[Cancer of the endometrium: detection and prophylaxis]

For material reasons, mass screening for cancer of the endometrium is not feasible. The authors therefore attempt to outline the characteristics of those patients who are especially prone to develop an endometrial carcinoma. The sequence of clinical and paraclinical diagnostic procedures is recalled. Special attention is given to prophylaxis; if cancer of the endometrium is hormono-dependent, it follows that such prophylaxis is possible. In order to prevent cancer from developing, a correct balance between estrogens and progestogens must be ensured, particularly in premenopausal women. As for cancer of the cervix, correct screening and prophylaxis should result in significant improvement of the prognosis of endometrial cancer.