What is endometrium The endometrium is part of the uterine body wall . It is the innermost layer of tissue in uterine wall, that is, it covers the body of the uterus internally. What is endometrial cancer Endometrial cancer is cancer that begins in endometrial cells. Endometrial cancer is the main cancer of the body of the uterus : about 90% of cancers of the uterus are endometrial cancers. Endometrial cancer is often referred to as uterine body cancer or uterine cancer . Symptoms and signs of endometrial cancer When endometrial cancer is detected at an early stage, its cure rate is high. Although the exact cause of endometrial cancer is not known, the main symptoms that may be related with the disease are known: Vaginal bleeding in menopausal women , even if is mild or occasional; Changes in menstrual period , with heavier menstruation or bleeding between menstrual periods, in women of childbearing age; Pelvic pain or discomfort . In the event of any of these symptoms, medical care should be sought in a gynecology oncology consultation, in a gynecology consultation or in a consultation with the doctor that usually follows your health. Risk factors for endometrial cancer Several risk factors that favor endometrial cancer are also known and well-studied. Factors related to hormonal changes Obesity; Diabetes; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy; Early age at first menstruation; Late menopause; Hormonal treatments for breast cancer; Never been pregnant. Genetic diseases Lynch syndrome, a disease that is also associated with hereditary forms of colon cancer. Some figures on cancer of the uterus body In Portugal , uterus body cancers are the most frequent among cancers of the female genital system: In 2020, uterus body cancer was the 13 th most important , with 1238 new diagnosed cases and 361 disease-related deaths. Globally , considering 185 countries in the world, in 2020, uterus body cancer occupied the 15 th most important position: More than 417 000 new cases were diagnosed, and 97 370 deaths related to the disease occurred in 2020. Most cases of uterus body cancer were concentrated in countries in Europe, North America and Asia that have a high or very high human development index, which is certainly related to the importance that risk factors for the disease have in these countries. According to the American Cancer Society, in the US: The mortality rate associated with the disease has decreased substantially throughout the 20 th century but has increased slightly in the last 10 years. The incidence of uterus body cancer decreased between 1975 and 1990, but since 2005 its tendency to increase is visible. It is predictable that this incidence will continue to increase, and it is estimated that in a few decades endometrial cancer will become the second most frequent cancer affecting women. What is important Keep the regular follow-up in gynecology consultation and always perform the recommended exams and screenings. Be attentive and do not delay seeking medical care in you experience symptoms or have doubts about your health. Author : João Casanova Sources American Cancer Society. Cancer Statistic Center. Uterine corpus . World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer. Cancer today . Meet the gynecology clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
