First patient guideline on endometrial cancer published

21.02.2022 13:57

For the first time, the Oncology Guidelines Program has published a patient guideline on endometrial cancer. The guideline is based on the current edition of the S3 guideline for medical professionals and provides patients with easily understandable information on the disease, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

Since some women may have a genetically increased risk of developing endometrial cancer, the guideline also addresses this target group with information on genetic counseling. The development of the patient guidelines is funded by the German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe) as part of its oncology guideline program.

„A cancer diagnosis often triggers feelings of helplessness and anxiety in many women: Where can I find help? What will happen to me, and what treatment options are available? The patient guideline on endometrial cancer provides well-founded information for affected women and aims to support informed decision-making. Readers will also find important tips for discussions with doctors, as well as information on other support services, such as psycho-oncological issues,“ says Prof. Dr. Günter Emons, University Medical Center Göttingen, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. He is part of the 13-member author team of the patient guideline.

Endometrial cancer originates from cells of the lining of the uterus. According to the Robert Koch Institute, 10,860 women were diagnosed with it in 2018. This makes it the fifth most common cancer among women, but it has a good prognosis. 2,631 women died from it in 2018. The average age of diagnosis is 68. Approximately 5 out of every 100 women diagnosed have a genetically increased risk of developing the disease.

The patient guideline is based on the "S3 guideline for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of patients with endometrial carcinoma," which provides evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals. The patient guideline can be downloaded free of charge here: www.leitlinienprogramm-onkologie.de/patientenleitlinien/gebaermutterkoerperkrebs/