Small moments can help you
spot endometrial cancer
Her Spot Video
Her Spot Video
Too often, women with endometrial cancer (EC) have reported that their symptoms were stigmatized and dismissed. Even though diagnoses and deaths from this type of uterine cancer are on the rise, it remains under-recognized.
Spot Her® is an initiative to help end the silence around endometrial cancer. Together we can help empower people across generations and cultures to spot the potential signs early, speak up and take action.
When we rally around a cause, change happens. Join us in our pledge to #SpotHerforEC and raise our voices around this serious cancer—for our friends, our family and ourselves.
Spot Her is brought to you by:
see their stories
The following stories are from real patients and are based on their individual experiences.
Wenora Johnson
54, Illinois
Underwent genetic testing after her initial diagnosis with colorectal cancer.
My oncologist suspected there might be a genetic reason for my colon cancer diagnosis. I tested positive for Lynch syndrome and I learned I had a 60-80% chance of developing endometrial cancer. I had a total hysterectomy, but by then I already had stage IA endometrial cancer. Women should learn about their genetic risks for cancer. 
Nefa-Tari Moore
39, New Jersey
Experienced uterine and ovarian cancer in 2013.
I experienced two months of heavy bleeding, before I decided to go to the emergency room. The ER doctors told me my symptoms may just be a change in my menstrual cycle and stress, but I insisted on more tests and found out I had endometrial cancer. That’s why I’m so passionate about encouraging women to advocate for their health and not ignore what could be signs of endometrial cancer.
Jurline Redeaux
71, California
Proactively spoke with her doctor about symptoms which turned out to be endometrial cancer.
Don't delay, go right away. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer at 65. I was working part-time as a social worker, in a position that I loved, helping foster youth to reconnect with their families. It was a busy time, however, I made an appointment to see my general practitioner immediately at the first sign of bleeding.
Melany Morrison
55, Texas
Learned Lynch syndrome increased her risk for endometrial cancer and was diagnosed in 2014.
I shared a story with my gynecologist about an embarrassing moment at the gym when I suddenly felt a gush of blood. But she wasn’t amused. She ordered tests for me right away, and I was later diagnosed with endometrial cancer. I also found out I had Lynch syndrome, and I told my daughter about it so she understands her risk. We all need to support the women in our lives by educating and advocating for each other’s health.
Karen Millman
60, Virginia
Diagnosed with stage IV endometrial cancer after heavy bleeding sent her to the ER.
At age 56, I was experiencing heavy bleeding, but I wrote it off as a symptom of pre-menopause. I was a busy mom and everything else in life took priority, so I didn’t see a doctor. One night I woke up hemorrhaging and wound up in the ER where I learned I had stage IV endometrial cancer. I want other women to learn from my experience. Pay attention to your bodies and don’t ignore what could be signs of endometrial cancer.
Share and #SpotHerforEC
For every post shared using #SpotHerforEC, Eisai will donate $1 (up to $20,000) between FORCE and SHARE, which provide support for women living with endometrial cancer. By helping raise awareness for endometrial cancer, you’re also helping to support the mission of these organizations.
I pledge to #SpotHerforEC! Will you? Click to see how you can help those in your life spot some of the potential signs of endometrial cancer. Tweet
What is endometrial cancer?
Found in the lining of the uterus, endometrial cancer accounts for 90% of uterine cancer diagnoses. Uterine cancer is the 4th most frequently diagnosed cancer for women in the U.S. In 2021, uterine cancer resulted in an estimated 66,570 new cases and 12,940 deaths—and these rates are on the rise.
The greatest uterine cancer incidence rate increases have been seen across Native American/Alaska Native, Black, Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic communities.
Endometrial cancer occurs most commonly among women who have gone through menopause, but it can also occur much earlier. In fact, diagnoses are on the rise among younger women between the ages of 20 to 49, when fertility may be an important concern.
Thousands of mothers, aunts, sisters, friends and loved ones are impacted by this serious disease. It's time for all women to know about endometrial cancer, because early detection can mean identifying the cancer when it may be more treatable.
