Womb cancer

Usually the first sign of womb cancer is unusual vaginal bleeding. For example, this could be:

• bleeding after the menopause (this is the most common symptom)
• bleeding between periods
• heavier periods than usual (if you have not been through the menopause)
• a bloody or pink and watery vaginal discharge.

Less common symptoms are pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, or pain during sex.

If you have any unusual vaginal bleeding, always see your GP about it. Other conditions that affect the womb, such as fibroids, can also cause unusual vaginal bleeding.

If you have symptoms, you usually start by seeing the GP. Your GP may do an pelvic examination (internal examination) to feel for anything unusual in the pelvis. They may also arrange:

• a blood test
• a urine sample
• a trans-vaginal ultrasound.

Your GP may refer you directly to a gynaecologist. This is a doctor who treats problems with the female reproductive system. You will be referred urgently (within 2 weeks) if you have: 

• vaginal bleeding after the menopause
• a lump in your pelvis that your GP can feel
• ongoing vaginal bleeding between your periods.

The gynaecologist will explain any other tests you need to have. This may include:

• a cervical screening test, if you have not had one recently
• a biopsy.

They will also ask whether you have any close relatives with womb or bowel cancer.

If you are diagnosed with womb cancer, you may have further tests. These show the position of the cancer and whether it has spread from where it started. This is called [staging]. The results of these tests help you and your doctor make decisions about your treatment. They may arrange:

• an MRI scan
• a CT scan
• a chest x-ray.

Waiting for test results can be a difficult time. We have more information that can help.

A team of specialists meet to talk about the best treatment for you. They are called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

The MDT will look at many factors when planning your treatment options. These will include:

• your general health
• the type and size of the tumour
• whether the cancer has begun to spread.

The main treatment for womb cancer is an operation to remove the womb, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This is sometimes the only treatment needed to cure the cancer. Depending on the stage and grade of the cancer, you may also be offered treatments after surgery. These can help reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

Your doctor will explain the different treatments and their side effects. They will also talk to you about the things you should consider when making treatment decisions. You may also be invited to take part in a clinical trial.

The types of treatment you may have include:

If you want to have children in the future, it is important to talk to your doctor about your fertility before you start treatment. With early-stage, low-grade cancer, it may sometimes be possible to have fertility-sparing treatment.

We want everyone affected by cancer to feel our information is written for them.

We want our information to be as clear as possible. To do this, we try to:

• use plain English
• explain medical words
• use short sentences
• use illustrations to explain text
• structure the information clearly
• make sure important points are clear.

We use gender-inclusive language and talk to our readers as ‘you’ so that everyone feels included. Where clinically necessary we use the terms ‘men’ and ‘women’ or ‘male’ and ‘female’. For example, we do so when talking about parts of the body or mentioning statistics or research about who is affected.

You can read more about how we produce our information here.