For young women facing early-stage endometrial cancer, the prescribed treatment is often a removal of all or part of the lining of the uterus, usually at the time of diagnosis. But while effective at removing the cancer, it eliminates their ability to carry biological children.
However, a world-first study by BC Cancer, funded in part by the generosity of BC Cancer Foundation donors, is likely to change treatment on a global-scale by offering young couples the opportunity to still have children.
Cancer in BC touches everyone. One in two British Columbians will develop cancer within their lifetime, and each patient will be treated according to the standards of care set by BC Cancer.
Thanks to the support of generous donors, BC Cancer Foundation is powering breakthroughs and innovations related to cancer treatment in BC. Every dollar raised stays in the province, supporting local care and creating a tangible impact for all British Columbians.
A groundbreaking study
For women in their 20s and 30s facing cancer, losing their ability to have children can have enormous mental health consequences.
“Studies highlight that even though patients appreciate that their cancer is cured, losing their fertility has a major impact on their lives and wellbeing,” explains Dr. Mark Carey, BC Cancer gynecologist and study lead.
This is why BC Cancer’s breakthrough study is helping change lives. Rather than a complete or partial removal of the uterus, surgeons are using a more selective approach of resection surgery to remove the cancer and biopsy and hysteroscopy (a thin, lighted tube that allows a surgeon to look inside the uterus) to monitor for recurrence while preserving fertility in early-stage endometrial cancer patients.
The end result: Patients may successfully avoid a complete removal of the uterus and retain their ability to possibly conceive children.
Thanks to this protocol, around 40 women in BC have been able to delay a hysterectomy. That’s 40 women who can pursue their dream of starting a family. Seven of these patients have conceived following treatment, and two have already given birth.
The Castillo family
One such patient is Marlifel Castillo, a BC woman who was diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia Grade 1 endometrial cancer about six months after the birth of her first baby, Marlon Jack (MJ), in 2020.
“I was told we could treat it with medication, or they could take out my uterus,” says Marlifel. At just 28 years old, and hopeful for more children, she opted for hormone treatment.
After six months, her doctor informed her the treatment wasn’t working. Thankfully, she was referred to Dr. Carey’s groundbreaking study.
“I tried to stay optimistic, but I felt really sad that MJ might not ever have a sibling,” says Marlifel.
In June 2023, following the study and once her doctor felt it was safe, Marlifel’s doctor gave her and her husband, James, a six-month window to try for a second child. In July 2024, her daughter Madeleine Jeremiah was born.
“[MJ] really loves his sister, and I’m so grateful to BC Cancer that he has someone to grow up with,” says Marlifel.
A brighter future
Dr. Carey believes in a bright future for endometrial cancer treatment that extends beyond the province. The news of each patient who is able to successfully avoid a hysterectomy and go on to conceive is a major cause for celebration for him and his team.
“It’s super exciting for us to be able to offer an alternative that results in such an amazing and joyous outcome,” says Dr. Carey.
For her part, Marlifel is content to be a mom of two for now, and isn’t ready to think about any future additions to the family. But you never know, she laughs, “James has ten siblings!”
Every dollar donated to the BC Cancer Foundation stays in the province to help fuel life-saving research and care at BC Cancer. Please support families in BC facing cancer, like the Castillos, by donating today.