Public Awareness of Postmenopausal Bleeding as a Symptom of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecological diseases, and early recognition of its symptoms, such as postmenopausal bleeding, is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment.

But a recent cross-sectional survey of women aimed to assess public knowledge of postmenopausal bleeding, the most common sign of endometrial cancer, found that only 63% of participants correctly identified postmenopausal bleeding as a symptom of endometrial cancer.

The primary goals of the survey were to evaluate public awareness of postmenopausal bleeding as a symptom of endometrial cancer and to explore how counseling by health care providers influences both knowledge and the likelihood of seeking care following the onset of postmenopausal bleeding.

The researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey of women in September 2021 at a university research facility during the Minnesota State Fair. The survey collected demographic information, assessed knowledge of endometrial cancer symptoms, and queried participants about whether they had received counseling from their healthcare providers about postmenopausal bleeding. Additionally, participants were asked about their intended care-seeking behaviors if they experienced postmenopausal bleeding.

A total of 648 surveys were completed and included in the analysis. Overall, 63% of participants correctly identified postmenopausal bleeding as a symptom of endometrial cancer. Awareness was significantly higher among individuals who were born in the United States, had a college education or higher, and had private health insurance.

Among the 145 participants who were postmenopausal, 46.5% reported receiving counseling from their healthcare providers about postmenopausal bleeding. Importantly, provider counseling appeared to play a role in influencing care-seeking behavior, as 59% of postmenopausal participants indicated they would inform their provider after experiencing just one episode of postmenopausal bleeding.

“There is a need for increased recognition of postmenopausal bleeding and provider counseling on postmenopausal bleeding, and educational interventions should focus on public and provider awareness of endometrial cancer risks and symptoms,” the authors concluded.

Reference
Wise MK, Schefter AM, Brill J, et al. Public awareness and provider counseling regarding postmenopausal bleeding as a symptom of endometrial cancer. Menopause. 2024;31(10):905-910. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000002411