Wednesday 04 October 2023
ÐÇ̽Â鶹's
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 ÐÇ̽Â鶹 can help.
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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.
There are several different types of uterine cancer, including:
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.
Cervical cancer starts in the neck of the uterus called the cervix. It is different from uterine cancer and is treated differently.
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:
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.
Uterine cancer often has early signs. The most common symptom of uterine cancer is unusual bleeding from the vagina.
Other symptoms may include:
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.
If you have been having symptoms of uterine cancer, the first step will usually be to see your GP.
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:
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.
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:
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 ÐÇ̽Â鶹 can help.
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 ÐÇ̽Â鶹 to talk to us, or find out more about understanding a cancer diagnosis.
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:
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 ÐÇ̽Â鶹 can support you.
A uterine cancer diagnosis can affect your life in many ways. You may be dealing with:
Contact or visit your nearest ÐÇ̽Â鶹 centre and together we will find the right support for you.
You can also explore our cancer support pages for more information.
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.
We offer free expert psychological and practical support tailored to you, whatever stage you're at, and for friends and family too.
Last review: Nov 2024 | Next review: Nov 2027
Information about womb cancer, also known as uterine cancer or endometrial cancer.
From The Eve Appeal
Last reviewed: 22 November 2024
An overview of womb (uterus) cancer, including the symptoms, causes and who might be affected, treatments and outlooks.
From Nhs
Last reviewed: 22 November 2024
Information about getting referred to a specialist, and UK referral guidelines.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 22 November 2024
Information about uterine (womb) cancer, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and support.
From Macmillan Cancer Support
Last reviewed: 22 November 2024
Information about how staging and grading is used to determine how far womb cancer has spread and how fast it in growing.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 22 November 2024
Information about preparing for treatment, as well as treatment options and follow-ups for womb cancer.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 22 November 2024
A free, nurse-led information service that you can call or email to ask any questions related to gynaecological health.
From The Eve Appeal
Last reviewed: 13 November 2024
Information for women with ovarian cancer about how treatment may cause early menopause in younger women and worsening symptoms for older women.
From Ovacome
Last reviewed: 13 January 2022
Information about follow-ups and womb cancer recurrence, as well as the support available.
From Peaches Womb Cancer Trust
Last reviewed: 22 November 2024
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