The uterus, part of the female reproductive system, has a special role: During pregnancy, the fetus lives and grows within the uterus. There are two main layers of the uterus. The myometrium is the muscular outer layer that helps push the baby out of the uterus, and the endometrium is the inside layer. During a menstrual cycle, the endometrium thickens in preparation to nourish an embryo, and that endometrial lining sheds during a period if pregnancy doesn’t occur.
Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, develops when cells in the endometrium grow out of control, resulting in tumors in the uterus that can spread to other areas of the body.
Endometrial Cancer at UK Markey Cancer Center
Using state-of-the-art technology and leading-edge medical and surgical interventions, Markey’s endometrial cancer team provides advanced and timely diagnosis and individualized, ongoing care for patients. Each patient is cared for by a team of specialists who meet regularly to discuss individual patient cases and treatment plans. This multidisciplinary team will work with you and your doctor to coordinate a care plan designed to offer the best outcomes.
Markey has provided state-of-the-art cancer care for more than 30 years, and we are proud to be the only cancer center in Kentucky designated by the National Cancer Institute. Since 2017, Markey Cancer Center has been nationally recognized as a top 50 cancer center by U.S. News & World Report.
Endometrial cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Pelvic mass
- Pelvic pain
- Unexplained or abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for endometrial cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body is 95 percent. When it spreads to the region surrounding the uterus, the survival rate is 69 percent. When it has spread to distant parts of the body, the survival rate drops to 17 percent.
You can lower your risk of cancer by taking steps to build a healthy lifestyle. Here are some ways you can lower your risk for this disease, as well as improve your overall basic health:
- Avoid using tobacco products. Tobacco has been tied to multiple cancers, and it is responsible for 90 percent of lung cancer deaths.
- Stay physically active. Your physical activity is related to risk for colon and breast cancer. Excess weight gained from inactivity increases the risk of multiple cancers.
- Limit alcohol consumption. It is important to be mindful of how much alcohol you drink. Alcohol intake, even in moderate amounts, can increase the risk for colon, breast, esophageal and oropharyngeal cancer.
- Learn about screenings. Your primary care doctor can recommend appropriate cancer screenings based on your age, personal risk and family history.
- Ages 50 to 70 (at the highest risk)
- Being overweight or obese
- Certain health issues, such as diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome and hypertension
- Early menstruation (before age 12)
- Menopause after age 50
- Never being pregnant
- Use of certain medications, including estrogen supplements without progesterone, or tamoxifen (for breast cancer)
- For your first visit, you will be directed to the gynecologic oncology clinic on the third floor of the Whitney-Hendrickson Building. Directions to the Whitney-Hendrickson Building.
- You can register at the front desk or registration area, where a Markey team member will help guide you through your appointment.
- Several parking options are available to patients of Markey Cancer Center.
- Please remember to bring your patient packet with the completed forms. These items will help your doctor learn more about your case and determine the best plan for your care.
- To meet our patient needs, UK HealthCare accepts many forms of insurance.
Clinical trials are research studies aimed at evaluating medical, surgical or behavioral interventions to determine if a new treatment is safe and effective.
At UK Markey Cancer Center, we are advancing cancer care and research to prevent, detect and treat one patient at a time. As a patient at Markey, you have a team of people looking at your individual case, applying the most recent cancer knowledge to give you the best chance of survival.
Markey has more open clinical trials than any other cancer center in the region, giving you access to some of the most advanced options available. Learn more about ongoing clinical trials for treating endometrial cancer.
