SHEPHERDSBobby FerrellMerle GrizzellFrank Harrell

Ken PettyNelson Whitfield

Bruce Zupa

MINISTRY STAFFDaniel Palk

FAMILY

Blake McCaskillPREACHING

Dylan ArmstrongSTUDENTS (6TH-12TH)

Tony RobertsSENIOR ADULTS

John KennedyCOUNSELING

Karen CoxCHILDREN (BIRTH-PREK)

Lisa ToungetteCHILDREN (K-5TH)

Harold ScottMEADOWS CHAPLAIN

CHURCH OFFICEMONDAY-FRIDAY

Cayla ArmstrongCynthia Walker

As we approach this Memorial Day holiday, I hope that we will all take time to reflect on the power of remembering. We observe this American holiday to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military, a practice that began after the Civil War in the late 1860s. As a child, I didn’t really get that message. I learned early on that Memorial Day was when we went to the lake, the pools opened, we ate BBQ, hot dogs, and had picnics. Yes, I remember the red, white, and blue bunting and flags that spotted the stores, but I didn’t really “get it.” What was intended to be an event to bond me and my generation to those who died to give me the freedoms to enjoy turned out to have a whole other meaning for me at the time.

Now, my heart breaks to see those flags, to see the stories of brave sacrifice alongside the Memorial Day sales, the commercialization of a special day of remembrance of those who gave their lives in my place. This is not a new feeling for me though. I have experienced the same sadness at the way the world, and even the church, has changed the meanings of memorials found in scripture. For example, the Israelites were given the Passover as a memorial to keep for all generations of the night God Himself delivered them from 400 years of bondage. Christians have been given the memorial of the Lord’s Supper to remind us weekly of the sacrifice of God’s only Son to die in our place. And yet, sometimes we fail to appreciate and fully engage our full self in those memorials.

Today, I pray that you will take time to remember. Remember the fallen, remember the sacrifices, remember the families that were changed forever by the death of a father, son, grandson, nephew, niece, mother, daughter…of someone deeply loved and deeply missed for generations even. As you reflect on the sacrifice of American soldiers and citizens for the cause of freedom, remember that the ultimate sacrifice was that given by God for our eternal freedom. Thank you to those fallen, and thank you to the One Who is Risen that gives us our hope! John Kennedy

TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER

WELCOME TO ALL OUR GUESTS!Please fill out a Connection Card and go by the Welcome Center in the foyer to get more information about our church family and all the great things happening here. Thanks for joining us today!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

CHILDREN MINISTRYKaren Cox | 615.419.1851karencox@bellevue-church.com

CHILDREN MINISTRYLisa Toungette | 615.498.0402lisa@bellevue-church.com

CHILDREN MINISTRYKaren Cox | 615.419.1851karencox@bellevue-church.com

TONIGHT Kingdom Kids will not meet

SUMMER KICK-OFFMay 31 | Popsicles In The ParkRed Caboose Park following class

SHORT MOUNTAIN BIBLE CAMPJUNE 25-30 | Register online by TODAYOpen for children who have finished 3rd grade-12th grade. shortmountainbiblecamp.com

SAVE THE DATEVBS July 23-26 | 6-8 pmRome: Paul and the Underground Church

SUNDAY MORNINGK - Museum 2nd - Media1st - Science 3rd - Cafe’

**** Communion cup pick-up THIRD GRADE ***Parents please pick up your child in the Auditorium today!

SINGINGFellowship Hall @ 6 PM

TUESDAY CLASS | 1 PMRex Roberts/A120

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEALFellowship Hall | Sign-up/Pay Deadline, May 28

THURSDAY MORNING PRAYERFellowship Hall @ 8 AM

BRIDGE BUILDERS TRIP Lunch at Plantation Restaurant & Shop Amish Market Bus leaves @ 10 AM

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVEGym @ 10 AM, sign-up today!

