Uterine Cancer

“Most uterine cancers are found in women who are going through or who have gone through menopause—the time of life when your menstrual periods stop”.1

Umbrella
What may the Uterine Cancer Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Cancer of the Uterus
  • Endometrial Cancer
  • Sarcoma of the Uterus
  • Uterine Cancer
  • Uterus Cancer
  • Womb Cancer

Uterus

What is the uterus?

DotS the definition of uterus may vary. The (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) definition is:

“The uterus is the pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis (between your hip bones). The uterus, also called the womb, is where the baby grows when a woman is pregnant”.2

Uterine Cancer

What is uterine cancer?

DotS the definition of uterine cancer may vary. The CDC’s definition is:

“When cancer starts in the uterus, it is called uterine cancer”.3

Most Common Type

What is the most common type of uterine cancer?

In Gynecologic Cancers: Uterine Cancer – Basic Information About Uterine Cancer the CDC elaborate on:

“The most common type of uterine cancer is also called endometrial cancer because it forms in the lining of your uterus, called the endometrium”.4

Endometrial Cancer

What is endometrial cancer?

DotS the definition of endometrial cancer may vary. Cancer Australia’s definition is:

“Endometrial cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the endometrium grow in an uncontrolled way”.5

How common is endometrial cancer?

In Endometrial Cancer: What Is Endometrial Cancer? Cancer Australia also note:

“Endometrial cancer is the most common type of cancer of the uterus, and the most common gynaecological cancer diagnosed in Australian women”.6

Cancer of the Muscle of the Uterus

Is endometrial cancer different from cancer of the muscle of the uterus?

Yes. In Endometrial Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version: General Information About Endometrial Cancer – Endometrial Cancer Is A Disease In Which Malignant (Cancer) Cells Form In the Tissues of the Endometrium [+ Image] the (United States) National Cancer Institute (NCI) note:

“Cancer of the endometrium is different from cancer of the muscle of the uterus, which is called sarcoma of the uterus”.7

Uterine Sarcoma

What is uterine sarcoma?

DotS the definition of uterine sarcoma may vary. In Uterine Sarcoma Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version: General Information About Uterine Sarcoma – Key Points [+ Images] the NCI’s definition is:

  • “Uterine sarcoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the muscles of the uterus or other tissues that support the uterus”.8

Endometrial Cancer Signs and Symptoms

What may be signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer?

In Endometrial Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version: General Information About Endometrial Cancer the NCI explain:

“Signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer include unusual vaginal bleeding or pain in the pelvis.

These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by endometrial cancer or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:

  • Vaginal bleeding or discharge not related to menstruation (periods)
  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause
  • Difficult or painful urination
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Pain in the pelvic area”.9

Cause

What causes the most common type of uterine cancer, endometrial cancer?

In Womb Cancer: Risks and Causes the (United Kingdom) Cancer Research UK elaborate on:

“We don’t know what causes most womb cancers. But there are some factors that can increase your risk of developing it”.10

Risk Factors

What are risk factors for uterine cancer?

In Gynecologic Cancers: Uterine Cancer – What Are the Risk Factors? the CDC explain:

“There is no way to know for sure if you will get uterine cancer. Some women get it without being at high risk. However, several factors may increase the chance that you will get uterine cancer, including if you—

  • Are older than 50
  • Have obesity
  • Take estrogen by itself (without progesterone) for hormone replacement during menopause
  • Have had trouble getting pregnant, or have had fewer than five periods in a year before starting menopause
  • Take tamoxifen, a drug used to treat certain types of breast cancer
  • Have close family members who have had uterine, colon, or ovarian cancer.

If one or more of these things is true for you, it does not mean you will get uterine cancer. But you should speak with your doctor to see if he or she recommends more frequent exams”.11

In Womb (Uterus) Cancer: Causes – Who Is More Likely To Get Womb Cancer? the (United Kingdom) NHS elaborate on:

“Anyone with a womb can get womb cancer. This includes women, trans men, non-binary people and intersex people with a womb.

You cannot get womb cancer if you’ve had surgery to remove your womb (hysterectomy)”.12

Age

Is there an association between age and uterine cancer?

According to the ACS:

“The risk of endometrial cancer increases as a woman gets older”.13

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and uterine cancer?

In Gynecologic Cancers: Uterine Cancer – Basic Information About Uterine Cancer the CDC note:


“All women are at risk for uterine cancer as long as they have a uterus, but the risk increases with age. Most uterine cancers are found in women who are going through or who have gone through menopause—the time of life when your menstrual periods stop”.14

The American Cancer Society (ACS) note:

“The American Cancer Society recommends that, at menopause, all women should be told about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. Women should report any unusual discharge, spotting, or vaginal bleeding (that’s getting worse, occurring between periods, or happening after menopause) to a health care provider”.15

Pap Test

Does the Pap test, screen for uterine cancer?

