> Uterine Cancer

• Alternative Names
• Symptoms & Characteristics
• Treatment
• How Common Is It?
• Genetics & Inheritance
• Genetic Testing
• Support & More Information

Alternative Names

cancer of the uterus; endometrial cancer

Symptoms & Characteristics

The uterus is the female reproductive organ that holds and nourishes a baby during pregnancy. There are different types of uterine cancer. The most common type starts in the lining of the uterus (called endometrial cancer). Some symptoms of uterine cancer may include:

• unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge

• problems with urination

• pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Uterine cancer typically occurs after menopause.

Treatment

Uterine cancer treatment may include surgery to remove the uterus (called a hysterectomy), hormone therapy, chemotherapy or radiation and depends on the stage and type of cancer.

How Common Is It?

About 35,000 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer each year in the United States.

Genetics & Inheritance

Cancer is a multifactorial condition, which means it involves a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. Most cases of uterine cancer are not inherited and occur sporadically.

• Some factors that have been proposed to influence uterine cancer risk include obesity, early menstruation, late menopause, never giving birth, and taking estrogen only hormone replacement therapy.

A small percent of cases are due to a hereditary cancer syndrome.

• A hereditary cancer syndrome is caused by an inherited gene mutation that increases the chance to develop one or more types of cancer. Families are more likely to have a hereditary cancer syndrome if there are multiple generations of affected family members with the same cancer (or associated cancers). People who are diagnosed at an unusually young age or have certain rare cancers are also more likely to have a hereditary cancer syndrome. Several different hereditary cancer syndromes have been identified. Click here for more information about Cancer Genetics.

Some of the more common hereditary cancer syndromes that are associated with uterine cancer include:

• Cowden syndrome: Females who have cancer-predisposing mutations that cause Cowden syndrome have about a 5%-10% lifetime risk to develop uterine cancer.

• Lynch syndrome: Females who have cancer-predisposing mutations that cause Lynch syndrome have an estimated 20%-60% lifetime risk to develop uterine cancer.

Females who are affected with the genetic condition called Xeroderma pigmentosum may also be at increased risk to develop uterine cancer.

Other yet to be identified or adequately classified genes may also contribute to uterine cancer.

A cancer genetic consultation with a trained genetic professional is important for a complete evaluation, accurate diagnosis, as well as discussion of the benefits and limitations of testing and recurrence risk.

Genetic Testing

Cancer predisposition testing for certain hereditary cancer syndromes associated with uterine cancer may be available through an in person cancer genetic consultation for people who are considered at risk.

The decision to have genetic testing is personal and should always be discussed with trained medical professional. Use our find a genetic professional directory to locate a trained genetic professional in your area.

• Health professionals who specialize in cancer genetics can also be found at the National Cancer Institute website.

• A medical geneticist can also be found at the American College of Medical Genetics website.

• A genetic counselor can also be found at the National Society of Genetic Counselors website.

Support & More Information

More information can be found at:

• The National Cancer Institute website