At the OSUCCC – James, cancer researchers and world-renowned diagnostic experts continually focus on studying endometrial cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. Because endometrial cancer is one of the top five cancers diagnosed in the country, the OSUCCC – James consistently paves the way in leading-edge therapies and discoveries, leading to even more highly targeted care and treatment.
Screening for Endometrial Cancer
Cancer screening exams can help find endometrial cancer at its earliest stage when the chances for successful treatment, optimal outcomes and fewer side effects are greatest. These tests are usually done when the patient is healthy and has no specific symptoms.
Although there are currently no screening tests recommended to detect endometrial cancer that shows no signs or symptoms, expert cancer researchers at the OSUCCC – James are continually working to develop additional tests to detect and diagnose cancer even earlier, leading to improved outcomes, faster responses and fewer side effects.
One of the best ways to help detect endometrial cancer early is to understand the symptoms and risk factors of the disease and to see a doctor immediately if you have any concerns. Women in whom endometrial cancer is found at an early stage are more likely to experience a full recovery.
Although there is currently no way to prevent endometrial cancer completely, there are ways women can lower their risk for developing the disease:
- For women taking hormones such as estrogen to control menopause symptoms, consider taking a combination of estrogen and progestin. Taking estrogen alone may increase your risk of endometrial cancer.
- Get treatment for precancerous conditions of the endometrial lining, such as endometrial hyperplasia. Abnormal vaginal bleeding or bleeding after menopause is an early warning sign of precancerous and cancerous conditions of the uterus. If you have this symptom, talk with your doctor right away.
- Women with an inherited condition such as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, also known as Lynch syndrome, are at very high risk for the disease. Women with this condition and who have finished childbearing may consider having a hysterectomy to eliminate the risk of endometrial cancer.
- Women who are overweight or obese are at higher risk for the disease, so maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and healthful eating habits can lower risks.
Endometrial Cancer Risk Factors
An endometrial cancer risk factor is anything that increases your chances of developing the disease. The following factors may increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer:
- Taking tamoxifen for breast cancer treatment or prevention
- Taking estrogen without also taking progesterone to control menopause symptoms
- Being overweight
- Eating a high-fat diet
- Never giving birth
- Beginning menstruation at an early age
- Reaching menopause at an older age
- Having the gene for hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (also known as lynch syndrome)
Not everyone with risk factors will get endometrial cancer. But having certain risk factors may increase your risk of developing the disease. If you are at high risk for endometrial cancer, talk to your doctor about tests to find out if you have early signs of the disease.
If you’ve been diagnosed with endometrial cancer, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with an endometrial cancer specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.