What is Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the uterus. The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ in women where fetal development occurs. Endometrial cancer starts in the layer of cells that form the lining (endometrium) of the uterus.
Endometrial cancer is sometimes called uterine cancer. Other types of cancer can form in the uterus, including uterine sarcoma, but they are much less common than endometrial cancer.
According to GLOBOCAN 2012 data, uterine cancers are the 5th most common cancers in females, with an estimated 320,000 new cases per year (4.8% of all cancers in women). In India alone, about 12,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, with an incidence rate of 2.3%.
This cancer predominantly affects post-menopausal women, with the average age at diagnosis being 60 years. Only 25% of endometrial cancers are diagnosed in pre-menopausal women, and 5% occur in women younger than 40 years. However, the number of younger women with endometrial cancer is increasing day by day.
endometrial cancer signs and symptoms, risk factors & prevention
signs & symptoms
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting, especially after menopause.
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain or pressure.
- Pain during intercourse or urination.
- Watery or bloody vaginal discharge.
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue.
risk factors
- Age over 50, mostly postmenopausal women.
- Obesity leading to increased estrogen levels.
- Hormonal imbalances with excess estrogen.
- Diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Family history of endometrial or colorectal cancer.
prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet.
- Regular physical activity.
- Manage diabetes and blood pressure effectively.
- Attend regular gynecological checkups.
- Avoid unmonitored hormone replacement therapy.
Endometrial Cancer FAQs
Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. It is the most common type of uterine cancer and typically affects postmenopausal women.
It is often caused by an imbalance of the hormone estrogen. Risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Hormone therapy (especially unopposed estrogen)
- Early menstruation or late menopause
- Never having been pregnant
- Family history
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially after menopause)
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Unintended weight loss
- Women over age 50
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- PCOS
- Family history (e.g., Lynch syndrome)
- Pelvic examination
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Endometrial biopsy
- Dilation and curettage (D&C)
- Imaging tests (MRI, CT)
Yes. When detected early, endometrial cancer is highly treatable. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
The primary treatment is usually surgery, such as hysterectomy. This may be combined with removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and in some cases radiation or chemotherapy.
Yes. In advanced stages, it can spread to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, lymph nodes, and distant organs like the lungs or liver.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage diabetes and blood pressure
- Use birth control pills (may reduce risk)
- Treat PCOS
- Get regular checkups
There’s no routine screening for average-risk women. However, women with symptoms or high-risk factors (like Lynch syndrome) may need regular monitoring and early evaluation.
