Endometrial (womb) cancer: symptoms, causes and treatment

The NHS lists the main symptoms of womb cancer as bleeding or spotting from the vagina after the menopause, heavy periods that are unusual for you, vaginal bleeding between your periods, and a change to your vaginal discharge. Cancer Research UK says the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding from the vagina, especially in post-menopausal women.

Other symptoms the NHS lists are a lump or swelling in the tummy or pelvis, pain in the lower back or pelvis, pain during sex, and changes to how often you pee and poo.

These symptoms are common and can be caused by many conditions, so having them does not mean you have cancer, but the NHS says it is important to get them checked and not to wait.

Cancer Research UK says womb cancer starts in the cells of the womb (uterus), and most start in the lining, the endometrium, so are called endometrial or uterine cancers. Most are adenocarcinomas, which start in the glands of the endometrium.

Most people who develop womb cancer are older women, and it is much less common in those younger than 40. Trans men and non-binary people assigned female at birth who have not had a hysterectomy can also develop it. The NHS says you cannot get womb cancer if you have had surgery to remove your womb.

The NHS says having a high level of the hormone oestrogen is one of the main things that can increase your chance of womb cancer. Cancer Research UK says being overweight or obese is one of the biggest risks in the UK.

You usually start with your GP, who will ask about your health, family history and symptoms, may examine you and may refer you for tests or to a specialist. Tell the GP about any history of cancer or Lynch syndrome. The NHS says you may be offered an urgent referral if symptoms could be cancer, and that this does not definitely mean you have cancer.

Specialist tests can include a transvaginal scan, blood tests, hysteroscopy (a thin tube with a camera to look inside the womb) and a biopsy of the womb lining. The NHS says you should get results within a few weeks. If cancer is found you will usually have more tests such as CT, MRI or PET scans and a chest X-ray to establish the stage.

The NHS says womb cancer is usually treatable when found early, and treatment depends on the size of the cancer, where it is, whether it has spread and your general health. It will usually include surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and may include targeted medicines.

The NHS says you cannot always prevent womb cancer, but you can lower your chance by keeping to a healthy weight, staying active, eating a healthy balanced diet and talking to a GP about which HRT is best for you. If you have Lynch syndrome your care team will talk to you about reducing your risk.

See a GP if you have any symptoms of womb cancer, particularly any vaginal bleeding after the menopause. The NHS says to try not to be embarrassed, as the doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms, and not to wait: finding it early can make it easier to treat.

On the NHS you start with your GP, who can make an urgent suspected cancer referral; a clinical nurse specialist is your main point of contact during and after treatment. Private gynaecology services offer scans, hysteroscopy and surgery; if you use them, ask what is included and ensure results are shared with your GP.