Being at increased risk doesn’t mean you will definitely get endometrial cancer. But it does mean you should start regular screening exams to detect cancer if it develops. When found early, the chances for successfully treating the disease are greatest.
If you’ve been diagnosed with or have a family history of Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, you should be screened for endometrial cancer. The following screening exams are recommended:
- Transvaginal ultrasound every year
- Endometrial biopsy every year
See your doctor if you have symptoms of endometrial cancer
Be aware of your body and be on the lookout for changes that might be symptoms of endometrial cancer. These symptoms do not always mean you have endometrial cancer, but it's a good idea to discuss them with your health care provider if they are new, last more than a few weeks or happen more than 12 times a month.
Reduce your risk for endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer has several risk factors that won’t necessarily trigger screening but increase your chances of getting the disease. Some are in your control and some are not. There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of endometrial cancer:
- Maintain a healthy weight. Experts believe that 6 out of every 10 cases of endometrial cancer are caused by being overweight or obese.
- Know your family history. Talk to family members about their history of breast, endometrial, colorectal and other cancers. Having this knowledge can help you know if you should seek genetic counseling to get a better picture of your risk.
- Think twice about hormone replacement therapy. If your doctor recommends HRT, make sure you ask how it will affect your cancer risk. Consider alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms.
Exams for women who’ve had endometrial cancer
If you’ve had endometrial cancer, you need a different plan to check for recurrence.
The screening plans on this page apply to women expected to live for at least 10 years. They’re not for women who have a health condition that may make it hard to diagnose or treat endometrial cancer. Your doctor can help you decide if you should continue screening after age 75.
