Uterine (womb) cancer

You may be worried about uterine cancer, have been recently diagnosed, or you may be thinking of someone you care about.

This page has information about uterine cancer symptoms, getting diagnosed, managing treatment and side effects, and how Maggie's can help.

What is uterine cancer?

Uterine cancer is a cancer that starts in the uterus (womb). It is sometimes called womb cancer, or endometrial cancer (when it starts in the lining of the uterus).

Uterine cancer starts when cells in the uterus grow in an uncontrolled way and form a tumour.

Uterine cancer is most common in women. Some trans men and non-binary people can get uterine cancer too.

Types of uterine cancer

There are several different types of uterine cancer, including:

• endometrial cancer
• uterine sarcoma
• uterine carcinosarcoma

Primary and secondary uterine cancer

Uterine cancer can be primary or secondary, depending if it has spread.

Primary uterine cancer is uterine cancer that has not spread beyond the uterus.

Secondary uterine cancer is when the cancer has spread from the uterus to other parts of the body. It is sometimes called advanced uterine cancer, metastatic uterine cancer or stage 4 uterine cancer.

Related cancers

Cervical cancer starts in the neck of the uterus called the cervix. It is different from uterine cancer and is treated differently.

Causes of uterine cancer

What causes uterine cancer is often unknown, but there are factors that may increase your risk of developing it.

Some of these risk factors are specific to uterine cancer, including:

• family history of uterine cancer
• previous breast or ovarian cancer
• other conditions, such as diabetes, endometrial hyperplasia, Lynch syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• the age your periods start and stop – your risk is higher if your periods started early (before the age of 12) or you had a late menopause (after the age of 55)
• having children later in life, or not having children
• hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• the contraceptive pill
• Tamoxifen (a hormone therapy for treating breast cancer)

Other risk factors are common to all cancers. Find out more about reducing your risk of cancer.

Having risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get uterine cancer. But it is helpful to be aware of the risks so you can see a doctor if you have any concerns.

You may be offered regular scans or blood tests if you have high-risk genetic factors or a family history of uterine cancer. Find out more about genetic testing for cancer.

Signs and symptoms of uterine cancer

Uterine cancer often has early signs. The most common symptom of uterine cancer is unusual bleeding from the vagina.

Other symptoms may include:

• bleeding from the vagina after menopause
• bleeding between periods, or unusually heavy bleeding
• unusual vaginal discharge, such as pink discharge
• blood in the urine
• anaemia
• high blood sugar levels
• bloating or a swollen tummy
• pain in the tummy or pelvis
• weight loss
• a cough that doesn't go away

Most people with these symptoms do not have uterine cancer. But if you do have symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor. 

If it is cancer, it will be easier to treat if it has been detected early.

Getting diagnosed with uterine cancer

If you have been having symptoms of uterine cancer, the first step will usually be to see your GP.

What happens in your GP appointment

Your GP will ask you to describe your symptoms. You should also tell them about any previous uterine problems you have had, and if you have a family history of uterine cancer.

The doctor might:

• examine you by feeling your tummy (abdomen)
• feel any areas of your body that are swollen or don't feel normal to you
• listen to your lungs using a stethoscope on your chest and back
• examine you internally by putting one or two gloved fingers into your vagina while pressing on your tummy – this is called a pelvic exam
  
• gently insert a tube-shaped tool called speculum into your vagina to check the area around your cervix
• examine you by putting a gloved finger inside your bottom (rectum) to check for any lumps or swelling – this is called a rectal exam
• arrange a blood test
• ask to see you again
• arrange for you to see a specialist at the hospital

Pelvic and rectal exams are usually painless, but they can feel uncomfortable. You can ask for a chaperone or bring someone for support if you would prefer.

If you don't have a hospital appointment and your symptoms continue or get worse, you should make another GP appointment.

Find out more about preparing for your GP appointment.

Testing for uterine cancer

A gynaecologist is a specialist in the female reproductive system, including the uterus. 

To find the cause of your symptoms, a gynaecologist may arrange further tests, such as:

• an ultrasound scan of your tummy (abdomen)
• a CT scan or an MRI scan
• a biopsy, where a tiny sample of your uterine tissue is removed and tested

After these tests and scans, you will be given an appointment to receive your results.

Waiting for appointments, tests and results can be a difficult time, and you might find that asking some questions and preparing for your results helps. 

Find out more about how Maggie's can help.

Understanding a uterine cancer diagnosis

The doctor will explain if you have uterine cancer in your results appointment, and whether you need further tests and scans to see if the cancer has moved outside the uterus.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed or in shock after hearing that you have uterine cancer, and you might have a lot of information to process.

Our cancer support specialists are here to listen, to help you understand what your diagnosis means, and to find the right support for you.

Find your nearest Maggie's to talk to us, or find out more about understanding a cancer diagnosis.

Treatment for uterine cancer

Treatment can be aimed at shrinking a tumour, removing the cancer completely, or controlling the symptoms that it causes.

You may have more than one type of treatment.

The treatments most commonly offered for uterine cancer are:

• surgery
• chemotherapy
• radiotherapy
• targeted therapies or biological therapies
• hormone therapy
• immunotherapy
• clinical trials

Your cancer care team will work together to decide which treatment options could be best for you. Your doctor and specialist nurse will then discuss these with you.

You might want to get a second opinion before deciding on a treatment plan.

Making treatment decisions can feel daunting, and you might have lots of concerns or questions. Find out more about how Maggie's can support you.

Managing the effects of uterine cancer and treatment

A uterine cancer diagnosis can affect your life in many ways. You may be dealing with:

• symptoms and side effects of uterine cancer and treatment
• changes to your day-to-day life
• worries about money
• a range of feelings and emotions

Contact or visit your nearest Maggie's centre and together we will find the right support for you.

You can also explore our cancer support pages for more information.

After treatment for uterine cancer

When treatment ends, it can leave you with mixed feelings of relief and uncertainty.

For many people, uterine cancer is treated successfully. For some, it comes back or is diagnosed at an advanced stage from the start.

We have more information on finishing treatment and treatment for advanced cancer, as well as courses and workshops to support you and your family beyond treatment.

How Maggie's can help

We offer free expert psychological and practical support tailored to you, whatever stage you're at, and for friends and family too.

• Find your nearest centre, leave your details and we’ll give you a call
• Just come in – you don't need an appointment

Last review: Nov 2024 | Next review: Nov 2027