COLLEGE DAYFellowship Hall @ 11 AM

BRIDAL TEA | Thompson/PattersonLadies Parlor, 2 - 4 PM

SUMMER SERIESBruce McLarty, Harding | 6 PM

TUESDAY CLASSES | 10 AM & 1 PMMen’s/Library, Rex Roberts/A120

MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFASTDoor 6 @ 6 AM

THURSDAY MORNING PRAYERFellowship Hall @ 8 AM

SUMMER SERIESDorian Flynn, Partners 4 Africa | 6 PM

TUESDAY CLASS | 10 AMMen’s/Library

THURSDAY MORNING PRAYERFellowship Hall @ 8 AM

LADIES FRIENDSHIP GROUP LUNCHEONFellowship Hall @ 11 AM

SUMMER SERIESGarrett Best, Nicholasville | 6 PM

THIS WEEK• Secret Church | Tue 6 - 9 PM | Youth Room • SYS | Thu 6 - 9:15 PM | Millview

NEXT WEEK• College Day | Sun 11AM | Fellowship Hall • Workcamp | Sun - Fri | Various Locations

UPCOMING EVENTS• Movie Night | June 16 | 7-9 PM• SMBC | June 25-30 | Short Mountain Be Sure to Register Online by TODAY• Mississippi Mission Trip | July 7-13 | Booneville, MS

STUDENT MINISTRYDylan Armstrong | 662.397.0716

GET CONNECTEDContact me if you want to know more about ourministries, service opportunities, or study the Bible.Daniel Palk | 615.856.5532 | daniel@bellevue-church.com

CHURCH NEWS

WEEKLY STATISTICSAttendance (5/21) Sunday AM: 586 | Sunday PM: 312

Contribution (5/21)Weekly: $20,917| YTD: $460,822

Budget (5/21)Weekly: $22,858 | YTD: $480,018

We have an attended nursery down the hall and cry rooms available in the foyer.

BAPTISMSWe rejoice in the baptism of Sarah Ridings on Wednesday, May 24 by Daniel Palk, address: 865 Bellevue Road, #C3, Nashville, TN 37221.

We also rejoice in the baptism of Justin Lee on Wednesday, May 24 by Daniel Palk, address: 7510 Nathanial Woods Blvd, Fairview, TN 37062.

BIRTHWe rejoice in the birth of Tate Riley Smith on Monday, May 22 to Jonathan and Beth Smith. He weighed 8 lbs, 3 oz, and 19“ long. Porter and Griffin are proud big brothers. Proud grandparents are Keith and Robbye Burress and H. Larry and Brenda Smith.

CONGRATULATIONSJosh McAlister graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Software Development on May 6 from Harding University.

FELLOWSHIP MEALSPlease sign-up and pay today for a meal on Wednesday, May 31, to enjoy Dairy King - Pork Chops. Adults $6, Children (10 & under) $3.

BRIDAL TEASJoin us for a Bridal Tea for Lindsay Patterson, bride-elect of Barrett Thompson, on Sunday, June 4 from 2 - 4 pm in the Ladies Parlor. ~Registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, or Home Depot cards only.

Join us for a Bridal Tea for Alana Pettit, bride-elect of K J Lauck, on Sunday, July 9 from 2 - 4 pm in the Ladies Parlor. ~Registered at Target and Amazon.com.

BIBLE CAMPIt’s time for families to register for Short Mountain Bible Camp, June 25-30. Please complete online registration by today, May 28. Camp is open to children who have completed 3rd grade-12th grade. Go to shortmountainbiblecamp.com (Register under W. Nashville week) See Karen, Lisa, Dylan, or Blake if you have questions.

BLOOD DRIVEOur blood drive is NEXT SUNDAY, June 4th! If you have been intending to sign up, do it today! We have several times available. FIrst time donors - we have a special incentive for you! Come by the sign up table in foyer to find out more.

THANKS“I thank everyone for thoughts, cards and prayers during my illness.”

In Christian Love,Ann Locke

“Our sincere appreciation to everyone who has supported our family over the last year through words of encouragement and prayers, and, recently with the death of our Mom. Thank you for all the cards, visits, donations to the Clearview Church of Christ Youth Group, and continued support. Having a Christian family is a blessing that we realize more and more as we face life’s difficult struggles.”

Tommy and Derenda Hodge

LOST & FOUND Outside the GymAre you missing an umbrella, dishes, reading glasses, etc.? Please check the cabinet in the Gym foyer. Thanks!

SAVE the DATESLIPSCOMB Summer CelebrationJune 28 - 30

VBSJuly 23 - 26Make plans to attend!

WALK 4 WATER EVENTThe most basic of human needs is clean water. Healing Hands International seeks to meet this need by drilling clean water wells in nations such as Haiti, India, Ethiopia, Ghana, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. On Sunday September 10, Bellevue Church of Christ will host a fund-raising walk to bring the gift of clean water to those in need.If you are interested in helping plan this event, please contact David Browning at 615-975-7776 or browningdmb@gmail.com.