How can I spot the signs of
endometrial cancer?
Women with endometrial cancer have reported that their symptoms were often stigmatized and dismissed. By talking about these gynecologic symptoms, we can empower others to spot the signs early and take action, when it may be more treatable.
Some common signs of endometrial cancer may include:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, spotting, or brownish discharge after menopause
Irregular or heavy bleeding in younger women before menopause
Pelvic pain or pressure
Symptoms common in later stages can include feeling a mass and/or losing weight without trying. These are not all of the symptoms of endometrial cancer and they could be caused by other conditions. These symptoms could be easily overlooked, so it is important to talk to your doctor about any symptoms of concern as soon as they arise.
Endometrial cancer may be more treatable when detected early. It's especially important for Black women to recognize the symptoms, as only 53% of Black women with the condition receive an early diagnosis.
A study that interviewed fifteen Black women with endometrial cancer suggests that various factors may contribute to a delay in diagnosis in the Black community. Participants described knowledge gaps about menopause, silence regarding vaginal bleeding among family and friends, misinterpretation of vaginal bleeding symptoms, and lack of dialogue with health care professionals.
If you experience symptoms, it's important to share them promptly with a health care professional such as a:
- Primary Care Doctor, who performs regular check-ups
- Gynecologist, who specializes in the female reproductive system
- Genetic Counselor, who provides information on how genetic conditions might affect you or your family
What Are The Risk Factors
for Endometrial Cancer?
It’s important to be aware of factors that may increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer and talk to your doctor about any risk factors of concern.
Some common risk factors for endometrial cancer include:
Personal History
- Obesity
- Age (risk increases with age)
- High-fat diet
- Lack of exercise
- Type 2 diabetes
Reproductive History
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Risk could be almost 3 times higher with PCOS
- History of irregular periods
- Increased lifetime number of menstrual cycles
- History of hormone therapy
Family History
- Family history of uterine cancer
- Family history of colorectal cancer that is linked to Lynch syndrome
Family medical history may be a risk factor
A family history of certain conditions may increase your risk of endometrial cancer. Women in families with Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), have a higher risk of endometrial cancer.
Other genetic risk factors include (but are not limited to) mutations or changes in the PTEN gene. PTEN is a protein that helps control many cell functions, and is considered a tumor-suppressor. People with an inherited PTEN mutation may have a condition called Cowden syndrome.
Genetic counseling can give you information about how genetic conditions might affect you or your family, and genetic testing may help you to better understand if you might have an inherited risk for endometrial cancer. People with a uterus should consult with their doctor about whether to receive genetic counseling and testing. To get more information on genetic risk factors for endometrial cancer, as well as information on genetic counseling, visit Resources below.
Talk to your doctor.
Know your risk.
Be an advocate
for yourself and others
Learn about your family health history
Know your body and document symptoms as they happen
Visit your gynecologist regularly. After menopause, talk to your gynecologist about how often you should visit.
Want more information?
Additional resources are available from FORCE, SHARE and Black Health Matters.
Eisai Inc. does not review the information contained in the resources below for content, accuracy, or completeness. Use of and access to the information are subject to the terms, limitations, and conditions set by the website producer. Eisai Inc. makes no claims about the accuracy or any other aspect of the information contained on these websites, nor does Eisai Inc. necessarily endorse these websites.
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¿Desea más información?
Reconocer y darle voz a los síntomas ginecológicos puede ayudar a poner fin al estigma que rodea el cáncer de endometrio. Sea consciente, proactiva y siga manteniendo conversaciones francas acerca de los síntomas.
Puede acceder a recursos adicionales de las organizaciones FORCE y SHARE.
Eisai Inc. no revisa el contenido, la exactitud ni la integridad de la información incluida en los recursos que aparecen a continuación. La utilización y el acceso a la información están sujetos a los términos, las limitaciones y las condiciones establecidas por el creador del sitio web. Eisai Inc. no hace afirmación alguna sobre la exactitud ni ningún otro aspecto de la información reflejada en estos sitios web ni necesariamente los respalda.
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