Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer

Endometrial cancer, sometimes called uterine cancer, begins in the lining of the uterus. It is most common in women after menopause and has a good chance of being completely cured if it’s treated early. 

There are significant ethnic inequities. Rates of endometrial cancer are more common in Māori and Pasifika peoples.

Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is often detected early due to noticeable symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• Irregular vaginal bleeding, this is oten the first symptom and the most common symptom
• Vaginal discharge that varies from a watery and bloody discharge to heavy and persistent
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Unintended or unexplained weight loss
• Problems passing urine or bowel motions

Risk factors

Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing endometrial cancer:

• Age: Risk increases with age. It is much more common in post-menopausal women, with the average age at diagnosis being 60–65 years
• Being overweight or obese: : Excess body fat influences hormone levels
• Endometrial hyperplasia (precancerous condition, where the lining of the uterus is thickened) also increases your risk.

Other risk factors also include:

• Hormone therapy for breast cancer: Tamoxifen can increase risk
• A family history of endometrial or colorectal cancer
• Conditions like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, raised cholesterol 
• Starting menstruation early (before age 12) or late menopause 

Diagnosis

Diagnosis procedures for endometrial cancer include:

• Pelvic examination: Doctor examines the uterus for abnormalities
• Transvaginal ultrasound: To get images of the uterus
• Endometrial biopsy: Sampling tissue from the uterine lining to check for cancer cells
• Hysteroscopy, dilation and curettage (D&C): Using a tiny camera to inspect the lining of the uterus. Scraping tissue from the uterus for examination

When to see a doctor

• Unexpected vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic pain or discomfort
• Any of the symptoms mentioned above

Treatment options

Medical treatments:

Treatment options for endometrial cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. This will depend on the type of cancer it is, how quickly it's growing and if it has spread to other areas in your body.

• Surgery: Typically involves removing the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries
• Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Often used for more advanced or high-risk cases.
• Hormone therapy: To block hormones that fuel cancer growth
• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells, particularly in advanced cases
• Targeted therapy: Drugs focusing on specific anomalies within cancer cells

Self-care and support:

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Including a balanced diet and regular exercise
• Quitting smoking
• Support groups: Connecting with others forsupport. The Cancer Society of New Zealand provides resources, support groups, and information on endometrial cancer. Visit Cancer Society NZ for more information.
• Follow-up care: Regular medical assessments post-treatment to check for recurrence

Conclusion

Endometrial cancer can often be detected early due to its symptomatic nature. Awareness and regular medical check-ups are crucial for early detection and treatment. Understanding symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options empowers women to make informed decisions about their health. If you observe any symptoms or have a family history of endometrial cancer, consulting a healthcare provider at the earliest is recommended.

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