Uterine cancer is the most common cancer affecting a woman’s reproductive organs. In the United States, approximately 69,000 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Unlike with other cancers, there is no screening for uterine cancer.
That’s the bad news.
The good news is roughly 70-80% of uterine cancers are caught in the early stages and can be cured with surgery.
Nana Tchabo, MD, a gynecologic oncologist with Atlantic Health System, explains what uterine cancer is, who’s at risk, and which warning signs signal it’s time to seek medical help.
What is uterine cancer?
Uterine cancer is a gynecologic cancer that develops in the uterus.
The most common type of uterine cancer (accounting for 90-95% of all cases) is endometrial cancer, which develops in the inner lining (endometrium) of the uterus. Uterine sarcoma is a rarer form of uterine cancer that forms in the muscle wall of the uterus.
Uterine cancer risk factors
Uterine cancer is most often diagnosed in women 55 and older. However, Dr. Tchabo says we are now seeing younger women with uterine cancer because of its estrogen-sensitive nature and the obesity epidemic.
“Gynecologic cancers like endometrial cancer are sensitive to hormones, specifically estrogen,” she explains. “Women with obesity have more fat tissue. Estrogen is stored in fat, so the more fat a woman has, the higher her levels of estrogen are, increasing her risk for developing cancer.”
Other risk factors for developing uterine cancer may include:
- Age
- Obesity
- High-fat diet
- PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
- Diabetes
- Hyperplasia (precancerous cells)
- Lynch syndrome (a genetic disorder associated with higher risk of uterine, ovarian and colorectal cancer)
- Early menstruation and late menopause
- Not getting pregnant
- Using estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy
- Prior pelvic radiation treatment
“It’s important to note that certain populations—in particular African American women—have an increased risk due to exposure to toxic products such as hair products that have been linked to endometrial cancer,” Dr. Tchabo says. “African American women are also more likely to be diagnosed in later stages (of all cancers), which can lead to worse outcomes.”
Uterine cancer warning signs
Every woman is different, but many share similar symptoms. Common uterine cancer warning signs include:
- Any vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Any changes to your menstrual cycle (such as heavier flow or unusual bleeding or spotting not related to your period)
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain or cramping
Determining if your menstrual changes are cause for concern can be difficult if you have uterine fibroids, which can cause bleeding changes. It can also be challenging if you’re in perimenopause , the years leading up to menopause, when your period is more irregular.
“You know your body best,” says Dr. Tchabo. “If something seems off, tell your gynecologist.”
When to seek help
Dr. Tchabo encourages women to pay attention to the warning signs and says any bleeding after menopause or changes in your bleeding pattern (if you’re still menstruating) should be evaluated by a gynecologist.
“A medical evaluation—whether that’s an endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy or D & C (dilation and curettage) procedure— is necessary for diagnosis,” Dr. Tchabo says.
With early detection, uterine cancer is treatable—and even curable.
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