Everything You Need to Know About Uterine Cancer
Ovarian cancer is often called “the silent killer” because its early symptoms are subtle, vague, andeasily mistaken for everyday health issues like bloating, indigestion, or fatigue. This makes it one of the most difficult cancers to detect at an early stage. Yet, early diagnosis can be life-saving. In fact, studies show that ovarian cancer confined to the ovaries can be cured in up to 90% of patients.
According to the American Cancer Society (2025), an estimated 69,120 new uterine cancer cases and 13,860 deaths will occur in the United States alone. The good news? When detected early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%, making early awareness essential for better outcomes.
At Oncologist in Dubai our team of leading oncology specialists in Dubai provides advanced diagnostic and treatment options for women’s cancers, including uterine and endometrial cancers
If you’re seeking expert uterine cancer treatment in Dubai you can learn more about specialized care and treatment options.
What Is Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer?
Uterine cancer develops when abnormal cells in the uterus grow uncontrollably. About 90% of uterine cancers occur in the endometrium, hence the term endometrial cancer. Less common types, such as uterine sarcomas, form in the muscle or connective tissue of the uterus.
Types of Uterine Cancer
- Endometrioid carcinoma (≈80%) – the most common and usually detected early.
- Serous carcinoma (≈5%) – an aggressive, high-grade form.
- Clear cell carcinoma (≈3–5%) – rare and often advanced at diagnosis.
- Uterine sarcoma – a rare type forming in the uterine muscle.
Common Symptoms and Early Warning Signs
Recognizing symptoms early can save lives. The most common early sign (77% of cases) is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause.
Other key symptoms include:
- Bleeding between periods or after menopause
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Watery or blood-tinged vaginal discharge
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
If you notice these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a gynecologic oncologist immediately for proper evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of uterine cancer isn’t fully known, research highlights several risk factors:
- Obesity: Responsible for approximately 40% of uterine cancer cases
- Hormonal imbalance: Excess estrogen without progesterone
- Age: Most cases occur in women aged 60–70
- Genetic syndromes: Such as Lynch syndrome (1–3% of cases)
- Reproductive history: Never having been pregnant increases risk 2x
- Tamoxifen use: Long-term use may raise risk
Prevention and Risk Reduction
You can significantly lower your uterine cancer risk by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing diabetes and blood pressure
- Discussing hormone therapy options with your doctor
- Using combined hormonal contraceptives, which may lower risk
- Getting genetic testing if you have a family history of Lynch syndrome
How Is Uterine Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically includes:
- Pelvic exam & transvaginal ultrasound
- Endometrial biopsy (most accurate test)
- Dilation and curettage (D&C) if biopsy results are inconclusive
- Imaging tests (CT, MRI) for staging and spread
Important: A Pap smear does not detect endometrial cancer effectively.
Stages of Uterine Cancer
The FIGO staging system helps doctors determine how far the cancer has spread:
| Stage | Description | 5-Year Survival Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Confined to uterus | 96% |
| Stage II | Spread to cervix | 80% |
| Stage III | Spread to nearby tissues | 72% |
| Stage IV | Distant metastasis | 22% |
Early detection = dramatically better outcomes.
Treatment Options for Uterine Cancer
Treatment depends on stage, age, and general health. The main options include:
1. Surgery
- Total hysterectomy: Removal of uterus and cervix
- Salpingo-oophorectomy: Removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries
- Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic or robotic) – now preferred for faster recovery and equal survival outcomes
2. Radiation Therapy
- External beam radiation
- Brachytherapy (internal radiation) – often used after surgery to prevent recurrence
3. Chemotherapy
- Used for advanced or recurrent cancers
- Common drugs: carboplatin and paclitaxel
4. Hormone Therapy
- For cancers sensitive to hormones (using progestins or tamoxifen)
5. Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and Dostarlimab (Jemperli) have revolutionized treatment
- Dostarlimab + chemotherapy improved progression-free survival from 8 months to 30 months
- Pembrolizumab + Lenvatinib showed 6.6 vs 3.8 months PFS vs chemo alone
Recurrence and Follow-Up
Even after treatment, regular follow-ups are essential.
- Recurrence risk: ~5.6% in early-stage disease
- Peak recurrence: within 3 years
- Monitoring: Physical exams, pelvic ultrasounds, and CT/MRI imaging
Early detection of recurrence gives the best chance for remission.
Prognosis and Survival
- Overall 5-year survival: 84%
- Localized stage: 96%
- Regional: 72%
- Metastatic: 22%
Encouragingly, most uterine cancers (≈69%) are diagnosed at Stage I–II, leading to excellent outcomes.
Living with Uterine Cancer
Coping with a cancer diagnosis involves emotional, physical, and social challenges.
Support options include:
- Counseling or support groups
- Nutritional therapy
- Gentle exercise programs
- Survivorship clinics
Racial and Genetic Disparities
Data from the CDC shows African American women have nearly double the uterine cancer death rate (9.8 per 100,000) compared to White women (4.8 per 100,000).
This disparity underscores the need for equitable screening access and awareness.
Why Choose Us for Uterine Cancer Treatment in Dubai
At Oncologist in Dubai, led by Dr. Rajeev Kaushal, our multidisciplinary team provides:
- Advanced robotic and minimally invasive surgery
- Personalized immunotherapy and targeted treatments
- Holistic patient care with global cancer standards
Explore expert uterine cancer treatment in Dubaii designed for your recovery and long-term wellness.
Call to Action: Take Charge of Your Health Today
Don’t ignore symptoms like abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain. Early diagnosis saves lives.
If you or someone you know experiences these signs, schedule an appointment with a trusted oncologist in Dubai for expert evaluation and care.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Uterine Cancer
1. What causes uterine cancer?
Hormonal imbalance, obesity, genetics (Lynch syndrome), and age increase risk.
2. What is the earliest symptom of uterine cancer?
Postmenopausal bleeding is the most common early sign.
3. Can uterine cancer be prevented?
Maintaining a healthy weight, balancing hormones, and managing chronic conditions help reduce risk.
4. How is uterine cancer treated?
Treatment includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, depending on stage.
5. What is the survival rate for uterine cancer?
The overall 5-year survival rate is 84%, with 96% for early-stage disease.
6. Can uterine cancer return after treatment?
Yes, recurrence occurs in about 5–10% of cases, usually within the first three years.
7. How long does recovery take after a hysterectomy?
Recovery from minimally invasive surgery typically takes 2–4 weeks, while open surgery may take longer.
Conclusion
Uterine cancer is both common and, thankfully, highly treatable when detected early. Awareness of symptoms, regular checkups, and timely intervention are your best defenses.
For world-class care and compassionate support, trust Dr. Rajeev Kaushal and his expert oncology team in Dubai — guiding you every step of the way toward recovery and hope.