Uterine Cancer

WHAT IS IT?

Cancer is a disease in which certain body cells don't function right, divide very fast, and produce too much tissue that forms a tumor. Cancer of the uterus is cancer in the womb. There are different types of uterine cancers. Two types are endometrial cancer and uterine sarcomas. In the United States, endometrial cancer is a common cancer of the female reproductive system. This type of cancer happens when cancer begins in the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium). Uterine sarcomas occur when cancer grows in the muscles or other supporting tissues in the uterus. Uterine sarcomas account for only a small portion of cancers of the uterus.

RISK FACTORS

Studies have found the following risk factors:

• Age. Cancer of the uterus occurs mostly in women over age 50.
• Endometrial hyperplasia. The risk of uterine cancer is higher if a woman has endometrial hyperplasia.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT is used to control the symptoms of menopause, to prevent osteoporosis, and to reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke.

To learn more about uterine cancer, click here (PDF file).