How common is endometrial cancer?

Provided by: Healthwise
50% of users found this article helpful.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer and the fourth most common cancer in women in the United States. Over 41,000 cases of endometrial cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S., where 1 woman in 38 develop the disease.1

Endometrial cancer is most often diagnosed in women between 50 and 65 years old and in postmenopausal women. Women younger than age 40 account for 5% of endometrial cancer diagnoses. In most cases these younger women are greatly overweight.2 Women who have had a hysterectomy have no risk of developing endometrial cancer.

Caucasian women develop endometrial cancer at a higher rate than African-American women. But African-American women have a higher death rate from endometrial cancer.1

References

Citations

  1. American Cancer Society (2006). Cancer Facts and Figures 2006, pp. 1–56. Atlanta: American Cancer Society. Available online: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/STT/stt_0.asp.

  2. Mutch DG (2003). Uterine cancer. In JR Scott et al., eds., Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology, 9th ed., chap. 54, pp. 951–969. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Credits

Author Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor Alison Allen
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Ross Berkowitz, MD
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated November 27, 2006
Last Updated: 11/27/2006

© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.

Was this article helpful?
Tell us what you think.

Rate this article:
liked it no thanks

Filter By:

In the Spotlight

Cancer Vaccines

Vaccines are becoming an important new weapon in the fight against cancer.

Learn how they work »

Yahoo! Groups

Join the Conversation:

Join a Yahoo! Group and discuss topics with other members of the group.

See All Cancer Groups »

Yahoo! Health Videos

My Health

help

Tip of the Day

Provided by: RealAge

Bet you never knew that a pen could be your best weight loss tool. Read More »

View All Tips »

Tell us what you think about Yahoo! Health - Send us your feedback