OFFICEThe church office will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day.

SECURITYREMINDER: Secure any valuable items, lock your vehicle and take your keys. Let’s not invite trouble. Thank you!

7401 Hwy 70 South

Nashville, TN 37221

Office: 615-646-9828

Update: 615-646-3026

office@bellevue-church.com

elders@bellevue-church.com

www.bellevue-church.com

WORSHIP SCHEDULEMEADOWS SERVICE | 1:00 PMSpeaker: Harold ScottSong Leader: Charles StoryCommunion: Sam Yinger

SUNDAY EVENING | 6:00 PMAnnouncements: Jim NeelleySong Service: VariousPrayer: Rick McBrayerSermon: Josh JacksonPrayer: Jerry LeePreside Over Communion: Lewis Moorer, JrServe Communion: B Browning, C HawkinsSecurity: Braeden Davis, Roger DavisNursery: Ruth Adams, Laura Adams

WEDNESDAY EVENING | 6:30 PMSecurity: Steve Brogdon, Charles Forehand

MONTH OF MAYPrepare Communion: Ryan & April WestAudio: Bill Toungette, Randy ZupaPowerPoint: Chris Hawkins

SENIOR ADULT MINISTRYTony Roberts | 615.500.8268tony@bellevue-church.com

How can you be a Bridge Builder?Call me to learn more. I’m availableon Tuesday | 8AM - 3PM

COUNSELING MINISTRYJohn Kennedy | 615.646.9828jkennedy@drjfk.com

Please call Cynthia to set up anappointment with John. He is available Monday | 1PM - 6PM

SUNDAY MORNING | 9:00 AMShepherd’s Call: Bruce Zupa Song Service: Steve BrogdonPrayer: Mark CrawfordPreside Over Communion: Fred WolfeServe Communion: Benjamin Browning, Ethan Ferrell,Matt Fielder, Jordan Fultz, Wesley Graham, Connor Hawkins, Lee Horn, Ellis Rampy, Bobby Seda, Thomas Sellers, Max Sparkman, Travis Teichmann, Barrett Thompson, Cade Thompson, Phillip Walker, Cory WoodroofScripture: Daniel PalkSermon: Blake McCaskillPrayer: Troy Walker Announcements: Jim NeelleyUshers: Blake Brock, Fred Dance, Randy Morton, Ronald Reasonover, Danny SealGreeters: Wayne & Janice Castleman, Paul & Shelia Demonbreun, Jerry Morrow & Alicia WilliamsWelcome: Rick & Alison Forehand, Ken & Carol Petty Security: T J Bean, Scott Crist, John CryerNursery: Terri McAlister, Nancy Morrison, Rosemary NewbillMarquee: Wyatt Rampy

ORDER OF WORSHIP Sunday, May 28, 2017 | 9:00 AM Service

Song Doxology #30 Steve Brogdon

Welcome Bruce Zupa

Songs Our God, He Is Alive #1

God Of Our Fathers #12

Lord, We Come Before Thee Now #455 Prayer Mark Crawford

Song We Give Thee But Thine Own #463

Offering Fred Wolfe

Song Tis Set The Feast Divine

Communion Fred Wolfe

Song Awesome God

Scripture Ephesians 1:15-20 Daniel Palk

Sermon “To God Be The Glory (Part 2)” Blake McCaskill

Song I Need Thee Every Hour #466

Announcements Jim Neelley

Song We’re Marching To Zion #261

Prayer Troy Walker

*If anyone needs to meet with the Elders privately, they would be glad to meet with you in the Library after worship service.

ORDER OF WORSHIP Sunday, May 28, 2017 | 6:00 PM Service

Welcome & Announcements Jim Neelley

Songs Various

Prayer Rick McBrayer

Sermon Josh Jackson

Prayer Jerry Lee

Offering & Communion (Auditorium) Preside at the Lord’s Table Lewis Moorer Jr.

Serve at the Lord’s Table Benjamin Browning, Roger Davis

Sunday, May 28, 2017

BUILDING UP THE BODY 1 Corinthians 12:26 - “If one member suffers, all suffer together.

If one member is honored, all rejoice together.”

