This disease touches many lives. Uterine cancer remains the most common reproductive system cancer that women face. The good news is that doctors can treat endometrial cancer successfully when they catch it early.
Several factors can raise a woman's risk of endometrial cancer. These include obesity, metabolic syndrome, and age. This article covers everything in uterine cancer - from warning signs you should know to available treatment choices.
Understanding uterine cancer starts with the pear-shaped organ that sits between a woman's hip bones. The uterus, also known as the womb, creates a safe space for foetal development during pregnancy. Cancer begins in this vital organ when cells grow uncontrollably.
People often use "uterine cancer" and "endometrial cancer" interchangeably. Uterine cancer actually covers two distinct types. Endometrial cancer develops in the uterus's inner lining (endometrium) and makes up about 95% of all uterine cancers. Uterine sarcoma forms in the myometrium (muscle wall) and represents less than 10% of cases.
Women face the highest risk of endometrial cancer after menopause. The average age at diagnosis is 60 years. About 3% of women will get a uterine cancer diagnosis during their lifetime.
The uterus has three main sections:
- The cervix (narrow lower section)
- The isthmus (broad middle section)
- The fundus (dome-shaped top section)
Endometrial cancer develops as cells in the endometrium multiply abnormally. The endometrial lining changes naturally throughout the menstrual cycle. The lining thickens to prepare for pregnancy and sheds when pregnancy doesn't occur.
Doctors distinguish endometrial cancers by examining cells under a microscope. The main types include endometrioid carcinoma (most common), serous carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, mixed carcinoma and carcinosarcoma.
Doctors used to categorise endometrial cancers as Type 1 (oestrogen-dependent, usually less aggressive) or Type 2 (non-oestrogen dependent, typically more aggressive). Research now focuses on molecular subgrouping systems that lead to more precise treatment approaches.
Doctors can cure endometrial cancer more easily, especially when they find it early. Uterine sarcoma proves more aggressive and harder to treat.
Symptoms
Early detection saves lives. Most women who develop uterine cancer notice warning signs that guide them to seek medical help. This often results in finding the disease at an early, treatable stage.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the commonest sign of uterine cancer. Any amount of bleeding or spotting needs immediate medical attention after menopause. Women who haven't reached menopause should watch for bleeding between periods or heavier blood flow than usual.
Some women might notice a watery or blood-tinged discharge rather than obvious bleeding. No one should dismiss this subtle sign as normal ageing or infection without proper evaluation.
The disease can cause additional symptoms as it advances:
Pelvic pain or pressure that persists
Trouble emptying the bladder completely
Pain during urination
Unexpected weight loss without trying
Feeling a mass or lump in your pelvis
Pain during sexual intercourse
These signs don't automatically point to cancer. Many non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids, polyps or infections, can create similar issues. In spite of that, a full picture remains vital because early-stage uterine cancer responds well to treatment.
Women over 55 need to stay alert to these warning signs. This is especially true for those with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or a family history of related cancers.
You shouldn't wait for multiple symptoms to show up before getting help. Even a single instance of abnormal bleeding needs quick medical evaluation. Your doctor might suggest an endometrial biopsy—a simple procedure that can rule out or confirm cancer.
Your body sends signals when something isn't right. Quick action gives you the best chance of successful treatment. Talking about intimate symptoms might feel uncomfortable, but open communication with doctors is your strongest ally to protect your health.
Causes and Risk Factors
Medical science hasn't yet discovered what exactly causes uterine cancer. The disease begins when cells in the uterine lining start to change and multiply out of control to form tumours. These rebellious cells are the foundations of cancer growth.
Two hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, need to stay balanced. Your risk increases substantially if oestrogen levels rise without enough progesterone to balance them. This explains why specific conditions and life stages affect your chances of getting this disease.
Your age plays a vital role in uterine cancer risk. The disease appears most often after menopause, usually around age 60. Women who start menstruating before age 12 or reach menopause after 50 face higher risks because their uterus gets exposed to oestrogen longer.
The risk increases for women who haven't been pregnant. Each pregnancy helps reduce oestrogen exposure as hormone levels move toward more progesterone during this time. Women with irregular periods or fertility issues might also face greater risks from hormone imbalances.
