Recognizing Endometrial Cancer Risks in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Experiences: Insights From Community Qualitative Interviews and Workshop.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the experiences of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in British Columbia, their perceptions of expected reproductive aging, and potential concerns about endometrial cancer (EC).

METHODS

We interviewed 31 midlife community women of diverse backgrounds and hosted a workshop for more in-depth discussion. We summarized relayed experiences and beliefs through a thematic and descriptive analysis of participant stories and workshop feedback.

RESULTS

Participants demonstrated a somewhat simplistic understanding of midlife changes, facing this phase of life with a "tough-it-out" attitude rather than seeking medical help for arising symptoms. Awareness of EC and EC-specific risk factors, such as obesity, was low. Confusion between cervical and EC was common. Although abnormal bleeding was seen as potentially of concern, many opted to wait before seeking medical help. Workshop participants stressed the need to include awareness about EC in a broader conversation about perimenopause and menopause and suggested strategies for disseminating EC awareness.

CONCLUSIONS

Community women in British Columbia demonstrated low awareness of EC-associated symptoms and risk factors. There is little information to help distinguish when perimenopausal abnormal uterine bleeding is of concern and when to seek help. This highlights the need to enhance knowledge of EC and its risk factors in perimenopause among the public and among health care providers.