Busting Common Myths About Endometrial Cancer

Dr.Arun Giri, 2 mins read

Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, is one of the top 5 most common cancers among women. Though social campaigns have raised awareness about the disease, still, a lot of people are unaware of it.

That’s all because of the myths and misconceptions in the air. This guide will burst the bubble around these myths and tell you the real facts.

Myth 1: Overweight/ obesity is not a risk factor.
Fact: No. Obesity and being overweight are strong risk factors. Endometrial cancer is two times more common in overweight women (BMI between 25 and 29.9) and three times more common in obese women (BMI > 30).

This is because excess fat changes other hormones (androgens) into estrogen, a hormone that regulates the female reproductive system. This affects the estrogen level in the body, which raises the risk of uterine cancer.

Myth 2: There are no early symptoms.
Fact: 9 out of 10 women present with abnormal uterine bleeding, vaginal discharge and other symptoms like pelvic pain, abdominal cramps, postmenopausal bleeding, weight loss and anaemia, to name a few.

Myth 3: Pap smear can detect it.
Fact: Pap smear is generally not used to screen for endometrial cancer. However, sometimes it can show abnormal changes in the endometrium. Endometrial cancers are detected through a series of tests, including pelvic exams, imaging tests (transvaginal ultrasound, MRI and CT scan), hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy.

Myth 4: Only hysterectomy is the treatment.
Fact: The initial treatment of endometrial cancer is surgery, which is extrafascial hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node evaluation. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the uterus along with fallopian tubes, ovaries and pelvic lymph nodes.

However, it’s not the only treatment. There are other effective options too like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. These are provided as adjuvant therapy after surgical staging.

Myth 5: It affects older women only.
Fact: Though over 90% of endometrial cancers are diagnosed after the age of 50, they rarely affect women below 45 years of age.

Myth 6: Oral contraceptive pills can increase the risk.
Fact: No. Oral contraceptives (OCs) may reduce the risk of endometrial cancer as they reduce the estrogen level in the body.

Myth 7: There is no cure.
Fact: Endometrial cancer is usually curable if diagnosed early. It can be managed properly by choosing an experienced oncologist to get the right treatment regimen.

Myth 8: Any hospital/ surgeon can treat it.
Fact: It’s always best to visit an experienced and trusted oncologist who has a portfolio of treating endometrial cancers. At Aakash Healthcare, we have a team of well-renowned oncologists who have years of excellence in treating endometrial cancer.

Don’t let any myth affect your decision. Contact our experts to get answers to all your questions and doubts.