Endometrial Cancer: Risk, Symptoms, and Prevention Insights

Changes in menstrual cycle length or intensity, bleeding between periods or after menopause, and pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen can be signs of endometrial cancer in women. This overview summarizes the condition and what women should know about risk factors, symptoms, and screening considerations. Endometrial cancer is a common malignancy of the female reproductive system, arising from cells in the inner lining of the uterus. It most often affects postmenopausal individuals, with the majority of cases diagnosed after age 50. Contemporary data indicate that many patients are in the 65 to 69 age range when the disease first becomes evident. Early detection improves outcomes, making awareness of warning signs important for patients and clinicians alike. {{Citation needed for clinical guidance}} Endometrial cancer can present with abnormal uterine bleeding patterns, pelvic discomfort, or a feeling of fullness. Women who notice unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause, should seek prompt medical evaluation to rule out other benign conditions and to determine if further testing is needed. For clinicians, a careful history and physical examination, along with appropriately guided imaging and sampling, are essential steps in establishing a diagnosis. Among the population affected, a fraction of cases are inherited. Roughly five percent of endometrial cancers may be linked to hereditary factors. In addition to genetic susceptibility, several medical and reproductive factors influence risk. These include diabetes, an early onset of menstruation or a late onset of menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, and prolonged estrogen exposure from hormone therapies or cycles. Hormonal influences, particularly extended estrogen monotherapy beyond five years, have been associated with increased risk. Changes in body weight and fat distribution also play a significant role. Adipose tissue can alter hormone balance by converting other steroids into estrogens, which can elevate the risk of endometrial tumor development when estrogen levels rise substantially. The relationship between body fat and cancer risk is a key consideration for prevention and management, and it underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy weight as part of a comprehensive approach to risk reduction. Obesity, in particular, has been identified as a major modifiable risk factor, aligning with clinical guidance that weight management can influence cancer risk profiles. In addition to metabolic and hormonal factors, lifestyle choices, comorbid conditions, and long-term exposure to certain medications can contribute to risk variance. It is important for healthcare providers to assess each patient’s overall risk by integrating personal, family, and medical history, as well as screening results, to tailor prevention strategies and surveillance plans. Some patients may benefit from risk-reducing discussions that consider age, reproductive history, metabolic health, and the presence of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome or diabetes. While the majority of endometrial cancers occur in older women, awareness and education about early symptoms remain essential across all ages. The focus of care is to identify cancer at an early stage when treatment options are more effective and prognosis is more favorable. Ongoing research continues to explore personalized approaches to prevention, detection, and treatment, aiming to minimize disease impact and improve quality of life for patients. It is essential for readers to rely on evidence-based guidelines and consult with qualified clinicians for diagnosis and management recommendations. [Attribution: Clinical guidance from recognized oncology centers]