Endometrial cancer, which affects the inner lining of the uterus, is primarily triggered by an imbalance of female hormones. Provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare
As obesity rates rise and birth rates decline, endometrial cancer is becoming increasingly prevalent. Experts recommend that individuals experiencing any suspicious symptoms, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, seek medical attention immediately, as early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
According to data from the National Cancer Registry, the incidence rate of endometrial cancer rose from 3.1 per 100,000 women in 1999 to approximately 14.6 per 100,000 in 2021—an increase of about 4.7 times. This type of cancer arises in the inner lining of the uterus, which thickens and sheds during a woman’s menstrual cycle. While it was once more common in Western countries, its incidence has been steadily on the rise in South Korea as well. Park Jun-sik, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, stated, “Endometrial cancer is primarily caused by excessive exposure to the female hormone estrogen. The increasing rate of endometrial cancer cases correlates with rising rates of obesity, low birth rates, and an older maternal age, all linked to Western dietary habits.”
Endometrial cancer is classified into type 1, which results from excessive estrogen stimulation, and type 2, which is less associated with estrogen. Type 1 constitutes the majority of endometrial cancer cases and is often diagnosed in the earlier stages of disease progression, leading to a favorable prognosis. Conversely, type 2 occurs in an atrophic endometrium, progresses quickly, and generally has a poorer prognosis. Since type 1 endometrial cancer is closely linked to estrogen, elevated estrogen levels due to increased body fat from obesity can raise the risk of developing this cancer. Furthermore, women who have had pregnancies and childbirth typically experience a reduced risk due to the protective effects of progesterone, which counteracts estrogen; however, for women who have not had children, the risk may be comparatively higher.
The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is vaginal bleeding. However, it may also be detected during a routine examination, even in the absence of symptoms. It is important for postmenopausal women who experience vaginal bleeding, or for women still menstruating who have excessive bleeding or irregular bleeding outside of their menstrual cycle, to be cautious. If suspicious symptoms arise, a medical examination can assess the risk of endometrial cancer by checking whether the endometrial thickness exceeds normal limits, and a biopsy can confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment approaches depend on the extent of cancer progression. In stages 1 and 2, when the cancer has only invaded the uterus or cervix, radiation therapy may be administered alongside a hysterectomy, depending on the individual’s risk factors for postoperative recurrence. If the patient is elderly or has pre-existing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or hypertension that complicate surgery, radiation therapy may be recommended first. For patients in stages 3 and 4, major tumor reduction surgeries, such as total hysterectomy or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, are pursued as initial treatments. However, if imaging tests indicate advanced cancer that complicates surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy is suggested.
Professor Park Jun-sik noted, “The incidence of endometrial cancer is expected to continue rising in Korea,” and emphasized, “It is 100% curable if diagnosed early, so it’s important to have regular gynecological check-ups annually. If you experience any suspicious symptoms, do not ignore them; make sure to seek a gynecological examination for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.”
Understanding Endometrial Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Endometrial cancer, prevalent among women, originates in the inner lining of the uterus and is primarily associated with hormonal imbalances. Recent statistics reveal a disturbing trend: as obesity rates climb and birth rates decline, the incidence of endometrial cancer is significantly on the rise. Women experiencing alarming symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding should seek medical attention promptly, as early diagnosis greatly enhances the chances of successful treatment.
Statistics on Endometrial Cancer
Data from the National Cancer Registry highlights an alarming increase in endometrial cancer cases from 3.1 per 100,000 women in 1999 to 14.6 per 100,000 in 2021. This upward trend, once predominantly seen in Western nations, is increasingly mirrored in Korea. Expert insight from Professor Park Jun-sik of Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital attributes this rise to prolonged exposure to the female hormone estrogen, resulting from factors like obesity, low birth rates, and delayed motherhood linked to modern dietary habits.
Types of Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is classified into two main types:
- Type 1 Endometrial Cancer: This most common form is primarily driven by excessive estrogen stimulation. Fortunately, it is often diagnosed in early stages, leading to a favorable prognosis.
- Type 2 Endometrial Cancer: Less associated with estrogen, this type progresses quickly, typically arising in atrophic endometria, and carries a poorer prognosis.
The link between obesity and endometrial cancer lies in increased fat tissue leading to higher estrogen levels, augmenting cancer risk. For women who have not given birth, the risk remains higher due to reduced levels of progesterone, a hormone that counteracts estrogen’s effects.
Recognizing Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
The primary symptom warranting suspicion for endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This can manifest in various ways:
- Vaginal bleeding post-menopause
- Excessive menstrual bleeding
- Irregular bleeding outside typical menstrual cycles
Some women may discover signs of endometrial cancer during routine check-ups, emphasizing the importance of preventive healthcare. Healthcare providers can assess risk by measuring endometrial thickness, and a definitive diagnosis can be confirmed through a biopsy.
Treatment Options for Endometrial Cancer
Treatment for endometrial cancer varies based on the stage of the disease:
Early Stages (Stage 1 and 2)
- In these initial stages, where the cancer has not spread beyond the uterus or cervix, treatment commonly involves a combination of hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and radiation therapy.
- Radiation therapy may also be administered as a first-line treatment for patients unable to undergo surgery due to age or existing health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or hypertension.
Advanced Stages (Stage 3 and 4)
- For later stage patients, where tumors have advanced significantly, a total hysterectomy or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is typically the first line of treatment.
- If surgery poses high risks, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may become the preferred treatment approach.
Preventive Measures and Recommendations
Preventive care is essential to minimize risks associated with endometrial cancer. Here are some practical tips for women:
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule annual gynecological exams to monitor for early signs of endometrial cancer.
- Recognize Symptoms: Be vigilant about changes in your menstrual cycle or any unusual vaginal bleeding.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Adopt a balanced diet and regular physical activity to manage body weight and hormonal balance.
- Family Planning: Discuss pregnancy plans with healthcare providers, especially if you are of advanced maternal age.
Expert Insights and Future Outlook
According to Professor Park Jun-sik, the incidence of endometrial cancer is anticipated to continue rising in Korea. Early diagnosis is pivotal to achieving a 100% cure rate, making awareness and proactive health care indispensable. Regular gynecological examinations are essential, and individuals experiencing concerning symptoms should prioritize seeking prompt medical attention to facilitate accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