HOME John Fant, prayers Lee Kaul, OR, sister of Patti Cryer REHAB & ASSISTED CARE Tommy Owen, Meadows Rehab, A36, prayers Jane Young, Brookdale Bellevue, 109, prayers

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS Carolyn Albertson, ALS, sister of Judy Taylor Lola Batson, hospice, mother of Nancy Mangold Leshia Bess

Bob Blevins

Ronnie Brooks, father of Amber Moultrie Jeannie Butler, Helina & Team, China mission Olivia Douglas, tonsil & adenoid surgery May 31, 4 yr old granddaughter of Dan & Diane Willis John Garner, uncle of co-worker of Chris Cochran Kim Gatewood, chemo for breast cancer

Frank Gurney, chemo, father of Katina Ednacot Connie Haven Carolyn Holliday, complications of eye surgery Al Kroeplin, chemo, family friend of Joani March Carol Leaver, colon cancer recovery, wife of Walt Ernest Lemon

Barbara Liston Becky Little, back problems Chuck Maddux, works with Larry Felts Dora McGill & family

Brian Muncy, TX, brother of Karen Villers Betsy Ratliff, breast cancer, chemo, surgery, niece of Linda Adams, Joyce Baker and Dot Weber Bobby Sexton, Lymphoma Jody Smith, breast cancer treatment Robert Smith, son of Dovie Smith

Guy Smoak

Ned Solomon

Josh Stokes, AU, brain tumor, friend Ruth Adams Matt & Vanessa Tallmadge, niece of Karen Villers Lenora Thompson Wes Villers

Libby Walden, visits welcome, call first Jim & Stephanie Watson-Wohlfeil, Eden, sudden death of 19 yr old son, cousin of Joani March Justin West, Atlanta Rehab, friend of J Walker Jerry White, MI, prayers, son of Ron & Donna Carole Wilson, sister of Mable Blevins

PRAYER REQUESTS Ruth Adams, Charlotte Akin, Glynn Alsup (Morton), Eva Anderton (S Bacon), Greta Ashburn (Little), Waylon Austell (James), Louise Austelle, Joyce & Sammie Baker, Mindy Balch, Robert Ball (McBrayer), Dana Barnes, Josh Barnett, Kathy Bass (Lacy), Buford & Mary Batey, Mary Bell, Lola Batson (Mangold), Colt Beavers (Ednacot), Verona Bone, Frank Boyce, Betty Brogdon (Steve), Thelma Brown, Libby Campbell, Erica Carney (Alford), Laura Carroll (K Palmer), Betty Casteel (A Williams), Brad Cathey (Wright), Marcie Childers, Judy Clark (K Arrington), Sylvia Claunch, Edna Clendenin (J McBrayer), Cliff Coble, John & Sylvia Conner, Howard Cook, June Crouch (A Lovelace), Mildred Crymes, Linda Davenport (K Brock), Roger & Nancy Davis, Donald Daughrity (Fant), Spencer Day (Ed/Ruth), Mary deKnoblough (J Butler), Marsha Diaz (A Williams), Jean Dotson, Nettie Dunaway (Anderson), Wayne & Norma Elrod, Lloyd & June Esmon, Mary Fant, Judah Foriest (Mike/Carol), Merle Foriest, Jeremy Fortner (Newbill), Alice Fox, Lynn Frazier (J McBrayer), Irene Gaines (Alford), Junior Gaines (Alford), Timmy Gaines (Alford), Melvin Garner (C Yates), John Gilbert (J Shrum), Lito Gonzalez

