Early detection is key to identifying cancers when they may be more treatable. And endometrial cancer is no exception. This form of cancer, which affects the lining of the uterus, is the most common form of gynecological cancer and fourth most common cancer among women diagnosed in the United States — but it has a high survival rate when caught early. Because there are no specific screening tests, the best way to know if you might have endometrial cancer is to recognize the potential signs and symptoms and to know your risk factors.
With the help of experts including Shawana Moore, DNP, CRNP, WHNP-BC, a women’s health nurse practitioner and member of the HealthyWomen Women’s Health Advisory Council (WHAC), we have developed a program to help women better understand endometrial cancer and the questions they should ask their healthcare providers about the condition.
In this program, we emphasize how early detection is important for all women, but especially for Black women, who experience lower survival rates compared with white women across all endometrial cancer stages. Daihnia Dunkley, Ph.D., R.N., a lecturer at the Yale School of Nursing and member of the our WHAC explained, “The inequities with endometrial cancer [have many different causes], including delayed diagnosis, sometimes due to disparities or inconsistencies in provider treatment and sometimes the patient’s underreporting of symptoms.”
We also share the Real Women, Real Stories of Kristen Lummis, who didn’t know that her family history of Lynch syndrome put her at higher risk for endometrial cancer, and Josephine Casanova, whose heavy menstrual bleeding turned out to be endometrial cancer. Both brave women highlight the importance of empowering yourself and talking to your provider about your symptoms.
Read on to learn more about screening, prevention and treatment of this common disease.
Some of these resources were created with funding and support from Eisai.
