Which gynecologic malignancy is most common in the United States?

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecologic malignancy in the United States. This cancer originates from the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) and is most frequently diagnosed in postmenopausal women. Several risk factors contribute to its prevalence, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and prolonged estrogen exposure without progestin opposition, which is often seen in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

The relative frequency of endometrial carcinoma compared to other gynecologic cancers can be attributed to the increasing rates of obesity and the hormonal changes associated with it. Additionally, the earlier detection and improved screening for endometrial issues have contributed to the diagnosis of this cancer at a higher rate than others.

In contrast, cervical carcinoma has seen a decline in incidence due to widespread screening with Pap smears and the HPV vaccine, which significantly reduces the risk of HPV-associated cancers. Ovarian carcinoma tends to be less common, but it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, leading to higher mortality rates despite its lower incidence. Vaginal carcinoma is the rarest of the gynecologic malignancies and accounts for a very small percentage of cancers in women.

Thus, considering the epidemiological data, endometr