Endometrial Cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that there were about 42,160 new cases of uterine cancer diagnosed in the United States in 2009, and that about 7,780 women died of the disease in the same time period.  Nearly all uterine cancers begin in the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus.  The 5-year survival rate for endometrial cancer is about 83% and can be as high as 95% for cases diagnosed at an early stage.

The endometrium is the inner of two layers of tissue in the uterus; the outer layer, called the myometrium, is a layer of muscle that pushes a baby out of the uterus during labor and delivery. Hormone changes that occur during a women’s menstrual cycle alter the endometrium, and hormone balance contribute to most endometrial cancers.

Due to the influence of hormones on the endometrium, several risk factors for endometrial cancer are related to estrogen levels. Estrogen therapy used for treating the symptoms of menopause can increase the risk of endometrial cancer if used without progesterone. Women who have never been pregnant also have a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer, as do women with a personal history of breast or ovarian cancer. Tamoxifen, a drug used to treat and prevent breast cancer, may also increase the endometrial cancer risk. Other medical conditions, including diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and certain ovarian tumors also are risk factors, as are some genetic conditions.

Surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy are the four basic approaches to treating endometrial cancer. While surgery is the main therapy for endometrial cancer, a combination of therapies may be used depending on the type and stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health.

Adapted from the American Cancer Society’s “Detailed Guide: Endometrial Cancer”

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