Of all invasive cancers related to the female organs, endometrial cancer is the most common in the United States, with almost 40,000 new cases and over 7,000 deaths anticipated in 2007.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Obviously, since only women have a uterus, only women can get cancer of the uterus.

Age - Primarily postmenopause, with an average age at diagnosis of 60.

Social History - A woman who has never lactated (produced breast milk) for a significant period of time is at greater risk of endometrial cancer. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with increasing risk.

Hormones - Tamoxifen use and use of estrogen without a progestin increase the risk.

Diet - A diet high in fat and low in plant food appears associated with increasing risk.

Obesity - Obesity appears associated with increasing risk.

Reproductive Factors - Early start of menstruation, late onset of menopause, and never having been pregnant all appear to increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

PREVENTION

Hormone Therapy - Women who receive estrogen therapy (e.g., to treat menopausal symptoms) have an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Progestin in combination with the estrogen eliminates that risk.

Oral Contraceptives - Prolonged (years) use of estrogen/progestin oral contraception reduces the risk of endometrial cancer.

Weight Loss - The scientific evidence is currently unable to substantiate a reduced risk of endometrial cancer as a result of weight loss.

EARLY DETECTION

There does not appear to be any significant scientific support for reduction of the death rate from endometrial cancer by any early detection technique.

TREATMENT

The extent of spread of the tumor at the time of diagnosis drives the treatment decisions. In the early stages, surgery and radiation would be likely treatments. More advanced tumors may require chemotherapy or more exotic or experimental treatment.