The first female African-American host of a major political TV show and role model to women around the world, Gwen Ifill, passed away from endometrial carcinoma. The illness and death of the award-winning journalist gives women a reason to pause and consider the importance of awareness to identify cancers that are prevalent but, with early detection, have high survival rates.
Gwen Ifill never shied away from important and challenging issues that she faced as a journalist. Although she bore her illness away from the public eye, I believe that she would encourage women to be informed, in tune with their bodies and vigilant in pursuit of lifesaving health care. As a pathologist who diagnoses endometrial cancer at all stages, I know that early detection is crucial to improving treatment outcomes for the estimated 60,000 women who will be diagnosed yearly. From my experience as a diagnosing physician, here are the five things that all women should know about endometrial cancer.
1. Know the warning signs
Postmenopausal bleeding, pelvic pain, pain or vaginal bleeding from intercourse, vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles and an abnormal or bloody discharge can all be symptoms of endometrial cancer. While they are not pleasant to discuss, nor necessarily indicative of cancer, it is important for women to pay attention to these changes and bring them to the attention of a healthcare professional.
2. The signs and symptoms can be nonspecific
Since the potential signs and symptoms of endometrial carcinoma can be nonspecific and indicative of a variety of gynecologic issues such as endometriosis, benign fibroid tumors, endometrial hyperplasia or break-through bleeding from birth control, women sometimes dismiss warning signs. If you or a loved one experiences any symptoms, take the time to determine the cause. While the symptoms may be the result of a benign condition, identifying the cause is important for maintaining health and peace of mind.
3. Diagnosis can take time
The evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of endometrial carcinoma will vary depending on the patient’s particular presentation, general health and preferences. Generally, it will consist of a painless pelvic exam and ultrasound. If more extensive evaluation is required, your practitioner may perform a hysteroscopy (visual inspection of the endometrium) and biopsy. The biopsy will be sent to a pathologist, like myself, for evaluation and diagnosis.
4. Maintain regular health screenings
Pap smears are designed to detect cervical cancer. However, shedding atypical endometrial cells can also be identified on pap smears by your pathologist. The pathologist will then alert your clinician to the need for additional testing, including endometrial biopsy.
5. Understand the role of your care team
Women have many sources of support if they experience signs or symptoms of endometrial cancer. Physicians will work together to ascertain the cause of a patient’s symptoms. The most important step is to speak with a health care provider about any abnormal symptoms so that the consulting physician can coordinate with a care team that includes a pathologist to determine the definite diagnosis and develop appropriate treatment plans for your individual situation.
As a pathologist who diagnoses endometrial cancer, I am well aware that it can be embarrassing, even frightening, to discuss sensitive gynecologic issues; however, open communication with a physician may be the key to your survival. We can all join together to honor the legacy of Gwen Ifill, who blazed the trail for so many of us to be informed, mindful and unafraid to seek help because early detection save lives.