Endometrial Cancer Surveillance Counterpoint: USA

In the United States, endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract. It is estimated that 43,470 women were diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2010 and 7,950 died of their cancer [1]. Fortunately, the majority of endometrial cancers are diagnosed at an early stage due to abnormal uterine bleeding, and most of these women are cured. Approximately 70 % are diagnosed with localized disease, with a corresponding 5-year survival rate of 95 % [1]. Although there has been a decrease in the death rate of endometrial cancer by a small percentage since 1991, there has been an increase in incidence over the past few years [1], likely attributable to the increasing prevalence of obesity. Other risk factors for endometrial cancer include diabetes, hypertension, endogenous or exogenous excess estrogen, nulliparity, family history, and endometrial hyperplasia.