Patients with endometrial cancer continue to lack understanding of their risks for cancer

Abstract

It is unclear if endometrial cancer (EC) patients are aware of their modifiable risk factors. We administered a 33-item questionnaire to EC patients at a university-based cancer center to assess their understanding of how comorbidities and lifestyle/sexual behaviors impact their cancer risk. We also inquired about their access to a primary care physician (PCP). Pearson's χ 2 test or Fisher's exact test were used to assess differences in understanding based on a dichotomized Charlson comorbidity score, <7 vs ≥7. Of the 50 surveyed women (81% response rate), 39 reported hypertension (80%) and 36 (72%) diabetes. All had a PCP. Most were aware that obesity contributes to diabetes (43/48, 90%), hypertension (42/48, 88%), and heart attack (42, 88%), but only 19/49 (39%) knew that EC is more common in overweight/obese women. More than half lacked understanding of the following risks including modifiable risk factors–unhealthy diet (31, 62%), hormone replacement therapy (38, 76%), alcohol (30, 60%), and the protective effects of cigarette smoking (38, 76%). Most also incorrectly identified the following sexual health factors as risks for EC: early coitarche (30, 60%), or having an abortion (27, 54%), a sexually transmitted infection (35, 70%) or human immunodeficiency virus (34, 68%). Although EC patients recognize that obesity is linked to comorbidities, less than half are aware that it contributes to their cancer risk. Furthermore, responses to lifestyle/sexual health behaviors suggest women may lack understanding of global differences between endometrial and cervical cancer risk factors.

Alcohol Exposure Impacts the Composition of HeLa-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

“…These data are important for two reasons. First, knowing that cancer initiation and cancer progression is multifactorial, better diagnostic tools such as exosomes are needed [37,38]. Secondly, knowing that cancer progression can be further exasperated by other external stimuli (i.e., nicotine and alcohol) further reiterates the need for better diagnostic tools [35].…”

Perceived importance of weight loss and exercise among endometrial cancer survivors with overweight or obesity: Implications for lifestyle modification interventions

“…These findings are consistent with previous research reporting that gynecologic cancer patient preferences (38% of whom were EC patients) who understood the importance of weight loss and obesity-related health risks were more likely to believe that weight management counseling would be effective. 38 As a majority of women in the US are not aware of the association between obesity and EC, [39][40][41] these results suggest that increasing obesity-related risk perceptions may increase positive beliefs toward (and ultimate uptake of) lifestyle modification and weight loss programs.…”

Trends in Incidence and Mortality Rates of Uterine Cancer in Kentucky

“…34 Similarly, studies assessing technology-based education platforms have shown that women are amenable to lifestyle modifications. 35 Nontraditional weight loss strategies, as well as pharmacologic and surgical therapies, also have shown benefit in patients in which traditional lifestyle modifications are not sufficient. 36,37 Where physicians can make the most difference is in educating and empowering endometrial cancer survivors to serve as advocates to their peers.…”

“…Reducing these knowledge gaps for patients through counseling, combined with technology-based interventions that use smartphone applications and telemedicine, has shown positive results 34 . Similarly, studies assessing technology-based education platforms have shown that women are amenable to lifestyle modifications 35 . Nontraditional weight loss strategies, as well as pharmacologic and surgical therapies, also have shown benefit in patients in which traditional lifestyle modifications are not sufficient 36,37 .…”