In Australia the number of endometrial cancer survivors is rising due to increasing incidence, coupled with higher survival rates. Endometrial cancer accounts for 95 per cent of uterine cancer diagnoses and is the most common gynaecological cancer diagnosed in Australian women. In 2020, an estimated 3,224 women were expected to be diagnosed with uterine cancer and an estimated 607 women were expected to die from the disease.
Shared follow-up and survivorship care for women with low-risk endometrial cancer, involving the joint participation of primary and specialist health teams, is supported by evidence. Cancer Australia has developed a Shared follow-up and survivorship care for women with low-risk endometrial cancer: Summary of Evidence that supports a shared follow-up and survivorship care model for women with low-risk endometrial cancer in Australia.
Rates of recurrence for low-risk endometrial cancer are low, occurring in less than 5% of women and usually within the first two to three years after diagnosis. Additionally, many women with endometrial cancer have co-morbidities including obesity-related issues, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These co-morbidities can be safely and effectively managed through the shared care of specialists and primary care practitioner/s.
Cancer Australia’s Shared follow-up and survivorship care model for women with low-risk endometrial cancer features a Guide for General Practitioners, a Guidance Toolkit and supporting resources that describe enablers of shared follow-up care identified from studies, such as the use of shared care plans.