Body weight has a powerful influence on uterine cancer development. Obesity stands out as the strongest risk factor. About 50% of new endometrial cancer cases are linked directly to excess weight. Women with higher BMI face up to seven times greater risk. After menopause, fat tissue converts hormones to oestrogen and raises levels dramatically.
These risk factors also deserve attention:
Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
Endometrial hyperplasia
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Taking oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy
Prior pelvic radiation treatment
Using tamoxifix for breast cancer treatment
Genetics play a role in about 5-10% of cases, mainly through Lynch syndrome and Cowden syndrome. Your family history matters too. Having a first-degree relative with endometrial cancer doubles your risk.
Some factors can protect you. Birth control pills, pregnancy, regular physical activity, and healthy weight management all lower your risk. Even a daily walk helps reduce the danger for women who don't exercise much.
Diagnosis
Early cancer detection significantly improves treatment success rates. Your doctor will perform a physical and pelvic exam if you show potential signs of uterine cancer.
Tissue sample analysis is needed to diagnose endometrial cancer because Pap tests can't detect it. Your doctor may use these methods:
Transvaginal ultrasound – A small probe inserted into the vagina creates images of your uterus using sound waves
Endometrial biopsy – A thin, flexible tube collects a small tissue sample from your uterine lining
Hysteroscopy – A slim instrument with a light and a camera provides detailed views inside your uterus
Dilation and curettage (D&C) – A detailed procedure to remove uterine tissue for analysis
Doctors will assess how far the cancer has spread through staging after diagnosis. This vital step shapes treatment decisions. Staging tests often include:
CT scans
MRI scans
PET scans
Lymph node analysis
The FIGO system groups endometrial cancer into stages I through IV. These stages show how deeply cancer has invaded the uterus and its spread to nearby organs or distant body parts.
Treatment Options
Surgery is usually the first treatment step. It typically includes removing the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries (total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). Doctors might also remove nearby lymph nodes to test them.
Your cancer stage, type and health condition determine additional treatments:
Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells
Chemotherapy: Powerful medications that kill cancer cells
Hormone therapy: Blocks hormones that stimulate cancer growth
Targeted therapy: Attacks specific cancer cell features
Immunotherapy: Helps your immune system fight cancer
Your care team includes specialists like gynecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists & medical oncologists who work together on your personalised treatment plan. Clinical trials are a great way to get access to the newest treatments.
Conclusion
Uterine cancer impacts thousands of women each year. Early detection improves treatment success by a lot. Women need to watch for unusual bleeding or discharge in their bodies. This awareness becomes crucial after menopause and with multiple risk factors.
The way hormones and cancer development interact shows why certain life events can increase risks. Obesity is the most changeable risk factor we know of. It connects to about half of all diagnoses. Managing weight helps prevent cancer and supports a healthy life after treatment.
Doctors start the diagnosis with basic tests like ultrasounds before they take tissue samples. Once confirmed, medical teams create customised treatment plans based on the cancer's stage and type. Most patients need surgery as their main treatment. Other therapies help eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
Many women beat uterine cancer completely, even with such a serious diagnosis. Early-stage cases have an over 90% survival rate after five years. These positive numbers show why talking about symptoms matters. Medical teams now provide various support options during your treatment experience. They help with both physical and emotional challenges.
Your health should be your top priority. Don't wait to get medical help for unusual symptoms. Cancer talks might feel awkward, but they could save your life. Know the facts, pay attention to your body's signals and contact your doctor whenever you feel concerned.
FAQs
What are the early warning signs of uterine cancer?
The commonest symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause. Other signs may include pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, and unexplained weight loss. Any unusual bleeding or discharge should be discussed with a doctor promptly.
Who is at higher risk of developing uterine cancer?
Women over 60, those who are obese, have never been pregnant or have conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) face higher risks. Other factors include early onset of menstruation, late menopause and certain genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome.
How is uterine cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis of uterine tumour typically involves a combination of physical examination, transvaginal ultrasound and endometrial biopsy. In some cases, additional procedures like hysteroscopy or dilation and curettage (D&C) may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the key treatment options for uterine cancer?
Treatment usually includes surgery to remove the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Depending on the cancer's stage and type, additional treatments may include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapies.
Can uterine cancer be prevented?
While not all uterine cancer cases can be prevented, you can lower your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and managing conditions like diabetes, which can help reduce risk. Using birth control pills and having pregnancies may also offer some protection against uterine cancer.
