An Accessible Framework for Early Endometrial Cancer Risk Stratification Using Survey and Blood-Based Biomarkers

Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, develops when cells in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, grow uncontrollably. The most at-risk demographics for this specific cancer are women older than the age of 55 and post-menopausal women. Even though the cancer has high survival rates when detected in early stages, diagnosis is often delayed due to the invasive nature of current diagnostic procedures such as endometrial biopsy and hysteroscopy. Diagnosis is also hindered by limited awareness of early symptoms, including abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.

This study proposes a two-part screening framework designed to identify risks related to endometrial cancer. The first component consists of a structured risk-assessment survey incorporating demographic, clinical, genetic, and lifestyle factors with weightings based on how much they would increase the risk of endometrial cancer. The second component involves analysis of blood-based biomarkers associated with endometrial cancer. Data from both components are integrated using a rule-based algorithm to stratify individual cancer risk.

This framework models a minimally invasive and accessible approach to early risk assessment that could support earlier clinical evaluation of at-risk individuals. While not intended to replace clinical diagnostic procedures, it illustrates how such a framework might help address barriers to initial risk assessment and encourage individuals to seek more conclusive testing.