Uterine cancer — also called endometrial cancer — most often announces itself with post-menopausal bleeding, a symptom that should always be evaluated promptly. Dr. Dipanwita Banerjee, Senior Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist at CNCI, manages uterine cancer from diagnosis through staging surgery and robotic treatment.
Uterine cancer, most commonly endometrial cancer, develops in the lining of the uterus. It is one of the five gynaecological cancers Dr. Banerjee treats, and — because its most common symptom, post-menopausal bleeding, tends to appear relatively early — it is often diagnosed at an earlier stage than ovarian cancer.
As with ovarian and vulval cancer, there is currently no routine population screening test for uterine cancer. Prompt evaluation of any post-menopausal bleeding, and awareness of metabolic risk factors, are the most important tools for early detection.
Post-menopausal bleeding is the hallmark symptom of uterine cancer and should never be dismissed as a normal part of ageing — it warrants prompt gynaecological evaluation.
Any vaginal bleeding after menopause is the most common symptom of uterine cancer and should be evaluated promptly rather than watched.
Unlike cervical cancer, uterine cancer has no routine screening test, which makes prompt evaluation of bleeding symptoms particularly important.
The key risk factors for uterine cancer are obesity, diabetes, and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) — all of which relate to prolonged exposure to unopposed oestrogen, a known driver of endometrial cell changes.
Because PCOS is a recognised risk factor, some women who develop uterine cancer are of reproductive age at diagnosis — which is why Dr. Banerjee's oncofertility counselling is particularly relevant to this condition when the disease stage allows fertility-sparing options to be considered.
Uterine cancer management centres on accurate surgical staging, with robotic techniques offering a minimally invasive option for many patients. Dr. Banerjee combines AIIMS-trained oncology expertise with fellowship training in robotic surgery.
Dr. Banerjee has specific expertise in the staging surgery used to manage uterine (endometrial) cancer, as part of her broader work in ovarian, uterine and other gynaecological malignancies.
Fellowship-trained in robotic surgery at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Centre, New York, she performs minimally invasive robotic procedures for endometrial cancer, offering faster recovery and reduced surgical trauma compared to open surgery.
For women of reproductive age — including those with PCOS-related risk — Dr. Banerjee provides sensitive counselling on fertility-sparing surgical options where the disease stage allows it.
Given the established links between uterine cancer and obesity, diabetes and PCOS, she incorporates awareness of these risk factors into patient counselling and follow-up.
As In-charge of the Department of Surgical Oncology (Gynaecology) at CNCI, she coordinates surgical staging with chemotherapy and radiation input from other specialists as each case requires.
Based at Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute — eastern India's premier regional cancer centre — since 2012, with an MCh in Gynaecological Oncology from AIIMS New Delhi.
"Committed to bringing the highest standard of gynaecological cancer care — with science, skill, and deep compassion — to every patient who trusts me with their care."