What is endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer develops when the cells that line the inside of the uterus, known as the endometrium, begin to grow out of control. The endometrium is a tissue that is sensitive to female hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. In women of childbearing age, it renews itself each month as part of the menstrual cycle.

In developed countries, endometrial cancer is the most frequent type of gynaecological cancer. In Spain, around 7,000–7,500 new cases are diagnosed each year, making it one of the most common cancers in women. In Spain, it is the fifth most common cancer among women (after breast, lung and colorectal and thyroid cancer). The average age at diagnosis is 63, and most cases are detected after the menopause, although the disease can appear earlier, particularly in women with risk factors.

Fortunately, about three out of four cases are detected at an early stage, when the tumour is confined to the uterus, and in these cases the five-year survival rate exceeds 90–95%. When diagnosed at a more advanced stage, the prognosis is more variable. However, recent advances in treatment have helped to improve survival.