What is endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in France and the fourth most common women's cancer, with an estimated 8,000 cases annually. It mainly affects women over the age of 60. 

The endometrium is the mucous membrane lining the inside of the uterus, where the fetus develops during pregnancy. Most endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers arising from glandular epithelial cells). Much more rarely, it can be a sarcoma (tumor originating from the connective tissue). 

The main risk factors for endometrial cancer are obesity and diabetes. In about 2 to 5% of cases¹, endometrial cancer is linked to a genetic predisposition, in particular, in the context of a Lynch syndrome (altered genes MSH1, MSH6, MLH1 or PMS2). 

The Institute of Women’s Cancers

Expert in the management of gynecological cancers, Institut Curie offers patients with ovarian cancer optimal and innovative care that is personally adapted to each individual case.
Institut Curie is co-founder of the Institute of Women’s Cancers, which was certified as a University-Hospital Institute in 2023. This project combines the scientific and medical requirements of Institut Curie, PSL University and Inserm for holistic management of patients affected by breast and gynecological cancers in order to better prevent them, cure them, limit their relapses, and mitigate their consequences in terms of quality of life. Since we are a national referral center, doctors, caregivers, researchers, and patient associations combine their expertise to accelerate breakthrough innovations in breast and gynecological cancer for the benefit of women affected by the disease.

More information about the Institute of Women’s Cancers

¹  The national  french cancer institute