Endometrial cancer is the medical term for uterine cancer. It is one of the most common gynecological cancers. Although it can occur in almost every age group, it is more frequently observed in postmenopausal women. The uterus thickens slightly during each menstrual cycle to prepare for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the lining sheds and thins out under the influence of hormones. The wall where this event occurs is called the endometrium.

Endometrial cancers develop when healthy cells in the endometrial tissue undergo genetic and environmental changes, transforming into abnormal cancer cells. While normal healthy cells grow, multiply, and die, abnormal cells exhibit uncontrolled growth and do not die. As these cells multiply, they form a tumor. Cancer cells in this tissue have a high risk of spreading to other parts of the body.

The most common symptoms include:

• Vaginal bleeding (particularly significant when observed in postmenopausal women)
• Excessive bleeding during the menstrual cycle
• Pain, bloating, or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen (pelvic area)
• Rectal pain or a feeling of fullness

In patients with endometrial cancer, surgery alone may be sufficient in the early stages. In more advanced stages, a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy is typically used. The goal of combining treatments is to increase the recovery rate.

Early diagnosis saves lives. Therefore, any new symptoms or signs that were not present before should be taken seriously, and you should share them with your doctor without delay.