An Overview of Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer is fourth in the number of new cases (52,000) but deaths (under 10,000) have dropped sharply over the years, mostly because of the Pap test, which helps detect cancer of the uterine cervix early. The five-year relative survival rate is over 85 percent with early detection.

Every woman should have a Pap test at least once every three years, after two initial negative tests one year apart, from age 20 on (earlier if sexually active). Also from 20 years on, women should have a pelvic exam every three years, and yearly after age 40.

Endometrial cancer, in the lining of of the uterus, occurs mainly in women over 40.You could be at risk for this cancer if you are obese, take hormones, or have abnormal bleeding, infertility or failure of ovulation. If you have reached menopause and are at risk, your physician should examine an endometrial tissue sample. Any abnormal uterine bleeding should always be reported promptly to your physician.

Source: Patient education material from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology was used as a source of information to develop the content for this topic.