The home of whole-person & compassionate cancer care

Uterine Cancer Genetics

Endometrial cancer, commonly called uterine cancer, is the most common female reproductive tract adenocarcinoma. Incidence rate for the cancer is estimated at 188,000 women globally. Women in developed countries are at greater risk of developing the disease than those in underdeveloped nations. In 2009, uterine cancer accounted for more than 35,000 new cases and greater than 7,000 deaths in the United States. While women older than 50 are more susceptible to uterine cancer, incidence rate in younger women has been steadily increasing in the recent few years.

Although there is no accurate estimate of the proportion of uterine cancers that are inherited, a familial link is established. Heike Allgayer et.al., in the book “Hereditary Tumors: From Genes to Clinical Consequences,” suggest that 5 percent of all uterine cancers are due to genetic factors.

Studies have shown that those women are at greater risk of uterine cancer who have a family history of the disease. Researchers have shown that mutations in the bMSH6 gene are sometimes passed on through families, manifesting in the form of uterine cancer. According to Chris Eng et.al., in the book “A Practical Guide to Human Cancer Genetics,” approximately 1 percent of all uterine cancers have a genetic link. The authors report that approximately 16 percent of women with uterine cancer have a first-degree relative with the condition.

Incidence of uterine cancer is also high in those women whose families have a history of colon cancer. Most inherited uterine cancer occurs in families with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or Lynch syndrome. Relatives of patients with breast or ovarian cancers are also at increased risk of developing uterine cancer.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, they offer integrative, whole person care. Contact one of their representatives all day, every day by phone or online chat. Cancer Treatment Centers of America has Hospitals in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Zion Illinois, Tulsa Oklahoma, and Goodyear Arizona. For more information on their integrative treatment options for Uterine Cancer call today.