Weight Management for Uterine Cancer

It’s not a coincidence that many women with endometrial cancer also struggle with obesity. Excess fat in the body can actually lead to the growth of tumors in the uterus.

However, just as weight gain can contribute to the development of endometrial cancer, losing weight can help control it. Washington University gynecologic oncologists at Siteman see weight management as a crucial component of a patient’s treatment plan. By taking charge of their weight, patients can improve their treatment outcomes and establish good health habits that will allow them to thrive in recovery.

How does losing weight help treat endometrial cancer?

There are many reasons why losing weight, even just a little, can lead to a better prognosis for women with endometrial cancer.

Losing weight can:

• Reduce excess estrogen in the body, thus slowing down and even reversing the growth of uterine tissue.
• Make surgery easier and safer.
• Speed your recovery time from surgery and treatment.

How does Siteman support uterine cancer patients who want to lose weight?

At Siteman, we recognize that managing your weight is a challenge. We know that you’ve probably tried to lose weight before, and that it’s far more difficult than most people think.

When you come to us, we won’t just tell you to eat better and get some exercise. Instead, we’ll have an in-depth conversation about your lifestyle and history with your weight so we can better understand what you’ve been through and what you hope to achieve. Together we’ll work to create an action plan that takes your strengths and preferences into account.

This plan might include:

• Bariatric surgery
• Enrollment in a weight loss program with psychological support
• Medications