Management of Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer in Primary Care
In primary care, the key role is early recognition and urgent referral rather than definitive treatment of early-stage endometrial cancer. Women aged 55 and over presenting with post-menopausal bleeding should be referred urgently via a suspected cancer pathway referral for assessment within 2 weeks. For women under 55 with post-menopausal bleeding, consider urgent referral based on clinical judgment. Additionally, consider direct access ultrasound scanning for women aged 55 and over with unexplained vaginal discharge, especially if accompanied by thrombocytosis, haematuria, low haemoglobin, or high blood glucose levels, to assess for endometrial cancer.
Primary care management includes prompt referral and facilitating investigations but does not include surgical or oncological treatment, which are managed in secondary care. Supportive care in primary care may include advising on symptom monitoring and ensuring timely follow-up if symptoms persist or worsen.