No. The CDC explain:

“The Pap test does not screen for uterine cancer”.16

Is the Pap test, a test for endometrial cancer?

No. The ACS note:

“There are no screening tests or exams to find endometrial cancer early in women who are at average risk and have no symptoms”.17

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have uterine cancer?

If you think you have uterine cancer, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“Always seek medical advice if you have bleeding from your vagina after menopause”.18

In Womb (Uterus) Cancer: Overview – Get Your Symptoms Checked the NHS note:

“It’s important to get any symptoms of womb cancer checked as soon as possible. Finding it earlier makes it easier to treat”.19

Cancer Australia explain:

“If you have been told you have ‘cancer of the uterus’, ‘cancer of the womb’ or ‘uterine cancer’, and you are not sure if it is endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma, check with your doctor”.20

The CDC also note:

“If your doctor says that you have uterine cancer, ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist—a doctor who has been trained to treat cancers like this. This doctor and his or her team will work with you to create a treatment plan”.21

In Endometrial Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Questions to Ask About Endometrial Cancer the ACS include “some questions you might want to ask”22 and explain:

“As you cope with cancer, you need to have honest, open talks with your doctor. You should feel free to ask any question, no matter how small it might seem. Nurses, social workers, and other members of your treatment team may also be able to answer many of your questions”.23

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Uterine Cancer?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Uterine Cancer?

