychology, marriage counseling and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care or mental health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of NaturalFamilyOnline.com or the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, application of medication or any other action involving the care of yourself or any family members which results from reading this site. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Additional information contained in our Legal Statement

Need Help? A Counselor is Waiting

All Sessions Start for Free

 

Sponsored Links

 

Online Support Groups

visit SupportGroups.com

SupportGroups.com provides a support network for those facing life's challenges. Click on the following links to get a helping hand in a confidential, caring environment.

Selected Support Groups

 

Latest Questions

Poll
What does your weekly dinner look like?:

Login