Endometrial cancer, a type of uterine cancer, makes up the majority of female reproductive cancer cases. 

Thankfully, uterine cancer is treatable when caught early. Dr. McKayla Riggs, a gynecological oncologist, says knowing the risk factors and signs of uterine cancer can help women get diagnosed early. 

Abnormal bleeding 

Uterine cancer is most common in postmenopausal women, and abnormal bleeding is usually the first and only symptom. 

A common misconception, though, according to Dr. Riggs, is that spotting after menopause is normal. However, discharge of any kind after menopause indicates that something is off. 

“Any spotting after 12 months without a period should be brought to the attention of a provider,” says Dr. Riggs. 

Although uncommon, uterine cancer cases are on the rise in younger persons. It can be hard to notice symptoms before menopause, but Dr. Riggs shares that abnormally heavy bleeding, frequent periods, or bleeding between periods can be a sign. 

“My radar goes up if patients have a sudden change that is different than their normal.” 

Risk factors 

Other than menopause, several factors increase someone’s risk of developing uterine cancer. And they all have one thing in common: an excess of estrogen. 

Risk factors include

• Taking estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy. 
• Being overweight: Adipose (fat) tissue makes a derivative of estrogen.  
• Having PCOS: Many women with PCOS have irregular cycles and may go months without a period, causing an overgrowth of cells in the uterus. 

Estrogen thickens the endometrial lining (the inner lining of the uterus) as the body prepares for pregnancy. Progesterone then thins the endometrial lining during a period. Too much estrogen without enough progesterone to balance it out can cause cancer cells to mutate and spread. 

Only about 5% of uterine cancer cases have a genetic link. 

Treatment 

About 80% of uterine cancer cases are caught during stage one when it’s highly treatable. 

If your OB-GYN suspects uterine cancer, they will first do a pelvic exam and a Pap smear to rule out cervical cancer or other causes of the bleeding. They will then do a pelvic ultrasound and, if needed, a biopsy. 

Because uterine cancer is often caught early, most cases are treated by removing the uterus, a procedure known as a hysterectomy. Chemotherapy and radiation is needed for about 30% of cases. 

If you notice any changes in your period or bleeding after menopause, talk with your OB-GYN. 

“The word cancer is always scary,” Dr. Riggs says. “But this is a very curable cancer when caught early.”