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Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the inner lining of the uterus—called the endometrium. It is the most common form of uterine cancer and among the most common cancers worldwide. The majority of cases occur in post-menopausal women, but endometrial cancer affects many people across many different age groups.
Like any cancer diagnosis, endometrial cancer can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. It can cause feelings of uncertainty and distress about treatment, finances, and what the future will be like. It can impact relationships with friends, family, and intimate partners. The physical effects of the cancer and treatment can change how a person feels about their body.
Endometrial cancer and mental health
While endometrial cancer is a different experience for every person, taking care of mental health and quality of life should be priorities for every person living with endometrial cancer. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Communicate with your healthcare team. Be open and honest about your experiences, concerns, and emotions when communicating with your healthcare team. A treatment plan should target the cancer but also address the challenges of living with cancer.
- Build your support network. Being diagnosed with a serious illness can feel isolating. Support from friends and loved ones can make a major difference to your mental health and quality of life. Also remember that support can take many forms, from having a friend who will listen, to having a friend who can help you with meals when you’re fatigued from treatment.
- Connect with other people who have endometrial cancer. Support groups that meet in person or online offer the chance to connect with other people who also know what it’s like to live with cancer.
- Work with an oncology social worker. Oncology social workers can provide counseling and help you navigate the different challenges of living with endometrial cancer—for example, help applying for financial assistance programs or working out payment plans with insurance providers or treatment centers.
- Work with a therapist. For example, a therapist that specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy or working with people living with cancer.
- Make nutrition a part of your treatment plan. People living with cancer often have different nutritional needs. Talk about nutrition with your healthcare providers—foods to eat, foods to avoid, strategies to help eat enough when eating is difficult. If possible, work with a registered dietitian.
- Stay physically active. Endometrial cancer and cancer treatment may limit the types of activities you can do and how much you can do. Talk to your healthcare providers about ways to exercise safely—exercise can benefit moods, wellbeing, and overall health.
- Manage stress. Living with cancer is often stressful. Pay attention to stress levels and be proactive about reducing stress. Consider activities like meditation, breathing exercises, listening to relaxing music, and any coping strategies that have helped you through stressful times in the past.
- Prioritize what’s important. Make time for the parts of your life that are most meaningful to you—time spent with loved ones, creative hobbies, or simple things like watching a movie you wanted to see or going out for coffee.
- Keep learning. One of the reasons cancer can be so hard on mental health is that cancer can make you feel like you are not in control. Being well informed about endometrial cancer and how it can be treated can help you feel better prepared to talk to your healthcare team and make decisions about your treatment. Your healthcare providers will be your best source of information.
Endometrial cancer and mental health disorders
Feeling some amount of sadness, anger, frustration, and distress are normal when living with endometrial cancer. But these feelings can also be symptoms of a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety—disorders that affect many people living with cancer. Mental health disorders can occur after diagnosis, after treatment, or at some other time.
Common symptoms of anxiety can include:
- Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness
- Excessive worry and fear, thoughts of the worst possible outcomes
- Muscle tension, trembling, tingling, numbness
- Difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decisions
- Feeling irritable and restless
- Feeling detached from reality
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Fatigue
Symptoms of depression can include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, or feeling empty
- Persistent feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Irritability and restlessness, mood swings
- Loss of interest in previous enjoyable activities
- Loss of interest in sex
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, making decisions
- Changes in sleep habits, including insomnia, waking early in the morning, or excessive sleeping
- Changes in eating habits, including overeating or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide
What to do in a mental health emergency?
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek help immediately. Licensed mental health professionals are available at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which can be contacted by calling or texting 988.
