In 2025, more than 69,000 women across the U.S. will face a uterine cancer diagnosis, and close to 14,000 will lose their lives to the disease. Endometrial cancer — a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the uterus — accounts for roughly 90% of these cases. While rates of many other cancers are decreasing, uterine cancer is on the rise. But despite its growing prevalence, endometrial cancer remains one of the least-discussed cancers affecting women.

In 2021, Cheryl was diagnosed with stage four endometrial cancer after experiencing loss of bladder control and vaginal discharge. “I was familiar with ovarian and cervical cancer, but before my diagnosis, I had never heard of endometrial cancer.” When she first started seeing symptoms, she believed they were normal signs of aging, but when her discharge started to change color, she decided to see the doctor.

Even though speaking about gynecologic issues can feel awkward, gynecologic oncologist Angeles Alvarez Secord, M.D., M.H.Sc., says these conversations could save lives: “I think there’s something about cancers that are under the belt that makes people uncomfortable discussing them,” she says. “And that really contributes to the lack of public awareness and education. We have to change that.”

To learn more about endometrial cancer, visit ourwayforward.com.

Dr. Secord and Cheryl were compensated by GSK for their participation in this panel.

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