Uterine (endometrial cancer) is one of the most common cancers in women.
Endometrial cancer begins in the lining of the uterus (endometrium). The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby develops during pregnancy. Endometrial cancer most often occurs after the reproductive years, in women between the ages of 50 and 70.
Endometrial cancer is often detected at an early stage because it frequently produces vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause. If discovered early, this slow- growing form of cancer is likely to be confined to the uterus. Removing the uterus surgically often eliminates the cancer. In fact, early-stage endometrial cancer is successfully treated more than 80 percent of the time. However, the death rate from endometrial cancer has increased over the past 10 years. Researchers aren't sure why.
Signs and symptoms
Endometrial cancer often develops over a period of years. Your first clue that something is wrong may be vaginal bleeding that's uncommon for you.
Most cases of endometrial cancer develop in postmenopausal women whose periods have stopped. However, about 20 percent of cases affect younger women. Signs and symptoms may include:
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Heavy periods or bleeding between periods
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Vaginal bleeding or spotting during peri-menopause (the time just before menopause) or after menopause
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A pink, watery or white discharge from your vagina
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Pelvic pain, especially late in the disease
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Pain during intercourse
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Weight loss
Some endometrial cancers may reach an advanced stage before signs and symptoms are present. But this is rare.
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