Uterine cancer, the most common type of gynecologic cancer in the U.S., has been increasing in recent years. Unfortunately, there is currently no standard screening for this type of cancer. It is estimated that around 66,200 women in the U.S. will be affected by uterine cancer in 2023, with approximately 13,000 deaths resulting from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Dr. Brian Slomovitz, director of gynecologic oncology and co-chair of the Cancer Research Committee at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, spoke about this concerning trend in an interview with Fox News Digital. He stated that although overall cancer cases are decreasing, uterine cancer is one of the few types on the rise. Dr. Slomovitz also mentioned that uterine cancer deaths are expected to soon surpass ovarian cancer deaths in the United States.
To address this issue and raise awareness, the International Society of Gynecologic Cancer announced the establishment of Uterine Cancer Awareness Month, which will take place in June. Dr. Brian Slomovitz, who is also the chair of the Uterine Cancer Awareness Month initiative, shared his insights on uterine cancer and important information that women should be aware of.
Dr. Slomovitz explained that the terms “uterine cancer” and “endometrial cancer” are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. The majority of these cancers occur in the outer and inner layers of the uterus, called the endometrium, leading to the term “endometrial cancer.” However, about 4% to 5% of uterine cancers occur in the muscle of the uterus, which are known as uterine sarcomas.
The biggest risk factor for uterine cancer is obesity. Fat tissue increases the amount of estrogen in the body, leading to uncontrolled proliferation of the uterine lining, which can eventually result in cancer. Overweight women have twice the risk of developing uterine cancer compared to women with a healthy weight, and obese women have three times the risk. Diabetes, which is closely related to obesity, is also a contributing factor.
In addition to obesity and age, other risk factors for uterine cancer include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hereditary syndromes like Lynch syndrome, and elevated estrogen levels. Women diagnosed with uterine cancer are usually in their 50s and 60s.
Unlike other cancers that have recommended screenings, there are no pre-symptomatic screenings available for uterine cancer. The Pap smear, which is used to detect cervical cancer, does not screen for uterine cancer. The most common sign of uterine cancer is abnormal bleeding, especially in postmenopausal women. Other symptoms may include pelvic pain or pressure.
Since there are no formal screening processes, it is crucial for women to recognize symptoms and seek medical attention promptly. The diagnosis process typically involves an ultrasound and a tissue biopsy to confirm or rule out uterine cancer. In cases of advanced cancer, additional tests may be necessary to determine if the disease has spread.
Treatment options for uterine cancer include hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and often cures the disease. For advanced or recurrent cases, systemic therapies like chemotherapy or hormonal therapy are needed. Immunotherapy, which helps the immune system target and destroy cancer cells, has shown promise as a treatment for uterine cancer. Researchers are also exploring targeted therapies to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the need for chemotherapy.
In conclusion, uterine cancer is a growing concern in the U.S., and early detection is key. Raising awareness through initiatives like Uterine Cancer Awareness Month can help educate women about the risks, symptoms, and importance of seeking medical attention promptly. Further research and advancements in treatment options are necessary to improve outcomes for uterine cancer patients and reduce the need for aggressive therapies.
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