The 411 on Uterine Cancer

Model Joanne Borgella recently died from this cancer.

Joanne Borgella - Joanne Borgella, a former American Idol contestant and reality television star, passed away on Oct. 18. In 2013, the 32-year-old Curvy Girls star was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer of the womb. "I still don't want to believe it,"wrote Borgella's friend and fellow plus-sized model Denise Bidot on Facebook. "I remember all the laughs and tears. Joanne you were an amazing woman and I will always cherish the moments we had. I hope you are up in heaven singing your heart out."(Photo: WENN)

1 / 10

Former American Idol Alum Succumbs to the Disease - Recently, Joanne Borgella, American Idol alum and plus-sized model, died of endometrial cancer (a type of uterine cancer) at the young age of 32. Her death highlights the need for us to know more about this disease, which impacts more than 600,000 women. Read more about this cancer and how it affects Black women. — Kellee Terrell (Photo: WENN)

What Is Uterine Cancer? - This type of cancer starts in a woman’s uterus and happens when abnormal cells begin to develop in this area. Like many cancers, this can spread to other parts of the body as well. The most common uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, which starts in the lining of the uterus.(Photo: American Cancer Society/Getty Images)

2 / 10

What Is Uterine Cancer? - This type of cancer starts in a woman’s uterus and happens when abnormal cells begin to develop in this area. Like many cancers, this can spread to other parts of the body as well. The most common uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, which starts in the lining of the uterus.(Photo: American Cancer Society/Getty Images)

About Your Uterus - Your uterus, also called the womb, is a pear-shaped hollow organ located in a woman’s pelvis. Its main function is to house a fetus during a woman’s pregnancy.(Photo: Stocktrek Images)

3 / 10

About Your Uterus - Your uterus, also called the womb, is a pear-shaped hollow organ located in a woman’s pelvis. Its main function is to house a fetus during a woman’s pregnancy.(Photo: Stocktrek Images)

Sex Is Biological, But So Is the Spread of STIs - Waiting can help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI). This is because when you’ve taken the time to get to know a potential mate, you’ll learn about their sexual past and may even feel comfortable enough to ask them to take a STI test. And once you’ve built up a meaningful relationship, the monogamy will decrease the chances of contracting future infections.(Photo: Image Source/Corbis)

4 / 10

How Common Is It? - Uterine cancer is more common than people give it credit. Uterine cancer is the fourth commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with 54,000 women being diagnosed in 2014, according to Cancer.org. Also, it’s the No. 1 gynecological diagnosed cancer, ranking higher than cervical cancer.(Photo: Image Source/Corbis)

African-American Women and Uterine Cancer - While white women over 50 are more at risk for uterine cancer, African-American women with this cancer are more likely to develop aggressive tumors, have advanced stages of the disease and have worse health outcomes. A 2005 study suggested that biology played a reason for this racial health disparity.(Photo: ColorBlind Images/Blend Images/Corbis)

5 / 10

African-American Women and Uterine Cancer - While white women over 50 are more at risk for uterine cancer, African-American women with this cancer are more likely to develop aggressive tumors, have advanced stages of the disease and have worse health outcomes. A 2005 study suggested that biology played a reason for this racial health disparity.(Photo: ColorBlind Images/Blend Images/Corbis)

ADVERTISEMENT
/content/dam/betcom/images/2014/05/Health/051914-health-hiv-pills-prep-doctor-patient-records-medical-chart-test-results.jpg

6 / 10

What Are the Risk Factors? - Factors include: Being over 50; being on hormone replacement therapy; being overweight/obese; having issues getting pregnant (only five periods a year); taking certain breast cancer drugs; and having a family history of breast, colon and uterine cancer.(Photo: 68/Ocean/Corbis)

88969770

7 / 10

Common Symptoms - Common signs and symptoms of uterine cancer are abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain with urination and sex, and pelvic pains. But these symptoms are also similar to other vaginal and reproductive issues as well, so to know for sure, you need to get tested for it.(Photo: GettyImages)

Photo By i love images/Getty Images

Is Our Health Care System Racist and Sexist? - The Center for Reproductive Rights and Sistersong have accused the U.S. of violating the United Nations' rules when it comes to their approach to women of color. Their report highlights the high rates of maternal deaths and the racial discrimination that these women face in the health care system, writes Colorlines. (Photo: Rick Gomez/Corbis)

8 / 10

Diagnosing Uterine Cancer - Early detection is important with uterine cancer. If you suspect that you may have uterine cancer, your doctor can perform a biopsy, MRI, X-Ray, CT and an ultrasound. FYI: A Pap smear cannot screen for uterine cancer, only cervical cancer.(Photo: Rick Gomez/Corbis)

Treating Uterine Cancer - Depending on the stage of a woman’s uterine cancer and the grade of her tumors, treatment can include surgery (which can include a hysterectomy), radiation, chemotherapy and hormone replacement therapy. If caught early before the disease advances, uterine cancer has high cure rates.(Photo: ERproductions Ltd/Blend Images/Corbis)

9 / 10

Treating Uterine Cancer - Depending on the stage of a woman’s uterine cancer and the grade of her tumors, treatment can include surgery (which can include a hysterectomy), radiation, chemotherapy and hormone replacement therapy. If caught early before the disease advances, uterine cancer has high cure rates.(Photo: ERproductions Ltd/Blend Images/Corbis)

Preventing Uterine Cancer - There are some things you can do to prevent uterine cancer, including using birth control pills (to control hormonal levels), exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and, for menopausal women, taking the hormone progesterone.(Photo: moodboard/Corbis)

10 / 10

Preventing Uterine Cancer - There are some things you can do to prevent uterine cancer, including using birth control pills (to control hormonal levels), exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and, for menopausal women, taking the hormone progesterone.(Photo: moodboard/Corbis)