Cancer Prevention with Weight Loss

Endometrial Cancer and Bariatric Surgery

:: Download Our Brochure on Endometrial Cancer and Bariatric Surgery

The mission of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU is to continuously improve women's health in many ways, one of them being research. Endometrial cancer is a cancer of the inside lining (endometrium) of the uterus (womb). It is the fourth most common cancer in women in the United States and obesity greatly increases a woman's risk of developing endometrial cancer. This is because heavier women  have higher levels of some hormones that are known to cause problems in the endometrium, one of which is cancer.

However, substantial weight loss has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. This is thought to be because losing weight lowers levels of certain hormones, and this can undo the changes that can lead to cancer.

Purpose of this Study

The purpose of this study is to see whether the dramatic weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery among overweight premenopausal women will reverse the development of endometrial cancer, and to learn the details of how obesity permits the development of endometrial cancer.

Participation in the Study

Participants in our research are asked to complete a medical exam, blood test and endometrial biopsy before and after bariatric surgery. This information will help researchers to determine how obesity and weight loss affect the development of endometrial cancer. All research at NYU School of Medicine involving humans must first be approved by the committee of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), which has specific regulations to ensure your safety.

During the study, you will be referred to an NYU gynecologist for a baseline assessment before surgery, and two follow-up assessments after surgery. The assessment will include your medical and gynecologic history, physical measurement and exam, gynecologic exam, Pap smear, endometrial biopsy, and a blood test.

Costs and Reimbursements

If you choose to participate in this study, you will continue to be responsible for all costs of your care related to your bariatric surgery.

You will be receiving extra medical care as a part of this study. You or your insurance company will NOT be charged or held responsible for these costs. However, if the evaluation you undergo during this trial reveals a problemthat needs further treatment (for example, cancer), you or your insurance company WILL be responsible for covering the cost of that treatment.

How Can You Help?

If you are interested in finding out more information about this study, have any questions about the research, or would like further information about your rights as a research subject, please contact:

Principal Investigator
Dr. Stephanie Blank
(212) 263-2668
stephanie.blank@med.nyu.edu

Learn more about bariatric surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center at http://thinforlife.med.nyu.edu/.