Prevalence of endometrial cancer in young patients

Background: Cancer of the endometrium is the most common gynecologic malignancy in western and industrial countries, and is the second most common in developing countries, therefore it is of special importance. Adenocarcinoma of the endometrium is the most common type of uterine cancer. The prevalence of endometrial cancer in young women under the age of 40 in western country is very low and about 5 percent. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of endometrial cancer at age ≤40 years in our center during 4 years. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, all medical records of patients with endometrial cancer in Ghaem University Hospital, Mashhad, Iran was reviewed to identify women <40 years of age with endometrial cancer, over the course of 4 years, (from 2012 to 2015). The risk factors for endometrial cancer, such as obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO), infertility, and a history of cancer in the family or individual, were collected in each patient. Clinical features, histological type of endometrial carcinoma, and therapeutic action also were gathered. Results: A total of 119 patients with endometrial cancer that was admitted in our genecology oncology center were evaluated. 19 patients (15.9%) were younger than 40 years old. 16 cases (84.2%) with endometrial adenocarcinoma and 3 (15.7%) had endometrial stromal sarcoma. The youngest patient was 27 years old and the oldest was 39 years. Seven patients (8/36%) had infertility and we don’t know about fertility condition in 3, because they were single. 12 cases (63%) were overweight (BMI≥35) and 6 cases (5/31%) had polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). In 2 patients, there was concomitant ovarian and endometrial cancer. Histology report of both ovaries was endometrioid and both patients were overweight. Obesity, poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOD) and Infertility were the most important risk factors for endometrial cancer in young patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of endometrial cancer in young women under the age of 40 in our country is so higher than the statistics provided in industrial countries.