The decreasing incidence of endometrial cancer: public health implications.

The incidence of endometrial cancer in the San Francisco area between 1969 and 1979 is compared to trends in estrogen sales and prescriptions. Both estrogen use and endometrial cancer incidence increased steadily until 1975 and then decreased significantly. The data support the previously documented association between endometrial cancer and estrogen use, but suggest that short-term usage may carry only slightly increased risk which can be eliminating entirely upon termination of therapy.