Endometrial cancer is on the rise among older Black women – and doctors don’t know why.
“Endometrial cancer is on the rise,” says Dr. Jason Conger, a gynecologic urologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Dr. Conger says endometrial cancer, a type of uterine cancer, is now the most common cancer of the female reproductive system.
The cancer arises out of the endometrium, the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the uterus.
Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
Signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer includes pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause, abnormal discharge after menopause, urinary frequency, difficulty urinating, fatigue (excessive weakness).
There is no specific screening test for endometrial cancer yet. Tests for cervical cancer may sometimes detect endometrial cancer cells.
“We just haven’t found the right tool yet to screen for it,” Dr. Conger explains.
Dr. Conger says endometrial cancer is more common in women after menopause. The female hormone estrogen is among the risk factors.
Another risk factor is obesity, which also increases the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Obesity rates are highest among Black women in the U.S.
“Obesity is certainly a very common risk factor. And that’s because, after menopause, those fat cells continue to manufacture estrogen,” Dr. Conger says.
Estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (without progesterone) is another risk factor.
Black and Hispanic women are most at risk, and are more likely to develop aggressive tumors in the uterus.
Dr. Conger urges older women to get annual pelvic exams.
