Ovarian and Uterine Cancer Clinical Resource Area

Woman's reproductive cancers include ovarian and uterine corpus (endometrial) cancers. The most common woman's reproductive cancer is uterine which is the fourth most common cancer among woman. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among women and accounts for about 3% of all cancers among women. It ranks second among gynecologic cancers following uterine cancer.

It is estimated that approximately 39, 080 women will be diagnosed in 2007 with uterine cancer accounting for 6% of all new cancers in women. An estimated 7,400 women will die in 2007 from uterine cancer accounting for 3% of all cancer deaths in women.

Approximately 22,430 women will be diagnosed in 2007 with ovarian cancer accounting for 3% of all cancers among women. An estimated 15,280 women will die in 2007 from ovarian cancer accounting for 6% of all caner deaths in women.

A common sign of early endometrial cancer is postmenopausal bleeding. All women are encouraged to report any unexpected bleeding or spotting to their physicians. The five year survival rate is 96% if diagnosed at an early stage.

Unfortunately, ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. Common symptoms such as gastrointestinal disturbances (stomach discomfort, gas, distention) in women older than 40, may indicate the need for an evaluation for ovarian cancer.