Screening for endometrial cancer
Experts do not recommend screening healthy women at average risk for endometrial cancer. Even in high-risk women, regular screening for endometrial cancer may not improve cancer outcomes. It is important for women who are at high risk to discuss the benefits and limitations of endometrial screening with their doctor. Women with an in any of the following genes are considered at high risk for endometrial cancer:
Types of screening
Screening for endometrial cancer usually includes a combination of the following:
- Women should be educated on the possible signs of uterine 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
- During a pelvic exam, the doctor carefully feels the pelvic area for any changes that might be cancer.
- Transvaginal uses sound waves to look for any thickening of the endometrium. The 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.
Screening for average risk people
Experts do not recommend routine endometrial cancer screening for women at average risk. Women should report any of the signs of endometrial cancer listed above to their doctor.
The following resources can help you locate an expert near you.
Finding gynecologists with expertise in cancer risk and treatment
- The Foundation for Women's Cancer has a search tool to help you find a gynecologic oncologist.
Related experts
Some symptoms and conditions related to female reproduction may be managed by other experts.
Fertility experts
- The Oncofertility Consortium maintains a national database of healthcare providers with expertise in fertility preservation and treatment of people who are diagnosed with cancer or have a high risk for cancer due to an .
- Livestrong has a listing of 450 sites that offer fertility preservation options for people diagnosed with cancer.
Financial assistance may be available to make the cost of fertility preservation affordable for more patients. Patients are referred to those programs as needed.
Menopause experts
- The North American Menopause Society has a tool to help you find a qualified menopause expert in your area.
Sexual health experts
- The Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) has a search tool to find experts in your area who provide sexual health care services.
- The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) maintains a tool to help people find a sexual health expert near them.
Other ways to find experts
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers deliver cutting-edge cancer care to patients in communities across the United States. Most centers have specialized screening and prevention centers for high-risk people. Find a center near you and learn about its specific research capabilities, programs, and initiatives.
- Register for the FORCE Message Boards to get referrals from other members. Once you register, you can post on the Find a Specialist board to connect with other people who share your situation.
updated: 04/09/2023