Endometrial Cancer: Early Detection
Screening for Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer often causes symptoms. For this reason, experts recommend that all women should be aware of the signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer. Currently experts do not recommend screening healthy women at average risk for endometrial cancer. There are expert guidelines that outline options for endometrial cancer screening for high-risk women that are outlined in the sections below.
Note that when we use the terms "female" and "women" we are referring to people assigned female at birth. This section covers the following topics:
What are the signs of endometrial cancer?
All women should be educated on the possible signs of endometrial cancer and report any of the following to their doctor:
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- pelvic or abdominal pain
- bloating
- abdominal distension
- difficulty eating
- increased urinary frequency or urgency
- pain during sex
Importantly, these symptoms do not mean you definitely have cancer, other conditions can cause the signs listed above.
Types of endometrial cancer screening
Screening for endometrial cancer in high-risk women may include a combination of the following:
- A pelvic exam involves the doctor carefully feeling the pelvic area for any changes that might be cancer.
- A transvaginal uses sound waves to look for any thickening of the endometrial wall. This test works best for screening in post-menopausal women.
- Endometrial biopsies involve removing a small sample of endometrial tissue under local anesthesia. A pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope and perform special tests to look for cancer or other abnormalities. Endometrial biopsies are quick outpatient procedures.
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Endometrial cancer screening guidelines
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), is an organization of cancer experts that creates guidelines on cancer care and updates them yearly. NCCN guideline are listed below for people with mutations in the following genes.
Type of Screening |
Recommendation |
Additional Information |
Symptom awareness |
Learn to be aware of the symptoms of endometrial cancer and immediately report any symptoms to your doctor. Keep a diary of menstrual cycles in order to detect any changes in bleeding. |
Symptoms of endometrial cancer include:
|
Endometrial biopsy |
Discuss with your doctor the benefits, risks and costs of an endometrial biospsy every 1-2 years. |
More research is needed to prove that high risk individuals benefit from screening biopsies in the absence of symptoms. Endometrial biopsy is an accurate test for finding cancer. |
Transvaginal ultrasound |
Discuss the benefits, risks and costs of regular endometrial cancer screening through transvaginal ultrasound. |
Endometrial cancer screening does not have proven benefit in high-risk individuals. Despite this, some people prefer to undergo regular screening through transvaginal ultrasound. |
Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal, Endometrial, and Gastric; v2. 2025 |
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Recommendations vary by gene. People with a mutation in one of these genes should have a conversation with their healthcare professional about the benefits, limitations and costs of screening and other risk management options.
FORCE Info on Lynch Syndrome
FORCE has in-depth information and support for people with Lynch syndrome
Spot Her Campaign
Spot Her raises awareness of the signs of endometrial cancer and links people to information and resources.