LIVING WITH CANCER

Womb cancer, also called uterus or endometrial cancer, develops in the lining of the uterus. The uterus, often referred to as the womb, is the organ where a baby develops during pregnancy.

Most womb cancers begin in the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. This type is known as endometrial cancer and accounts for the majority of cases.

If untreated, the cancer can grow deeper into the womb or spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

Who’s most at risk and why

Womb cancer is most commonly diagnosed after menopause, usually in people over the age of 55. Hormonal factors play an important role. Conditions that increase exposure to oestrogen without balanced progesterone can raise risk. This may include obesity, certain hormonal treatments, or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

People who have never been pregnant or who experienced menopause later in life may also have a slightly higher risk. In some cases, inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome can increase the likelihood of developing womb cancer.

Knowing the signs

The most common symptom of womb cancer is unusual vaginal bleeding.

For people who have gone through menopause, any vaginal bleeding should always be checked by a GP. For those who have not yet reached menopause, symptoms may include bleeding between periods or unusually heavy menstrual bleeding.

Other possible symptoms include pelvic discomfort, pain during intercourse, or changes in vaginal discharge.

These symptoms can occur for many different reasons, but persistent or unusual changes should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Diagnosis: Is it cancer?

Many people first seek medical advice after noticing unusual bleeding.

Initial checks may include a physical examination and an ultrasound scan to look at the thickness of the womb lining. If further investigation is needed, a small sample of tissue from the lining of the womb may be taken and examined under a microscope.

Additional imaging tests may be used to determine the stage of the cancer if a diagnosis is confirmed.

What’s going to happen

If womb cancer is diagnosed, your case will usually be reviewed by a multidisciplinary team that may include gynaecological oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and specialist nurses.

They will consider the stage of the cancer, your general health, and any other relevant factors before recommending the most appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment

Surgery is the most common treatment for womb cancer.

This usually involves removing the uterus, and sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well. Nearby lymph nodes may also be examined to see whether the cancer has spread.

Radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Hormone therapy may also be used in certain cases, particularly where the cancer is influenced by hormones.

When the disease is more advanced, treatment may focus on slowing the cancer’s growth and managing symptoms.

Prognosis

When womb cancer is detected early, treatment is often very successful.

Because abnormal bleeding usually appears early in the disease, many people are diagnosed before the cancer has spread. This means outcomes are often favourable.

If the cancer is found at a later stage, treatment may become more complex, but advances in surgery and oncology continue to improve outcomes and quality of life.