Experiences with
Womb cancer

SymptomsDiagnosisMedical treatmentsCauses

Symptoms of womb cancer include bleeding after the menopause, vaginal discharge, and pain in the tummy, back or area between your hip bones.

To check for womb cancer, you may have a scan and a small sample of cells from your womb is removed (biopsy).

Womb cancer is mainly treated with surgery and chemotherapy or radiotherapy, depending on the size of the cancer and how far it has spread.

Having more of a hormone called oestrogen and being overweight can increase your chances of getting womb cancer.

Main symptoms of womb cancer

Main symptoms of womb cancer can include:

bleeding or spotting from the vagina after the menopause
heavy periods that are unusual for you
vaginal bleeding between your periods
a change to your vaginal discharge

Other symptoms of womb cancer can include:

a lump or swelling in your tummy or between your hip bones (pelvis)
pain in your lower back or between your hip bones (pelvis)
pain during sex
changes to how often you pee and poo (this can be either more, or less, than usual)

you have any symptoms of womb cancer

Try not to be embarrassed, the doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these kinds of symptoms.

Who is more likely to get womb cancer

Womb cancer is most common in women who've been through menopause. It can affect anyone with a womb.

You cannot get womb cancer if you've had surgery to remove your womb (hysterectomy).

Having a high level of a hormone called oestrogen is one of the main things that can increase your chance of getting womb cancer.

You may have high levels of oestrogen if you:

are overweight
take some types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
have never given birth
have polycystic ovary syndrome
went through the menopause after the age of 55

You might also be more likely to get womb cancer if you have:

diabetes
a family history of bowel, ovarian or womb cancer
inherited a rare gene that causes Lynch syndrome
taken medicines like tamoxifen (used to treat breast cancer)
had radiotherapy on your pelvis

How to lower your risk of getting womb cancer

You cannot always prevent womb cancer, but there are things you can do to lower your chance of getting it.

make sure you're a healthy weight
stay active and do regular exercise
eat a healthy balanced diet
talk to a GP about which HRT is best for you if you are thinking about taking it

If you have Lynch syndrome, your care team will talk with you about what you can do to reduce your cancer risk.

Main tests for womb cancer

If a GP refers you to a specialist, you will have tests to check if you have womb cancer.

The tests you have will depend on your symptoms. They can include:

a scan of your womb – a scanning device around the size of a finger is inserted into your vagina (transvaginal scan)
blood tests
hysteroscopy – this is a test where a thin tube with a camera in it is used to look inside the womb
removing cells from the lining of your womb to be tested (biopsy) – this may be done during a hysteroscopy or carried out as a separate procedure

The tests should not be painful, but you may find some uncomfortable. Talk to a healthcare professional if you are feeling uncomfortable.

If you have a biopsy, you may have a small amount of cramping or bleeding from your vagina afterwards.

Treatment for womb cancer

Womb cancer is usually treatable when it’s found early.

The treatment you have for womb cancer will depend on:

the size of the cancer
where it is
if it has spread
your general health

It will usually include surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It may also include treatment with targeted medicines to treat the cancer.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
work with you to create a treatment plan that’s best for you
help you manage any side effects, including any changes to your diet
talk to you about the impact your treatment may have on your fertility

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have more tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you are worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

Where to find help and support

If you have womb cancer, you and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about womb cancer.