The statistics
Endometrial cancer of the uterus (sometimes called uterine cancer) is the most common cancer of the female reproductive tract. The American Cancer Society estimates there were 36,100 new cases of endometrial cancer in the United States in 1998. Endometrial cancer is the MOST CURABLE of female, or gynecological, cancers.
Its five-year survival rate is 96 percent if found at an early stage.
The five-year survival rate falls to 66 percent if the cancer has spread regionally at the time of diagnosis.Endometrial cancer mainly affects of older women at an average age of 55-65 years.
Only five percent of endometrial cancers occur in women younger than 40.Endometrial cancer is 70 percent more common in whites than African American women.
What is Endometrial cancer?
How does it happen?
Endometrial cancer affects the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium. The endometrium responds to hormones produced by the ovaries: estrogen and progesterone. If the endometrium is exposed to an abundance of estrogen without enough progesterone, the endometrial glands that line the inner wall of the uterine cavity "builds up" and forms new glands. This condition can cause abnormal endometrial cells that may allow endometrial cancer to develop.However, this estrogen-progesterone imbalance does not always indicate endometrial cancer. It occurs in several other gynecological conditions like:
What are the symptoms of endometrial cancer?
- long-term anovulation (the ovary does not release an egg);
- obesity (having too much fat increases a woman's estrogen levels); and
- use of estrogen without progesterone in hormone replacement.
Vaginal bleeding after menopause is one of the most common signs of endometrial cancer.
Therefore, after a woman has completed menopause, ANY vaginal bleeding should be reported and evaluated by her gynecological healthcare provider.
Pre-menopausal women may sometimes notice an increase in the amount of bleeding during menses, as well as spotting or bleeding between periods. Pelvic pain or bloating also may occur.
These incidences MIGHT occur from endometrial cancer obstructing the cervical canal. Unusual bleeding, pain and bloating should be evaluated by a woman's gynecological healthcare provider.
Advanced endometrial cancer may present itself with unanticipated weight loss or anemia. Either condition should be evaluated by a woman's healthcare provider. How is endometrial cancer diagnosed?
A thorough medical history is taken. Information requested, includes:
- age at first menstrual period?
- previous pregnancies?
- family history of cancer, breast, ovarian or endometrial cancers?
- history and/or current of use of hormonal medications
Careful pelvic and rectal exams are done, usually accompanied by and endometrial biopsy.
The biopsy involves threading a tiny catheter through the cervix to take a sample of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). When the procedure is complete some women feel menstrual-like cramps. The sample is sent for testing by a pathologist to determine what kind of cells are present.
Sometimes, an outpatient dilitation and curettage (D&C) is done for a more definitive look at the endometrium. What is the risk for developing endometrial cancer?
A woman's risk for endometrial cancer increases with any of the following:
What can be done to prevent endometrial cancer?
- onset of menstrual periods (menarche) at a young age;
- late menopause;
- obesity;
- infertility;
- using estrogen alone in hormone replacement therapy;
- using Tamoxifenâ for treatment or prevention of breast cancer; and
- family history of endometrial cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or a personal prior history of the above cancers.
It may be possible to reduce the risk for endometrial cancer-by eating a diet low in animal fat and maintaining a healthy weight.
However, most risk factors for endometrial cancer are NOT in a woman's control, those include, age, race and family history.
Regular gynecological exams are the most important method for early detection of endometrial cancer. If you believe you are at risk for endometrial cancer, or any other cancer, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider.
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