Your country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

  1. 1 In 3 Endometrial Cancer Cases Could Potentially Be Prevented
  2. Abnormal Bleeding
  3. About Endometrial Cancer: What Is Endometrial Cancer?
  4. Alcohol Use and Cancer
  5. Cancer Facts for Women: Endometrial Cancer
  6. Cancer Prevention Recommendations
  7. Consumer Health: Is Prophylactic Oophorectomy Right for You?
  8. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase Cancer Risk? Does HRT Increase the Risk of Endometrial (Womb) Cancer?
  9. Endometrial Cancer
  10. Endometrial Cancer
  11. Endometrial Cancer
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  14. Endometrial Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version
  15. Endometrial Cancer Screening (PDQ)–Patient Version
  16. Endometrial Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version [+ Images]
  17. Endometrial Cancer: About Endometrial Cancer
  18. Endometrial Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – What Should You Ask Your Health Care Team About Endometrial Cancer?
  19. Endometrial Cancer: Risk Factors
  20. Endometrial Cancer: Symptoms
  21. Endometrial/Uterine Cancer
    Uterine Cancer
  22. Everything You Should Know About Menometrorrhagia
  23. Fibroids
  24. Foundation for Women’s Cancer [United States]
  25. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
    Uterine Cancer
  26. Gynecological Cancers
  27. How Cancer and Cancer Treatment Can Affect Sexuality
  28. Introducing Uterine Cancer Awareness Month
  29. Lynch Syndrome
  30. Lynch Syndrome [+ Video: What Is Lynch Syndrome?]
  31. Lynchsyndrome.com.au [Lynch Syndrome Australia]
  32. Mayo Clinic Minute: Know Options for Uterine Fibroids [+ Video]
  33. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Spotting, Perimenopause and Menopause
  34. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Understanding Endometrial Cancer
  35. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Why Are More People Dying of Uterine Cancer? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  36. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes – When To See A Doctor
  37. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  38. New Treatment Options for Uterine Cancer
  39. Pap Smear: Still Needed After Hysterectomy?
  40. Postmenopausal Bleeding
  41. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  42. Premature and Early Menopause
  43. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
  44. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
  45. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
  46. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer
  47. Sexual Health
  48. Sexual Health: Sex After Hysterectomy
  49. Sharecancersupport.org [Share Cancer Support, United States]
  50. Sharecancersupport.org [Share Cancer Support, United States]: Videos & Past Webinars
  51. Tips for Tracking Bleeding
  52. Uterine Cancer
  53. Uterine Cancer [+ Video: 4 Risk Factors of Uterine Cancer]
  54. Uterine Cancer
  55. Uterine Cancer
  56. Uterine Cancer Awareness Month
  57. Uterine Cancer: Basic Information About Uterine Cancer
  58. Uterine Cancer: How Is Uterine Cancer Treated?
  59. Uterine Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors?
  60. Uterine Cancer: What Are the Symptoms?
  61. Uterine Cancer: What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk?
  62. Uterine Cancer: What Should I Know About Screening?
  63. Uterine Cancer–Patient Version
  64. Uterine Diseases
  65. Uterine Sarcoma
  66. Uterine Sarcoma
  67. Uterine Sarcoma Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version [+ Image]
  68. Uterine Sarcoma: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – What Should You Ask Your Doctor About Uterine Sarcoma?
  69. Uterine Sarcoma: What Is Uterine Sarcoma?
  70. Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
  71. Vaginal Dryness
  72. Vaginal Dryness
  73. Video Series-2022: Irregular Menstrual Cycles What’s Normal and What’s Abnormal?
  74. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
  75. Webinars: Previous – Abnormal Uterine Bleeding In Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women
  76. What Is An Endometrial Biopsy?
  77. Womb (Uterus) Cancer
  78. Womb Cancer
  79. Womb Cancer
  80. Womb Cancer: About Womb Cancer
  81. Womb Cancer: Risks and Causes
  82. Womb Cancer: Symptoms
  83. Women’s Wellness: Uterine Fibroids Are Common Noncancerous Growths
  84. You Need To Know [+ Video: Bleeding After the Menopause – An Important Message You Need To Know]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Uterine Cancer – Basic Information About Uterine Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 30 August 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uterine/basic_info/ Accessed: 19 March 2023
  2. Uterine Cancer – Basic Information About Uterine Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 30 August 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uterine/basic_info/ Accessed: 19 March 2023
  3. Uterine Cancer – Basic Information About Uterine Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 30 August 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uterine/basic_info/ Accessed: 19 March 2023
  4. Uterine Cancer – Basic Information About Uterine Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 30 August 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uterine/basic_info/ Accessed: 19 March 2023
  5. Endometrial Cancer: What Is Endometrial Cancer? Cancer Australia https://canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/cancer-types/gynaecological-cancers/endometrial-cancer Accessed: 19 March 2023
  6. Endometrial Cancer: What Is Endometrial Cancer? Cancer Australia https://canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/cancer-types/gynaecological-cancers/endometrial-cancer Accessed: 19 March 2023
  7. Endometrial Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version: General Information About Endometrial Cancer – Endometrial Cancer Is A Disease In Which Malignant (Cancer) Cells Form In the Tissues of the Endometrium. Updated: 13 November 2020. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/endometrial/Patient Accessed: 19 March 2023
  8. Uterine Sarcoma Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version: General Information About Uterine Sarcoma – Key Points. Updated: 07 October 2022. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/uterinesarcoma/Patient Accessed: 19 March 2023
  9. Endometrial Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version: General Information About Endometrial Cancer. Updated 13 November 2020. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/uterine/patient/endometrial-treatment-pdq Accessed: 19 March 2023
  10. Womb Cancer: Risks and Causes. Last Reviewed: 10 February 2022. Cancer Research UK https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/womb-cancer/about/womb-cancer-risks-and-causes Accessed: 19 March 2023
  11. Uterine Cancer – What Are the Risk Factors? Page Last Reviewed: 30 August 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uterine/basic_info/risk_factors.htm Accessed: 19 March 2023
  12. Womb (Uterus) Cancer: Causes – Who Is more Likely To Get Womb Cancer? Page Last Reviewed: 21 October 2021. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/womb-cancer/causes/ Accessed: 19 March 2023
  13. Cancer Facts for Women: Endometrial Cancer. Last Revised: 27 August 2021. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/womenshealth/cancer-facts-for-women Accessed: 19 March 2023
  14. Uterine Cancer – Basic Information About Uterine Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 30 August 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uterine/basic_info/ Accessed: 19 March 2023
  15. Cancer Facts for Women: Endometrial Cancer – What You Can Do. Last Revised: 27 August 2021. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/womenshealth/cancer-facts-for-women Accessed: 19 March 2023
  16. Uterine Cancer – What Should I Know About Screening? Page Last Reviewed: 30 August 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uterine/basic_info/screening.htm Accessed: 19 March 2023
  17. Cancer Facts for Women: Endometrial Cancer – What You Can Do. Last Revised: 27 August 2021. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/womenshealth/cancer-facts-for-women Accessed: 19 March 2023
  18. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor. 17 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397 Accessed: 19 March 2023
  19. Womb (Uterus) Cancer: Overview – Get Your Symptoms Checked. Page Last Reviewed: 21 October 2021. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/womb-cancer/#when-to-see-a-gp Accessed: 19 March 2023
  20. Endometrial Cancer: What Is Endometrial Cancer? Cancer Australia https://canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/cancer-types/gynaecological-cancers/endometrial-cancer Accessed: 19 March 2023
  21. Uterine Cancer – How Is Uterine Cancer Treated? Page Last Reviewed: 30 August 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uterine/basic_info/treatment.htm Accessed: 19 March 2023
  22. Endometrial Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Questions to Ask About Endometrial Cancer. Last Revised: 27 March 2019. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrial-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/talking-with-doctor.html Accessed: 19 March 2023
  23. Endometrial Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Questions to Ask About Endometrial Cancer. Last Revised: 27 March 2019. American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrial-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/talking-with-doctor.html Accessed: 19 March 2023
Topic Last Updated: 28 May 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 19 March 2023

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