Endometrial cancer is cancer that arises from the endometrium (the lining of the uterus or womb). The first sign is most often vaginal bleeding not associated with a woman's period. Other symptoms include pain with urination or sexual intercourse, or pelvic pain. Endometrial cancer occurs most commonly after menopause, and is associated with high blood pressure and diabetes. Approximately 40% of cases are related to obesity, and 2–5% of cases have a genetic link. The most frequent type of endometrial cancer, more than 80% of cases, is endometrioid carcinoma (example pictured). Endometrial cancer is commonly diagnosed by endometrial biopsy or by taking samples during a procedure known as dilation and curettage; a pap smear is not typically sufficient. In 2012, endometrial cancers occurred in 320,000 women and caused 76,000 deaths, making it the third most common cause of death from female cancers, behind ovarian and cervical cancer. If the disease is caught at an early stage, the outcome is favorable, and the overall five-year survival rate in the United States is greater than 80%. (Full article...)
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