There are two types of uterine cancer – endometrial cancer, which begins in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and uterine sarcomas, which develop in the muscle tissue of the uterus (myometrium). Find out what increases your risk and read about prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Endometrial cancer
Risk of endometrial cancer
Signs & symptoms of endometrial cancer
How is endometrial cancer diagnosed?
Treatment for endometrial cancer
Prevention of endometrial cancer
Uterine sarcoma
When to see your doctor
Endometrial cancer is a type of uterine cancer that occurs in the lining of the uterus (womb). The uterus is where a baby grows during pregnancy. It’s located between the bladder and the rectum and is part of the female reproductive system.
Endometrial cancer is the most diagnosed gynaecological cancer with over 3200 cases diagnosed each year, mostly in women aged over 50. It’s the most common type of uterine cancer and accounts for 95% of cases.
Like many cancers, early diagnosis and detection lead to the best treatment outcomes. The most common symptom is unusual bleeding, especially bleeding after menopause. As there is no known way to prevent or screen for endometrial cancer, it’s important to see your doctor if you notice any symptoms.
The exact causes of uterine cancer are unknown. However, some factors increase the risk of developing it, including:
| Age |
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| Hereditary factors |
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| Hormonal factors |
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| Other factors |
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Just because you have risk factors, doesn’t mean you will get endometrial cancer. However, some women who develop cancer of the endometrium don’t have any risk factors at all. If you’re concerned about your risk, speak to your doctor.
The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is unusual bleeding, particularly bleeding after menopause. If you have any bleeding, spotting or staining of blood after menopause, it's important to see your doctor.
Other common symptoms may include:
There are other, less common symptoms which include:
These symptoms may be due to other conditions and not endometrial cancer. However, if you notice any of them, visit your doctor.
Your doctor will initially ask you questions about your symptoms, health history and family health history. A physical examination will then be conducted, including a pelvic examination to check your vulva, vagina and cervix, and a manual vaginal examination to check your uterus and pelvis. You may also have blood and urine tests.
Other tests used to diagnose endometrial cancer include:
If your assessment and investigations suggest endometrial cancer is a possibility, ask your doctor for an immediate referral to a gynaecological oncologist. Gynaecological oncologists are specialist gynaecologists who treat cancers such as uterine cancer.
Treatment for endometrial cancer depends on the extent of the cancer. It may include any of, or a combination of, the following:
There are no proven ways to prevent endometrial cancer, and there are no screening tests specifically for endometrial cancer. In most cases, early detection and diagnosis lead to good outcomes, which is why it’s important to see your doctor if you feel something isn’t quite right.
Uterine sarcoma is a rare uterine cancer that forms in either the muscle of the uterus or the supporting cells of the lining of the uterus. It occurs in about 2-5% of all uterine tumours and less than 1% of all gynaecological cancers. It is more likely to occur after menopause.
Most cases of uterine sarcoma are not associated with risk factors. However, about 10-20% of cases are linked to previous radiotherapy or tamoxifen use.
The symptoms are similar to those of endometrial cancer, as is the diagnosis.
Treatment is through surgery. However, this depends if it is confined to the uterus or has spread out of it.
It’s important to see your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms listed above, especially abnormal vaginal bleeding, or anything else that is unusual.
Further information about endometrial cancer can be found at:
This web page is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your health practitioner. The information above is based on current medical knowledge, evidence and practice as at July 2021.
