Endometrial cancer is cancer of the lining of the uterus. The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause. Early detection leads to better treatment results.
Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus. The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis where a baby grows during pregnancy. The inside lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. When cancer begins in this lining, it is called endometrial cancer.
Endometrial cancer is sometimes called uterine cancer. It is one of the most common cancers in women, especially after menopause. The good news is that it is often found early because it usually causes symptoms right away.
The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding. In fact, about 9 out of 10 women with endometrial cancer notice unusual bleeding. This might mean bleeding between periods. It might mean periods that are much heavier than normal. For women who have already gone through menopause, any vaginal bleeding is not normal and should be checked right away.
Some women also notice changes in vaginal discharge. The discharge may be watery, pink, or even foul-smelling. While discharge can happen for many reasons, new or unusual discharge should not be ignored.
Other symptoms may include pain during urination or pain during sexual intercourse. Some women feel pressure or pain in the lower belly or pelvis. In more advanced cases, there may be unexplained weight loss. Losing weight without trying is never something to ignore.
It is important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by many different conditions. They do not always mean cancer. But if they last more than a few days, or if they get worse, it is important to see a doctor.
So who is at risk for endometrial cancer?
Age is one of the biggest risk factors. Most cases happen in women over the age of 50. Women who have gone through menopause are at higher risk.
Hormones also play a big role. Estrogen helps the lining of the uterus grow. If the body has too much estrogen without enough progesterone to balance it, the lining can grow too much. Over time, this can increase the risk of cancer. Women who started their periods at a young age or went through menopause late may have been exposed to estrogen for a longer time. That can increase risk.
Obesity is another major risk factor. Fat tissue can produce extra estrogen. This can raise estrogen levels in the body and increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Women with diabetes or high blood pressure may also have a higher risk.
Some women take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause. If estrogen is taken without progesterone, it can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Birth control pills, however, may lower the risk when used earlier in life.
Family history matters too. Women with a family history of endometrial cancer or colon cancer may have a higher risk. A condition called Lynch syndrome, which runs in families, greatly increases the risk of certain cancers, including endometrial cancer.
How is endometrial cancer diagnosed?
If a woman reports abnormal bleeding, her doctor will likely start with a pelvic exam. An ultrasound may be done to look at the thickness of the uterine lining. If the lining looks too thick, a biopsy may be needed. A biopsy means taking a small sample of tissue from the uterus to check for cancer cells. This is usually done in the doctor’s office.
If cancer is found, further tests may be done to see if it has spread. This helps doctors decide on the best treatment plan.
Treatment depends on how early the cancer is found. In many cases, surgery is the main treatment. The most common surgery removes the uterus. This is called a hysterectomy. Often, the fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed at the same time.
If the cancer is found early and has not spread, surgery alone may cure it. If the cancer is more advanced, radiation therapy may be used. Radiation uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Some women may also need chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to destroy cancer cells.
The outlook for endometrial cancer is often good when caught early. Because abnormal bleeding usually happens early in the disease, many women are diagnosed before the cancer spreads. Early treatment leads to higher survival rates.
There are also ways to lower your risk.
Maintaining a healthy weight is very important. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help control weight and lower estrogen levels. Managing diabetes and high blood pressure is also helpful.
Women should pay attention to their bodies. After menopause, there should be no vaginal bleeding. None. Even light spotting should be checked by a doctor. It is always better to be safe.
Routine gynecologic care is important, even after menopause. While there is no standard screening test for endometrial cancer like there is for cervical cancer, regular checkups help catch problems early.
It can be scary to talk about cancer. But knowledge gives you power. Knowing the warning signs means you can act quickly. Most cases of endometrial cancer are found because women notice something unusual and speak up.
If you experience abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, pain during urination, or unexplained weight loss, do not wait. Make an appointment with your doctor. Early detection truly makes a difference.
Endometrial cancer is common, but it is often treatable. Paying attention to symptoms, understanding your risk, and seeking care early can save lives.
Your body sends signals. Listen to them.