Loading
Uterine cancer is a cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium). It is the most common gynaecological cancer in many parts of the world and most often affects women after menopause.
There are two main types:
Any bleeding after menopause should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Staging guides treatment decisions.
Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, overall health, and whether fertility preservation is desired:
Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Hormone Therapy
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence model named ECgMPL, which can detect endometrial cancer with 99.26% accuracy by analysing histopathological images. This advancement aims to assist clinicians in early and accurate diagnosis, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Dostarlimab: This PD-1 inhibitor has been approved in the UK for patients with advanced or recurrent uterine cancer. Clinical trials have shown that combining dostarlimab with chemotherapy can extend life expectancy and prevent cancer progression in 64% of patients after one year, compared to 24% with chemotherapy alone.
Pembrolizumab: Approved in the US, pembrolizumab has shown efficacy in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel for treating advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma.
The combination of pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib has been shown to improve progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with advanced endometrial cancer that is not MSI-H or dMMR and has progressed after other treatments.
Survival for endometrial cancer is highly dependent on the cancer's stage at diagnosis, with early detection leading to better outcomes. For instance, the 5-year survival rate is 96% for localized disease but drops to 22% for distant disease, although overall survival rates for all stages combined can reach 84% or higher. Factors like the specific type of endometrial cancer, the patient's overall health, and the chosen treatments also significantly influence how long someone may live.
While a diagnosis of uterine cancer can be scary, it is important to know that its most common form—endometrial cancer—is curable, especially if it is caught at an early stage. Uterine cancer is a blanket term for cancers that can develop inside a woman's uterus. The most common treatment for early-stage endometrial cancer is surgery (a hysterectomy), which can cure the cancer. For more advanced cases, or as an additional treatment, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be used, and immunotherapy can also be an option for certain advanced cases.
Adopting healthy behaviours such as not smoking, eating well, and staying at a healthy weight might help, but no one knows for sure. Still, we do know that these types of changes can have positive effects on your health that can extend beyond your risk of endometrial cancer or other cancers.
Yes, a small percentage of endometrial cancers (about 2-5%) are hereditary, meaning they are caused by inherited genetic mutations. The most common hereditary cause is Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that increases the risk of multiple cancers, including endometrial and colorectal cancers. A family history of these cancers can indicate a hereditary link. Other hereditary conditions, such as Cowden syndrome, can also increase the risk of endometrial cancer. A family history of endometrial cancer, especially on the same side of the family, can suggest a genetic link. If you have a strong family history of endometrial cancer or other related cancers, talk to your doctor about genetic counselling and testing. Increased Surveillance: Genetic testing can help identify individuals at high risk, allowing for more proactive screening and management.
Taking hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills) that combine oestrogen and progestin (combined oral contraceptives) decreases the risk of endometrial cancer.
Changes in the balance of hormones in the body. Examples include obesity, diabetes and irregular ovulation patterns, which might happen in polycystic ovary syndrome. Taking hormone therapy medicine that contains oestrogen but not progestin after menopause increases the risk of endometrial cancer.
Yes, unopposed oestrogen-only HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) increases the risk of endometrial cancer in women with a uterus because oestrogen stimulates the growth of the uterine lining. However, combined HRT (oestrogen plus progestogen) significantly reduces or eliminates this risk because the progestogen counteracts the effect of oestrogen. Risks depend on the type of HRT, dose, duration of use, and individual factors, so it's crucial to discuss your personal risk profile with a doctor.
Many studies have reported that chronic stress can increase the risk of tumors and promote tumor aggressiveness in various cancers, such as stomach, lung, and skin cancer, yet the relationship between chronic stress and endometrial cancer remains inconclusive, the authors explained.
You can search your Uterine Cancer Specialist on www.ioncosolutions.com