Uterine Cancer Among Most Common Forms of Cancer with Two Distinct Types

Uterine cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, and there are two distinct types.

The more common type of uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, while the less common is uterine sarcoma.

According to Teresa P. Diaz-Montes, M.D., MPH, FACOG, associate director of The Lya Segall Ovarian Cancer Institute and medical director of The Neil B. Rosenshein, M.D., Institute for Gynecologic Care at Annapolis, she mostly sees women of menopausal age being diagnosed with uterine cancer—but younger women are being diagnosed as well, due in part to obesity.

"The other thing that we can see, too, is women who have PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome—they're associated also with uterine cancer. So, younger women who are being diagnosed with PCOS, they need to be aware that there could be a high risk of developing uterine cancer," Dr. Diaz-Montes said.

Menopausal women who have any type of vaginal bleeding should contact their doctor.

Also, be aware that family history plays a role. Anyone who has a family history of colon cancer should make their doctor aware, as there may be a genetic link to uterine cancer.

View Mercy gynecologic oncologist Dr. Teresa Diaz-Montes’ interview regarding uterine cancer.