Uterine cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers affecting women today. This serious condition typically develops in the uterus lining and affects thousands of women each year. Despite its prevalence, the early warning signs are often mistaken for less serious conditions, leading to delays in uterine cancer treatment. However, when detected early, the outcomes are remarkably promising. This blog will provide clear, practical information to help women recognise potential warning signs and seek timely medical attention.
What is Uterine Cancer?
Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the uterus, the female reproductive organ responsible for nurturing a developing baby during pregnancy. The cancer typically starts in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, although it can also affect the muscle layer known as the myometrium. Uterine cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting the female reproductive system. There are two main types of uterine cancer:
- Endometrial cancer: The most common form, which develops in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
- Uterine sarcoma: A rarer type that starts in the muscle or other tissues of the uterus.
Uterine cancer can affect women of all ages, though it is more commonly diagnosed in those over 50.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Cancer?
Uterine cancer can develop without any visible signs in its early stages, so it’s important to pay attention to any unusual symptoms. Some of these symptoms may be linked to other conditions, which is why it’s essential to seek medical advice if they persist or worsen. Common uterine cancer symptoms include:
- Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: This is the most common symptom, particularly for women who have gone through menopause. It can include spotting or bleeding between periods, unusually heavy or prolonged periods, or bleeding after menopause.
- Pelvic Pain or Pressure: Pain or a feeling of pressure in the pelvic area can be another sign of uterine cancer. This discomfort may persist or become more intense over time.
- Pain During Intercourse: Some women experience pain during sexual intercourse, which may indicate the cancer is affecting surrounding tissues.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss that occurs without changes to diet or exercise habits may be a sign of uterine cancer, especially if it’s unexplained.
- Frequent Urination or Constipation: As the tumor grows, it can put pressure on the bladder or rectum, leading to changes in urination or bowel habits, such as frequent urination or difficulty passing stools.
- Fatigue: Extreme or unexplained tiredness, even with rest, may be another symptom. This fatigue can occur alongside other signs of the condition.
Although these symptoms can be related to other, less serious conditions, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if they persist.
What Causes Uterine Cancer?
The exact cause of uterine cancer is not always known, but it often develops when changes occur in the cells of the uterus, particularly in the lining called the endometrium. These changes can cause the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumour. One of the key factors behind these changes is a shift in hormone levels, especially an imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone. Higher levels of oestrogen without enough progesterone can lead to abnormal thickening of the uterus lining, which may increase the risk of cancer over time.
Who is at Risk of Uterine Cancer?
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing uterine cancer. These include:
- Older age – Most cases are diagnosed in women over 50. The risk increases after menopause, as hormonal changes and ageing tissues may make the uterus more vulnerable.
- Obesity – Fat tissue produces oestrogen, which can raise oestrogen levels in the body. Higher oestrogen without enough progesterone increases the risk of changes in the uterus lining.
- Hormone imbalance – Women who have high levels of oestrogen not balanced by progesterone, either naturally or due to hormone replacement therapy (oestrogen-only), may face a higher risk.
- Diabetes – Type 2 diabetes is linked to uterine cancer risk, possibly due to insulin resistance and associated hormonal effects.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – PCOS can cause long-term hormone imbalances, such as irregular ovulation or increased oestrogen exposure, which may increase risk.
- No pregnancies – Pregnancy stops the menstrual cycle and reduces the number of times the uterus lining is exposed to oestrogen without progesterone. Women who have never been pregnant experience more cycles over their lifetime, which may increase the risk of abnormal cell changes in the uterus lining.
- Early periods or late menopause – Starting periods before age 12 or going through menopause after 55 leads to a longer exposure to oestrogen over the years.
- Family history – Having close relatives with uterine, ovarian, or bowel cancer may increase risk, especially in inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome.
Being aware of these risk factors allows for better attention to possible symptoms and timely medical guidance, even though not everyone with these factors will develop the disease.
When Should You See a Doctor?
It is important to consult an oncologist if there are any unusual changes in the menstrual cycle or unexplained symptoms related to the uterus. Early signs of uterine cancer can be mistaken for less serious conditions, so paying attention to the body is key.
See a doctor if any of the following occur:
- Bleeding after menopause
- Irregular or unusually heavy periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Watery or blood-tinged vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain or pressure that does not go away
These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should not be ignored. Getting them checked early can lead to quicker diagnosis and better uterine cancer treatment outcomes. As part of the diagnostic process, your doctor may recommend tests such as a CA-125 blood test, especially if there’s suspicion of cancer. Although not specific to uterine cancer, CA-125 can help assess the likelihood of malignancy and guide further investigations when used alongside other clinical findings and imaging tests.
Final Words
Concerns about uterine cancer can bring many questions, especially when symptoms are vague or easy to dismiss. If there is even a small doubt or any discomfort that doesn’t go away, it’s best not to delay. Book an appointment at a top hospital in India and speak to a qualified gynaecologist who can guide the next steps with care and clarity. Taking action now can help avoid unnecessary complications later.