Endometrial Cancer Risk Management & Treatment
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Endometrial Cancer Risk
What is endometrial cancer?
Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium).
Who is at risk for endometrial cancer?
Every woman is at risk for endometrial cancer; the risk varies based on multiple factors, including:
- age
- presence of an inherited mutation
- personal and family history of cancer
- other risk factors:
Note that when we use "woman" we are referring to the sex assigned at birth.
Can endometrial cancer be hereditary?
About 5-15% of people with endometrial cancer have an inherited mutation linked to cancer risk. Genetic counseling and testing can help people learn if they are at high risk for endometrial cancer. Inherited mutations in the genes listed below increase the risk for endometrial cancer and can cause cancer to run in families.
Uterine serous carcinoma is a rare type of endometrial cancer that has been linked to inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Researchers are studying other inherited mutations that may increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
What else affects endometrial cancer risk?
Diet, weight, exercise, hormone exposure, and medications like tamoxifen can affect endometrial cancer risk in the general population and in people at high risk for cancer. Researchers are studying how much these factors influence risk in people with inherited mutations.
Risk Management and Treatment
Risk management
People at high risk should know the symptoms of endometrial cancer. There are options for managing endometrial cancer risk, including screening, medications to reduce risk and surgery to reduce risk. National expert guidelines for endometrial cancer risk management are based on your gene mutation and on your level of risk. Click on the button below to learn more about these guidelines. Speak with your healthcare provider to decide on a risk-management plan and schedule that is right for you.
Treatment
People diagnosed with endometrial cancer may have different treatment options based on the results of genetic testing and biomarker testing. Click on the button below to learn more about these treatment options. Speak with your healthcare provider to decide on a treatment plan that is right for you.
Participate in Hereditary Cancer Research
Below are some of our featured research studies looking at new ways to screen for, prevent, intercept or treat endometrial cancer. To search for additional studies, visit our Search and Enroll Tool.
The DETECT Study: Detecting Endometrial Cancer in Tampons
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT03538665
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05572684
A Study of Targeted Therapies for Patients With Recurrent Endometrial Cancer
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT04486352
Testing an Immunotherapy in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT02628067
Testing Immunotherapy Treatments for Recurrent Endometrial Cancer
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05112601
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT04806724
Tools To Be Fit: Tools to Improve Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05056077