Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer

Uterine cancer beings in the main body of the uterus and the most common type is endometrial cancer, which accounts for 95% of all uterine cancer cases.  Uterine cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer diagnosed in Australian women with over 3,300 cases per year, but it also has a high survival rate of 83% to five years.

There are multiple factors that may increase an individual’s risk of developing uterine (endometrial) cancer. Some are modifiable, such as lifestyle or environmental, but others such as family history or inherited factors cannot be modified. Those with a sedentary lifestyle may be at greater risk at developing endometrial cancer, as recent evidence has shown that maintaining a healthy body weight and regular exercise can reduce risk.

Standard treatment is a full hysterectomy with removal of both fallopian tubes and the ovaries.  The extent of the disease will also be determined by preoperative imaging and removal of lymph nodes along the large blood vessels in the pelvis.  Most people do not require post-operative treatment, however, patients at high-risk of relapse are recommended to have chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of both.

Statistical Source – Cancer Australia, the lead cancer control agency to the Government of Australia.