Endometrial cancer patients understanding and interest in weight loss surgery

Obesity is a risk factor for endometrial hyperplasia (EH), endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN), and early type 1 endometrial cancer (EC) in 70%-90% of patients and is often a significant contributor to overall morbidity and mortality due to comorbidities. In 2011, bariatric surgery (BS) with lifestyle modification was identified as an intervention for reduction in overall mortality as well as risk for gynecologic cancers (Tsui et al., 2021). Our aim was to assess awareness of obesity as a risk factor and understanding of BS in an underinsured obese patient population with EC or EH.

This IRB-approved survey was distributed to patients with type I EC or EH within the past 5 years and a BMI >30. Questions addressed demographics, health habits, cancer and obesity awareness, as well as benefits and concerns about undergoing BS. Information was provided about dietary requirements after BS, and then interest in BS was surveyed.

61.2% of surveyed patients were interested in bariatric surgery for weight loss after receiving education about the procedure. Interest in bariatric surgery was correlated with higher BMI, higher ideal and comfortable weight loss in pounds and higher estimated weight loss that could be obtained with bariatric surgery. Additionally, patients who were interested in BS had better understanding of the risks of obesity with cancer overall.

Obese patients with history of EC/EIN/EH are aware of hazards associated with excess weight and understand the relationship between EC/EIN/EH diagnosis and obesity, and overall are very interested in BS as a modality to improve their health.