Watch for Warning Signs of Endometrial Cancer

Wednesday, June 18, 2003

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Even if you're done having children, or past menopause, your uterus can cause health problems — including cancer, according to June's Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

The most common uterine cancer, called endometrial cancer because it affects the lining (endometrium) of your uterus, is diagnosed in about 37,000 American women each year. It's the fourth most common cancer among women, after breast, lung and colon cancers.

The good news about endometrial cancer is that it is usually slow growing, often gives early warning signs and is curable more than 80 percent of the time if found early. In most cases, uterine cancer develops in postmenopausal women who no longer have periods. That makes the most obvious sign — vaginal bleeding — easy to notice. If you're still menstruating, however, abnormal bleeding or spotting can be a vital clue.

Most of the time, unexpected bleeding isn't cancer. However, it's important to be evaluated for the possibility.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Carol Lammers
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville
Erik Kaldor
904-953-2299

Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale
Anne Tewksbury
480-301-4368
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Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

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