Endometrial cancer screening

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer among women in the United States and Europe.  Amazingly, the medical community in the United States has not recommended broad-based screening for this common cancer.  But a newly published British study shows that screening for this cancer can be feasible by using transvaginal ultrasound.  Menopausal women who underwent transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) were studied.  The researchers evaluated TVUS-determined endometrial thickness and abnormalities in relation to subsequent diagnoses of endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia.  Greater weight, older age, and personal histories of breast cancer were associated with excess risk for endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia.   Among the highest risk women, the screening looked at endometrial thickness, and had more than 80% sensitivity for endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia.