Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). It is the most common gynecologic cancer in women in the United States.

In recent years, there have been concerns about the long-term impact of endometrial cancer treatment on cardiovascular health. In this article, we will explore the connection between endometrial cancer and cardiovascular health, and what steps women can take to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease after endometrial cancer treatment.

What is Endometrial Cancer?

Endometrial cancer is a cancer that starts in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. It is also known as uterine cancer. The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, which can occur after menopause or between periods.

Other symptoms may include pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, and weight loss.

Treatment for Endometrial Cancer

Treatment for endometrial cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and the woman’s overall health. Common treatments for endometrial cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Surgery is the most common treatment for endometrial cancer and involves removing the uterus, cervix, and ovaries. Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells, while chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.

Long-Term Impact on Cardiovascular Health

Studies have suggested that endometrial cancer survivors are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

This is due to several factors, including the cancer treatments themselves, as well as certain risk factors that are common in endometrial cancer survivors.

Cancer Treatments and Cardiovascular Health

Certain cancer treatments can have long-term effects on cardiovascular health. For example, radiation therapy to the pelvis can damage the blood vessels in the area and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Chemotherapy can also damage the heart and increase the risk of heart failure. Surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries can cause early menopause, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Endometrial Cancer Survivors

Endometrial cancer survivors may have certain risk factors that increase their risk of cardiovascular disease. For example, obesity is a risk factor for both endometrial cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Women who have had endometrial cancer may also have had treatments that cause them to gain weight, such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Other risk factors for cardiovascular disease in endometrial cancer survivors include hypertension, diabetes, and smoking.

Reducing the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease After Endometrial Cancer Treatment

There are several things women can do to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease after endometrial cancer treatment. First, women should make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

This includes maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking. Women may also need to manage any underlying conditions that increase their risk of cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension or diabetes.

Finally, women who have had endometrial cancer should have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor their cardiovascular health.

Conclusion

Endometrial cancer survivors are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to both cancer treatments and certain risk factors that are common in endometrial cancer survivors.

Women can take steps to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease after endometrial cancer treatment by making lifestyle changes, managing underlying conditions, and having regular check-ups with their healthcare provider.