LIVING WITH GYNECOLOGIC CANCER
Endometrial Cancer: A Few Facts
Endometrial cancer – cancer of the lining of the uterus – is the most commonly diagnosed gynecologic cancer.
It is also the most common form of uterine cancer, a disease found in more than 65,000 women in the United States in 2022.1 (Uterine sarcoma, another type of uterine cancer, is much less common and is treated differently than endometrial cancer.2)
Signs and Symptoms
Because there is currently no reliable screening tool for those at average risk for endometrial cancer, regular testing for people without symptoms isn’t recommended. The signs of uterine cancer can resemble those of many conditions. Talk with a trusted healthcare provider if you notice any of the following:
- Vaginal bleeding between periods before menopause
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause, even a slight amount
- Lower abdominal pain or cramping
- Thin white or clear vaginal discharge if you’re postmenopausal.
- Prolonged, heavy or frequent vaginal bleeding if you’re over 40.3
Stages of Endometrial Cancer
For those diagnosed with endometrial cancer, individual treatment considerations will vary depending on the stage of the disease — whether it is only in the endometrium or has spread to other parts of the uterus, the pelvis, or the body.4
Stage I
The cancer is in the uterus only. It is divided into stages IA and IB, based on how far the disease has spread within the inner and outer lining of the uterus.
Stage II
The cancer has spread to the cervix, but not outside the uterus.
Stage III
The cancer has spread beyond the uterus and cervix, but not beyond the pelvis. It is further divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC, depending on how far the disease has spread.
Stage IV
The cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic disease). It is divided into stages IVA and IVB, based on how far the disease has spread.5
For many, surgery alone is enough to treat their endometrial cancer. If additional treatment is needed, it is likely to include one or more of the following: radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, or in some cases, immunotherapy.
You’re Not Alone
If you have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer – or ANY gynecologic cancer – connecting with others who have faced a similar scenario can offer a sense of connection and community while enhancing your circle of support immeasurably.
Call us. We’re here for you!
This article appeared in the Coalition’s Summer 2023 newsletter, “Voices of the Ribbon.“
