Casey and Dr Pothuri have been compensated by GSK for their participation in this video and article. Casey is a patient with endometrial cancer who will be discussing her experience; individual experiences may vary.
For many young adults, their late 20s are a time to dream about careers, families, and the future. But for Casey, those years were defined by something very different: a fight for her life. At 28, she was diagnosed with stage three endometrial cancer, a disease most often found in women after menopause. Casey’s story underscores why listening to women’s voices and symptoms is critical and why raising awareness matters.
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the U.S. and mortality rates are on the rise. Some of the most common signs and symptoms are abnormal bleeding or spotting from the vagina, or any vaginal bleeding after menopause, which is the time when a woman has gone 12 straight months without a period. These are not all the signs and symptoms, and they may also be attributed to other causes, but it’s advised to see a healthcare provider if experiencing any abnormal vaginal bleeding.
While Casey’s diagnosis at such a young age, long before menopause, was unusual, gynecologic oncologist Dr Bhavana Pothuri says she is seeing more younger women develop the disease.
One major factor in this increase in younger patients is a rise in incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. “Women with PCOS don’t ovulate on a regular basis, so the body does not shed the lining of the uterus,” explains Dr Pothuri. “This contributes to the continued thickening of that endometrial lining, which increases your risk of developing cancer or pre-cancer.” This rise in PCOS diagnoses nationwide, along with other estrogen increasing conditions like obesity, are leading to increasing endometrial cancer diagnoses among younger women.
Family history can also play a role in developing endometrial cancer. People with an inherited condition called Lynch syndrome or with close relatives who have Lynch syndrome or endometrial cancer face a higher risk of developing the disease themselves. Race is another aspect. Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive subtypes of endometrial cancer that can increase the risk of death. But anyone with a uterus can potentially be at risk. “If you have any kind of irregular vaginal bleeding or post-menopausal bleeding, you need to speak to a physician,” urges Dr Pothuri.
The main symptom of endometrial cancer – abnormal vaginal bleeding – is much easier to spot in post-menopausal women, when their menstrual cycle has stopped. That’s why she encourages patients to trust their instincts. “If you feel something is wrong, don’t stop pressing for answers, and if your doctor won’t listen, you always have a right to a second opinion.”
Today, Casey shares her journey openly to educate and empower others. Know the signs. Advocate for yourself. Talk to your healthcare professional if you notice anything unusual.
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NPUS-ECUCOCO250046 September 2025.
Produced in USA.
