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Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system in the United States. This year, about 41,200 women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer and more than 95% will be endometrial cancers, which affect the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
Most endometrial cancers develop over a period of years and may arise from less serious problems such as endometrial hyperplasia. Although the majority of endometrial cancers occur in postmenopausal women, up to 25% may occur before menopause. The survival rate for all stages of endometrial cancer is approximately 84%, but if diagnosed at its earliest stage, survival increases to 90-95%.
Fortunately, most endometrial cancers are discovered early because of warning signs such as irregular or postmenopausal bleeding. Awareness of these symptoms is important for both women and their physicians.
Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial, ovarian and cervical cancers have similar symptoms. If you notice any postmenopausal vaginal bleeding or one or more of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, see your doctor, especially if you are post-menopausal.
- Premenopausal or perimenopausal bleeding
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain or pressure, usually occurring in later stages of the disease
- Weight loss
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Patient Support
Cancer Newsline Video: Hormone Therapy for Uterine Cancer
(Summer 2005)
Could Mifepristone, also known as RU486, be the key to keeping the most common gynecological cancer at bay?
Windows Media: 256K / 56K
QuickTime: 256K / 56K
Weight & Gynecologic Care Survey
Participate in an M. D. Anderson survey that hopes to determine the relationship between obesity and access to gynecologic care. Take the survey.
Other M. D. Anderson Resources
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