ENDOMETRIAL CANCER - TRENDS IN INCIDENCE AND SURVIVAL - A PREVENTABLEDISEASE

Endometrial cancer is the commonest gynaecological cancer. Its relativ e increase in incidence over recent decades has been generally associa ted with a reduction in mortality. Evidence is presented to show a con siderable variation in incidence worldwide; Australia, like England an d Wales, has a comparatively low incidence. The incidence is highest i n parts of the United States where it has shown an annual fall of near ly 3% between 1973 and 1987. The influence of hysterectomy, oral contr aception and hormone replacement therapy at the menopause are discusse d relative to incidence and prevention of the disease. Obesity and its prevention are also shown to have an influence on incidence and its e thnic variation worldwide. Despite a minor improvement in survival in FIGO published figures, the recent COSA-UK-NZ 'high risk' trial highli ghts the importance to the patient of closely monitored clinical trial s.