Basics of Endometrial Cancer.

Endometrial cancer happens when abnormal cells grow out of control in endometrium, the innermost lining of the uterus. The American Cancer Society® estimates that about 67,000 women will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2021.¹

Endometrial cancers most commonly occur in the uterus. There are several different types of endometrial cancer.² They are grouped based on how the cells look under a microscope.

• Adenocarcinoma (most common)
• Uterine carcinosarcoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Serous carcinoma
• Small cell carcinoma
• Transitional carcinoma

In addition, there are two types of endometrial cancer:

• Type 1 – tends to grow and spread slowly
• Type 2 – grows and spreads more quickly

How your doctor decides to treat your cancer depends on the specific type of cancer, its extent (or stage), whether it has spread to other parts of the body, and your overall state of health. Common treatments include:

• Surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) and sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) and nearby lymph nodes
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells (this is different from the hormone therapy used to treat symptoms of menopause)

Because most treatments for cancer have side effects, it’s important to take care of yourself both before and during treatment. Things you can do to make treatment easier include:

• Getting enough rest
• Eating a healthy diet
• Staying physically active
• Staying connected with family and friends

If you have any questions about your treatment, or have concerns about side effects, talk to your doctor or contact your CVS Specialty CareTeam.