The Christie Charity
The exact cause of cancer of the womb isn't known, but there are certain things that can increase a woman's risk.
The risk factors for womb cancer are mainly linked with how much of the hormone oestrogen the womb lining is exposed to.
Symptoms of womb cancer (endometrial cancer)
The most common symptom of womb cancer is unusual vaginal bleeding, for example:
- bleeding after the menopause bleeding in between periods
- heavier periods than usual (if you haven't been through
- the menopause)
- a watery or bloody vaginal discharge.
Less common symptoms are pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, or pain during sex.
If you have any unusual vaginal bleeding, always see your GP about it. There are other conditions that affect the womb, such as fibroids (benign growths), which can also cause unusual vaginal bleeding.
Bleeding is one of the first signs of womb cancer, and the earlier womb cancer is picked up, the more likely it is to be cured. Even if you've had a normal cervical screening test (smear test) recently, it's important to have any bleeding checked. A smear test only takes cells from the neck of the womb (the cervix) so it only occasionally picks up womb cancer.
*Information provided by Macmillan cancer support
The gynaecological oncology surgical team at The Christie provides advanced surgery for womb cancer and other gynaecological cancers.