elsewhere in the body. Endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed in the first stage.
What are my treatment options?
A hysterectomy — surgery to remove the uterus — is typically the first line of treatment. The extent of the surgery depends on whether — and how much — the cancer has spread. Your doctor may want to remove your cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries along with your uterus. She may recommend a course of radiation after the surgery as an adjunct therapy. According to guidelines published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, postoperative radiation therapy can reduce the risk of recurrence, but it does not appear to improve overall survival rates. If adjunct radiation therapy is not done, ACOG recommends pelvic exams every three to four months for two to three years after surgery and then two times a year after that to watch for recurrence.
For those who are poor candidates for surgery, radiation therapy may be used, but it is not considered as effective. Less common complementary treatments for this cancer include hormone therapy and chemotherapy. Discuss the advantages and side effects of the possibilities with your doctor or oncologist, and be sure to get a second opinion.
Will a hysterectomy affect my sex life?
Some studies suggest that this surgery can lessen sexual desire, but others have found that it does not affect libido or satisfaction. But if feelings of emotional loss detract from your sex life, counseling (either individually or for both you and your partner) may help.
How can I help prevent endometrial cancer?
In your reproductive years, try to maintain a normal weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise. If you have already gone through menopause and are worried about endometrial cancer, you might want to skip estrogen replacement therapy or take the kind that includes progesterone. If your doctor does recommend estrogen or tamoxifen, you should have regular follow-up visits during the treatment.