Sunday, May 28, 2017

(Moon), Evie Graber (K Palmer), Michael Gray (D Sexton), Andy Griswold (M Fielder), Claytie & Jerry Hall (C & J Johnson), Sara Hamblin, Debbie Hamilton (C & J Johnson), Marcia Hardison (P McCutchen), Carl Hedgepath, Avis Hendon, Jeff Hendrick (J Bloeser), Charlotte Heyman (Al), Chuck Holland (Dill/Pope), Jack & Faye Hollands, Charley Huffman (McKinzie), Bill Johnson (Clyde), Isabel Johnson (L Bess), Sylvia Johnson (Brad), Anthony Jolly (H Morrison), James & Betty Johnson, Emily Jordan, Ron Kendrick (Ronya), Mike & Karyn Kozel, Jackie LaBarbera (L Dance), Ryan LaMott & family (J March), Daniel Leach, Dale Ledbetter (R McBrayer), Mike Lee (D Barnes), Karen Lefkovitz, Penny Locke (J Hamblin), Michael Lovelace (Ann), Robert Mahoney, Sr (M Childers), Caroline Mallard (A Walker), Brenda Mangrum (Rice), Ann Martin, Niki McAlister (Morton), Terri McAlister, Carmen McBrayer (Rick), Bobbie McCorab (C Yates), Harold McCormick (J McBrayer), Palace McCutchen, Fred McGill, Myrtis McNeal, Barbara Meadows (M Childers), Janet Michael (Liston), Sara Monroe (Hilliard, Spikes), Lucy Moon (Jim), Brett Morris (Hodge), Bob & Annette Muncy (Villers), Karen Myatt (F McFarlin), Rosemary Newbill, Billy Overcast (Lashbrook), Steven Parriott (J McBrayer), Abbie Page (Page), Betty Page, Betty Pate, Janice Perry, John Polich (Bell), Ronnie Pratt (Y Smith), Sue Prekrel, Evelyn Proctor (J Smith), Larry Puckett (M Walker), Sylvianna Esquibel Ray (Palmer), Joanna Rice, Carline Richardson, Ed Ricks (S Thompson), Missy & Trenton Roberts, Cole Rodgers (McKinzie), Linda Rodgers (Teichmann), Rita Rodgers, Deborah Rogers (P Moon), Anita Rose & family, Ana Rubia (Brazil), Linda Sandefer, Doug Sanders (Gatewood), Matt Saunders (Don/Betty), Cathy Seay (Worsham), Linda Sellers, Randy Sexton (McAlister), Evan Shouse (Esmon), Margie Simms, Larry Smith, Peggy Smith (B Blevins), Ruby Smith, Wesley Smith (B Smith), Yvette Smith, Lant Snodgrass, Gloria Sparkman (Ron), Allen Sparkman (Ron), Paul Sparkman (Ron), Sue Spence, Lorraine Stephen (Dan), Carol Stewart (K Craig), Charles Story, Everette Stover (Chester), Nancy Strickland, Gail

Svendson (S Lively), Mary Swann, Alex Taylor (S Lee), Clyde Taylor, Mark Taylor (Clyde), Ruth Ann Taylor (R Adams), Sheryl Thompson, Tommy Toungette (Bill), Clinton Troxler (Hamdorff), Gail Turner (Holliday), Rob Vander Kraats (G Funk), Josie Vines (N Sellers), Troy Walker, David Wayman, Bonnie White (Ron), Lynn Wolf (S Cope), Troy Wortham (P Walker), Audrey Willis (Dan), Beth Wilson, Tisha Wright, Elizabeth Yates & family, Andrea Zavatchen (T Phillips), Molly Zirkle (J Smith) SHUT-IN

Belmont Village: Justine Osteen; Brookdale Belle Meade: Alice Fox; Home: June Lee; Lodge Natchez Trace: Avis Hendon, Emily Jordan, Mary Lane, Dora McGill, Myrtis McNeal; Meadows: Tom Cook, Evelyn Cunningham; NHC Place: James & Betty Johnson, Newsom & Dot Reasonover; Windland: Ann Stowers MISSIONS Africa: Gospel Chariot Missions george.gcm@gmail.com Auswich Mashabha Gospel Chariot - Zimbabwe Australia, Brad Johnson bradjohnson@tpg.com.au Brazil: EBNESR Christian College randy.kathyshort@gmail.com Haiti: Hope for Haiti’s Children Healing Hands International Ukraine, Vanya Prokopchuk World Bible School World Christian Broadcasting Inner City Ministry Bellevue Mobile Meals Disaster Relief Juvenile Justice Center lemonpass@aol.com Meadows Lakeshore Estates Room in the Inn FriendSpeak

Source: Reprinted from the MavyClinic.com article “Endometrial Cancer” Full Mayo Clinic Health Letter can be found in the Library in

May Clinic Health Letter, May 2017, page 4-5. the Mayo Clinic Health Letter binder in the hall wall shelf.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter Endometrial Cancer

Catch It Early

Of all the cancers that affect the female reproductive system, endometrial cancer is the most common. Fortunately, deaths from endometrial cancer are much less common because most cases are discovered before the cancer has spread outside of the uterus. That’s when the chances of a cure are greatest.

