Angelina Jolie is a well-known American actress, director, and humanitarian who underwent a preventive double mastectomy in 2013. She also had her ovaries removed in 2015 due to her high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

Her decision to publicly share her genetic risks and medical procedures prompted a discussion on the “Angelina Jolie Effect.” This effect is a phenomenon where women are more likely to seek out genetic testing and preventive surgeries after hearing about Jolie’s experience. However, another type of cancer that often goes overlooked is uterine cancer, which can also be related to genetic mutations.

What is Uterine Cancer?

Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the uterus or the endometrium. It is the most common type of gynecologic cancer, affecting about 63,000 women every year in the United States alone.

Women who are postmenopausal, obese, or have a family history of uterine or colon cancer are at a higher risk of developing this disease.

Genetics and Uterine Cancer

Like breast and ovarian cancer, some cases of uterine cancer can also be caused by inherited genetic mutations. The most common cause of hereditary uterine cancer is Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).

It is a genetic disorder that increases the risk of developing different types of cancers, including uterine cancer, by altering how our body repairs DNA damage. About 2-5% of all cases of uterine cancer are caused by Lynch syndrome. Women who have a Lynch syndrome mutation have an up to 60% lifetime risk of developing uterine cancer, as well as a high risk of colon, ovarian, and other cancers.

Screening and Prevention for Uterine Cancer

Compared to breast and ovarian cancer, uterine cancer has less effective screening methods. Women who have uterine cancer may experience symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge, pain during intercourse, or pelvic pain.

However, these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, so it is essential to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider. Women who are at high risk of developing uterine cancer due to Lynch syndrome or other genetic mutations should consider annual or biannual screening, such as transvaginal ultrasound or endometrial biopsy, to detect any early signs of cancer.

Preventive measures, such as prophylactic hysterectomy, can be considered for women who have a very high risk of uterine cancer, especially those who have completed childbearing.

The “Jolie Effect” on Uterine Cancer Prevention

After Angelina Jolie’s announcement of her preventive surgeries due to her genetic risks, more women began to approach their healthcare providers to request genetic testing and preventive surgeries.

However, the “Jolie Effect” on uterine cancer prevention is still unclear. A study published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology found that after Jolie’s announcement, there was no significant increase in the number of women who underwent risk-reducing hysterectomy or screening for uterine cancer.

The researchers suggest that the lack of impact on uterine cancer prevention may be due to a lack of public awareness of the connection between hereditary cancer and uterine cancer, as well as the underappreciation of the importance of preventive measures in managing Lynch syndrome. More education and outreach efforts are needed to raise public awareness of the importance of genetic testing and preventive measures for uterine cancer among women who are at high risk of developing this disease.

Conclusion

Uterine cancer is a common gynecologic cancer that is often related to genetic mutations, including Lynch syndrome.

Women who have a family history of uterine or colon cancer or who experience symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding should discuss their concerns with a healthcare provider. Preventive measures, such as screening and prophylactic hysterectomy, can be considered for women who are at high risk of developing uterine cancer.

Despite the “Jolie Effect” on breast and ovarian cancer prevention, more education and outreach efforts are needed to raise public awareness of the connection between hereditary cancer and uterine cancer and the importance of preventive measures for preventing this disease.