Lizbeth Muller
Winning Her Fight Against Endometrial Cancer with Broward Health
Miami businesswoman Lizbeth Muller, 60, proudly holds the title of endometrial cancer survivor. The most common type of gynecologic cancer, endometrial cancer affects the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Lizbeth was diagnosed in 2023 after noticing some unusual symptoms.
"I stopped having periods years earlier, but I began noticing slight spotting and discharge in early 2023," Lizbeth said. "That wasn't normal."
Lizbeth consulted her OB-GYN and had some tests done. She was shocked to learn she had stage 1 endometrial cancer.
"It was an aggressive form," she said. "It scared the living daylights out of me."
On the Rise
Lizbeth is part of a concerning trend. New cases of endometrial cancer have been rising each year for more than a decade, and it's one of the few cancers with an increasing death rate, according to the American Cancer Society. In addition, endometrial cancer recently overtook ovarian cancer as the deadliest gynecologic cancer.
Gynecologic cancers typically require multiple types of therapy, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy.
"In endometrial cancer, we started combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy for patients with advanced disease about three years ago," said Scott Jordan, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist with the Broward Health Physician Group. "We're seeing massive improvements in patients' outcomes as a result."
In addition, surgical oncologists increasingly rely on robotic-assisted technologies, which may speed up recovery times after surgery and allow patients to start other forms of treatment sooner.
From Treatment to Survivorship
The Miami Shores resident's OB-GYN referred her to Dr. Jordan, who saw her quickly. Reassured by the treatment plan he put together, Lizbeth had robotic-assisted surgery at Broward Health Medical Center soon afterward. Dr. Jordan removed her cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and some nearby lymph nodes. Lizbeth concluded her treatment with several weeks of radiation therapy in the fall of 2023.
Now a few years cancer-free, Lizbeth looks forward to relaxing and enjoying life to the fullest. She continues to see Dr. Jordan, who described her outcome as "fantastic."
"I want women to be aware of their bodies," Lizbeth said. "If you see or feel something that isn't quite right, even if you're healthy and take care of yourself, see your doctor."
Know the Symptoms
Gynecologic cancers, which include cancers of the endometrium, cervix, ovaries, vagina, vulva and fallopian tubes, all cause different symptoms. In general, watch for:
- Abdominal or back pain
- Constipation
- Feeling full too quickly after eating
- More frequent urination
- Pelvic pain
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Vulvar pain, itching, burning or skin changes
Who's at Risk?
Obesity is a major risk factor for endometrial cancer. Maintaining a healthy body weight can reduce your risk.
"For cervical cancer, key risk factors include smoking and anything that compromises the immune system," said Jordan. "Genetic mutations account for the biggest source of risk for ovarian cancer. Having a family history of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome significantly increases your risk for these cancers."
To protect against gynecologic cancers, patients should see an OB-GYN regularly. They can perform Pap and human papillomavirus (HPV) tests for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. HPV causes most cervical cancers.
Participating in a cancer clinical trial can give patients access to a new, leading-edge treatment that could help in their fight against the disease. Broward Health offers one of the largest gynecologic cancer clinical trial portfolios in South Florida.
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