- Patients
- Exploring cancer care
- Conditions we treat
- Gynaecological Cancer
- Uterine cancer
What is uterine cancer?
Chapter 01
What is uterine cancer?
Uterine cancer, also called cancer of the uterus, occurs when abnormal cells develop in the uterus (womb) and begin growing in an uncontrolled way.1
The uterus is part of the female reproductive system, and is around the size and shape of a hollow, upside-down pear. The uterus is located low in the abdomen between the bladder and rectum and is connected to the vagina via the cervix (the neck of the uterus).1
Types of uterine cancer
There are two distinct forms of uterine cancer, which are based on where in the uterus the cancer develops:1-3
- Endometrial cancer – begins in the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), and accounts for around 90% to 95% of all uterine cancers*
- Uterine sarcoma – develops in the muscle or connective tissue of the uterus, and is a rare form of uterine cancer
*Cancer Australia. Endometrial Cancer: Uterine cancer statistics. January 2024.
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Uterine cancer may be associated with a range of symptoms, which may include:1-3
- Unusual vaginal bleeding (one of the most common symptoms), including bleeding after menopause and changes in periods (e.g., heavier periods, bleeding between periods, continuous periods)
- Unusual vaginal discharge – may be watery or smell unusual
- Pain or discomfort in the abdomen or pelvic area
- Difficult or painful urination
- Change in bowel habits
If you have one or more of these symptoms, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have uterine cancer. You should make an appointment with your GP or specialist for a check-up and to discuss any concerns that you may have.1-3
The exact cause of uterine cancer is unknown, but different factors may increase the risk of developing uterine cancer. These risk factors may include:1-3
- Older age
- Being overweight or obese
- Family history of uterine or ovarian cancer
- Certain genetic conditions
- Not having children
- Diabetes
- Thickened endometrial lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
- Starting periods at a young age and reaching menopause later than usual
- Certain hormonal medications
If you have one or more of these risk factors, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will develop uterine cancer. If you have any questions or concerns about uterine cancer risk factors, please talk to your GP or specialist.1-3
Diagnosis
Chapter 02
Diagnosing uterine cancer
Different tests may be performed to assess symptoms and diagnose uterine cancer, including the type and disease stage.2,3 As well as a physical and pelvic examination, tests may include:1-3
- Pelvic ultrasound – an ultrasound uses soundwaves to create a picture of the uterus and ovaries and is performed using a small handheld wand called a transducer; for an abdominal ultrasound, the transducer is used over the abdominal surface; for a transvaginal ultrasound, the transducer is inserted into the vagina; both types of pelvic ultrasound may be performed during the same appointment
- Endometrial biopsy – a long, thin plastic tube is inserted into the vagina and used to gently suck a sample of cells from the uterine lining; these endometrial cells will be examined under a microscope for signs of cancer
- Hysteroscopy and biopsy – a telescopic device with a light and camera (called a hysteroscope) is inserted into the vagina to allow the doctor to see inside the uterus and take a biopsy of the uterine lining; a hysteroscopy is usually performed under general anaesthesia
Treatment options
Chapter 03
Treatment options for uterine cancer
Treatment recommended for uterine cancer depends on different factors including the type, stage, and severity of cancer, as well as the patient’s general health, age, and personal preferences.2,3 Treatment options may include:1-3
- Surgery – this treatment aims to remove the cancer and uterine cancer may be treated by removing the uterus and cervix, and sometimes also the ovaries and fallopian tubes; surgery may be used alone, or in combination with radiation therapy or chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy – this treatment uses a controlled dose of radiation, usually in the form of high energy x-rays, to help kill cancer cells or slow their growth and spread
- Chemotherapy – this treatment uses medications, usually given by injection or tablet, to help kill cancer cells or slow their growth and spread; chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments
- Hormone therapy – this treatment uses hormones to control growth and activity of cancer cells that depend on hormones to grow; it may be used to treat uterine cancer that has spread or come back (recurred), or if surgery is not an option
- Immunotherapy – this treatment helps a patient’s own immune system fight the cancer, with different types of immunotherapies that work in different ways to treat different cancers
- Targeted therapy – this treatment uses drugs that are designed to attack certain features of cancer cells to stop their growth and spread
All cancer treatments may have side effects. The type and severity of side effects will vary between individuals. You can ask your doctor for detailed information about the side effects which you may experience with any treatment recommended for you.1
Treatment with GenesisCare
Chapter 04
Learn more about patient care at GenesisCare
A cancer diagnosis can be life changing, and you may experience many different emotions.1 Your care team aim to know your name as quickly as possible, and to understand who you are as a person.
Your multidisciplinary care team are here to support you before, during and after your cancer treatment. We aim to provide you with the support you need, which may also include allied health services such as a psychologist, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, and dietitian.
If you have any enquiries about our centres or services, please contact your local GenesisCare centre. View a list of our centres here.
Helpful services
Chapter 05
Other helpful services
We understand that you may have more questions about uterine cancer. You may find the following organisations helpful to contact:
Cancer Council Australia
13 11 20
cancer.org.au
Australian Cancer Research Foundation
02 9223 7833
acrf.com.au
Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation (AGCF)
02 8235 2606
agcf.org.au
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Our centres
In Australia, we have more than 40 oncology centres in metro and regional Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
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Our doctors
Our experienced, specialised doctors offer bespoke, dedicated care aiming to provide the best possible clinical outcomes.
Treatment
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high energy X-rays or other particles to treat cancer and can be used at all stages.
Disclaimer
This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
Any medical procedure or treatment involving the use of radiation carries risks, including skin irritation and associated pain. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.
- Cancer Council. Understanding cancer of the uterus. October 2023. Available: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/uterine-cancer [accessed February 2024].
- Cancer Australia. Endometrial cancer. October 2023. Available: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/endometrial-cancer/overview [accessed February 2024].
- Cancer Australia. Uterine sarcoma. October 2023. Available: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/uterine-sarcoma/overview [accessed February 2024].