The likelihood of endometrial cancer (EC) recurring after treatment is hard to predict: the cancer stage at diagnosis, extent of any surgeries and whether or not you received radiation are just some of the many factors. While it is not possible to have complete control over whether or not your cancer returns, there are some steps you can take to lower your risk of recurrence.
Understanding the risk of recurrence
Following diagnosis of EC, your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual case, taking into consideration factors such as cancer stage, your age and overall health. Following surgery, radiation may be recommended to kill microscopic cancer cells that may remain and spread. This is to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Despite these steps, cancer may recur.
The risk of endometrial cancer returning after surgery and primary treatment stands at 15% to 20%. Cancer can return months or years following treatment, but in 75% of cases recurrence is within two to three years of the initial diagnosis. It can either return in the same place, known as local recurrence, or in a different part of the body, known as distant recurrence.
Ways to lower your risk of endometrial cancer recurrence
Once treatment and recovery is complete, it is important to have a comprehensive approach to avoiding the recurrence of your cancer. This approach will include medical follow-up, lifestyle changes and closely monitoring for tell-tale symptoms of recurrence.
Make diet and exercise a priority
Research has shown that obesity is a significant risk factor for EC. Staying fit and physically active will help you maintain a healthy weight, as well as help regulate hormones.
Though research on the impact of specific foods and EC risk is limited, eating a balanced diet will make it easier for you to maintain a healthy weight and stay healthy overall. Limiting alcohol will help keep estrogen levels stable.
Don’t smoke
Stopping smoking will support your health and allow your body to heal more effectively. Though traditional cigarettes are often what come to mind, e-cigarettes and vaping also introduce harmful chemicals to the body.
Watch for any symptoms
It may be tempting to brush off unusual symptoms as nothing to worry about, but this can put your health at risk. If your cancer does return, early detection and medical intervention are key to achieving a better outcome.
Watch for symptoms that may indicate recurrence and promptly report them to your healthcare team. Symptoms may include:
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Changes in bladder or bowel habits.
- Stomach or back pain.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- Bloating.
- Shortness of breath.
- Unexplained weight loss.
Learn more about EC treatment and care
Medical monitoring
In the first few years after treatment, you will have regular follow-up appointments to screen for any signs of recurrence. Be vigilant when it comes to these follow-up appointments: if cancer does recur, they can help catch it sooner.
You may have been prescribed a maintenance therapy to reduce your risk of recurrence. Take your medication as prescribed. If side effects interfere with daily life, talk to your doctor about your options.
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