Final answer:
Positive estrogen and progesterone receptor status in endometrial cancer is often linked to better survival outcomes, as these cancers may be amenable to targeted hormone therapies.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining the relationship between endometrial cancer, the presence of estrogen/progesterone receptors, and survival rates, we generally find that positive receptors are associated with a better survival outlook. Positive estrogen and progesterone receptor status indicates that the cancer cells may respond to hormone therapies that target these receptors. This is particularly relevant when discussing targeted therapies such as those for breast cancer, where a therapy that prevents the activation of the estrogen receptor would be beneficial for patients with lots of the estrogen receptor expressed in their tumor. Such therapies would have limited efficacy in patients with a mutation that inactivates the receptor or those without the receptor expressed.
The hormone progesterone prepares the endometrial lining of the uterus for potential implantation, and during menopause, follicles stop responding to estradiol and progesterone, which can lead to conditions that increase the risk of endometrial cancer. After ovulation, the endometrium starts to thicken, preparing for the potential implantation.