Lining Problems

The uterus has two main parts. The lower, neck-like portion that extends into the vagina is called the uterine cervix. The upper large portion of the uterus is called the uterine corpus. The uterine corpus has an inner lining known as the endometrium. During the menstrual cycle, increased estrogen production causes the endometrium to thicken in preparation for a possible pregnancy. When pregnancy doesn’t occur, a portion of this thick, blood-rich lining is shed during the menstrual period. Almost all uterine cancer occurs in the endometrium. Exposure to estrogen over time increases endometrial cancer risk. Most cases occur in women between ages 50 and 70. Other factors that increase your exposure to estrogen and may increase your risk of endometrial cancer include: ■ Early onset of menstruation and late menopause — The longer you’ve had your periods, the more estrogen you’ve been exposed to. ■ Never having been pregnant — During pregnancy, the balance of female hormones shifts more toward progesterone, which has a protective effect against endometrial cancer.

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■ Unopposed estrogen therapy — In the past, doctors commonly prescribed estrogen to treat symptoms of menopause, without also prescribing a synthetic form of progesterone (progestin). Taking estrogen without progestin (unopposed) increases the risk of endometrial cancer, except for those who have had a hysterectomy. ■ Obesity — Fat tissue can change some hormones into estrogen. Carrying excess fat increases your estrogen levels. If you carry more than 30 pounds of excess weight and have been through menopause, you’re at an even higher risk of endometrial cancer. During this time, your fat cells are making estrogen, but your ovaries are no longer making progesterone to oppose the endometrium- thickening effects of estrogen. The use of birth control pills lowers the risk of endometrial cancer. The longer you use them, the lower your risk. This protection lasts for at least 10 years after you stop taking them.

Early Signs

Prolonged, unopposed exposure to estrogen can cause endometrial cells to begin dividing and accumulating more quickly. This sets the stage for an increased number of DNA replication errors. These genetic mistakes can lead to increasingly abnormal cells, forming tissue that can be precancerous (endometrial hyperplasia) or ultimately cancerous (endometrial cancer). An increased number of cells — whether normal or abnormal — leads to a thickened endometrium. This signals to your body that the lining needs to be sloughed off as it would during a menstrual period.

The result is vaginal bleeding, which is typically the earliest sign of endometrial cancer. If you’ve already been through menopause, even the tiniest bit of bleeding or unusual vaginal discharge is a reason to see your doctor. Abnormal vaginal bleeding can have many causes — such as a vaginal infection or uterine fibroid — but it occurs in about 90 percent of women who have endometrial cancer. If you do have endometrial cancer, chances are good that it will be caught at an early stage.

Getting Evaluated

Your doctor will likely perform a pelvic exam to feel for any lumps or changes in the shape of your uterus that may indicate a problem. Another common initial test is a vaginal ultrasound, which allows your doctor to look for unusual uterine growths or an unusually thickened endometrium. To confirm a suspicion of endometrial cancer, your doctor will need to remove a sample of tissue from your uterine lining (endometrial biopsy) so that the cells can be examined under a microscope. This is usually done right in your doctor’s office and doesn’t always require anesthesia. During the procedure, your doctor uses a speculum to open your vagina and then threads the biopsy instrument — a thin, flexible tube — through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. The instrument removes a small sample of your uterine lining to be examined for cancer cells. If the biopsy is inconclusive, your doctor may recommend a minor surgical procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C), which removes the majority of cells lining the uterus.

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Double Duty If the pathology reports confirm the presence of endometrial cancer, you’ll likely be referred to a doctor who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system (gynecologic oncologist). Imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray, CT scan or MRI, may be used to see if the cancer has spread beyond the uterus to neighboring structures or, rarely, to other organs, such as the lungs or liver. Imaging tests are typically followed by surgery, which has a twofold purpose. It’s used to determine the extent of disease spread and also to treat the cancer by removing it. During the procedure, your surgeon will likely remove the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries (total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). Endometrial cancer cells can spread to the ovaries and fallopian tubes very early in the disease. Removing them and testing them for cancer cells is the best way to tell whether this has happened. Your surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes, which are often early sites of tumor spread. Tissue removed during surgery is examined by a pathologist, who helps determine the stage of the cancer. Staging helps guide decisions about additional treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation if the cancer shows signs of aggressive growth or has spread outside the uterine lining.

After surgery

Most women have early-stage endometrial cancer, and treatment beyond surgery isn’t necessary. After surgery, you’ll need to have regular visits with your doctor to monitor for signs or symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal or pelvic pain, unexplained tiredness, weight loss, or persistent cough. More than 80 percent of recurrences are detected with these visits. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle — losing weight if needed and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes — can help lower your risk of endometrial cancer.

Almost all uterine cancers occur in the inner lining (endometrium) of the uterus.