Endometrial cancer is a cancer of the tissue that lines the uterus (the endometrium). It's the most common kind of cancer of the female reproductive system. According to the American Cancer Society, about 40,100 new cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. An estimated 7,470 women will die from it.

Endometrial cancer is most common in postmenopausal women. Most cases of endometrial cancer are diagnosed after 55. The cancer is more common in white women than African-American women. However, blacks are twice as likely to die from it. Potential signs include: abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge (especially after menopause), pelvic pain or pressure and weight loss.

Steps to Health: Exercise and Endometrial Cancer Survival

Studies show that obesity and lack of exercise are important risk factors for the development of endometrial cancer. Karen Basen-Engquist, Ph.D., Researcher, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center/University of Texas, says being overweight and inactive increases the risk of other health problems, like diabetes and high blood pressure. These health issues add to the physical and emotional toll from the cancer and cancer treatment.

The Steps to Health program is a study being done at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center to help doctors determine the best way to help endometrial cancer survivors start and adhere to a personalized exercise and fitness program. Investigators are looking for women who are at least six months post-treatment, are not currently active and are cleared by their own physician to participate in an exercise program. Each participant will receive an electrocardiogram, one-on-one support counseling and a personalized, tailored fitness plan that takes into account the patient's fitness level, ability and other medical limitations (such as arthritis). Assessments of fitness, health and quality of life will be conducted during the initial interview and every other month for six months.

Basen-Engquist says the goal of the study is to determine if researchers can identify factors that encourage endometrial cancer survivors to take part in an exercise program and find ways to tailor interventions based on needs, ability and limitations. The investigators hope to enroll about 100 more participants in the study. For more information, call 713-745-4296. (Although the exercise programs can be done at home, patients are required to make four trips to Houston to take part in office-based assessments and follow-ups.)

To take part in the Steps to Health study, call 713-745-4296. Although the exercise program can be done at home anywhere in the U.S., patients are required to make four trips to Houston to take part in office-based assessments and follow-ups.

For general information on endometrial cancer:

American Cancer Society

National Cancer Institute