- Causes of womb cancer
- Complications
- Diagnosing womb cancer
- Introduction
- Living with womb cancer
- Preventing womb cancer
- See what the doctor sees with Map of Medicine
- Symptoms of womb cancer
- Treating womb cancer
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Endometrial cancer
Causes of womb cancer
It is not known exactly what causes womb cancer, but certain things can increase your risk of developing it.
About cancer
The body is made up of millions of different cells. Cancer happens when some of the cells multiply in an abnormal way. When cancer affects organs and solid tissues, it causes a growth called a tumour to form. Cancer can occur in any part of the body where cells multiply abnormally.
In most cases of womb cancer, the cells of the womb lining, called the endometrium, are usually affected. This is why womb cancer is sometimes called endometrial cancer.
Left untreated, cancer can quickly grow and spread from the womb into other tissues in the pelvis or to other parts of the body. This usually happens through the lymphatic system, but it can also spread through the bloodstream.
The lymphatic system is a series of glands located throughout the body that are linked in a similar way to the blood circulation system.
Once the cancer reaches your lymphatic system, it can spread to any other part of your body, including your bones, blood and organs.
Increased risk
Things that can increase your chances of developing womb cancer include:
Age
The risk of developing womb cancer increases with age, with most cases developing in women over the age of 50.
Oestrogen
The risk of developing womb cancer is linked to the exposure of the body to oestrogen. Oestrogen is one of the hormones that regulates the reproductive system in women.
- oestrogen stimulates the release of eggs from your ovaries and causes the cells of the womb lining to divide
- progesterone gets the lining of your uterus ready to receive the egg from the ovaries
The levels of oestrogen and progesterone in your body are usually balanced with each other. If oestrogen isn’t kept in balance by progesterone, the level in the body can increase. This is called unopposed oestrogen.
After the menopause, the body stops producing progesterone. However, there are still small amounts of oestrogen being produced. This unopposed oestrogen causes the cells of the endometrium to divide, which can increase the risk of womb cancer.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Because of the link between increased levels of unopposed oestrogen and womb cancer, oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should only be given to women who have had their womb surgically removed (hysterectomy).
In all other cases, both oestrogen and progesterone (combination HRT) must be used in HRT to reduce the risk of womb cancer.
Being overweight or obese
As oestrogen can be produced in fatty tissue, being overweight or obese increases the level of oestrogen in your body. This significantly increases your chances of developing womb cancer.
Women who are overweight are three times more likely to develop womb cancer compared with women who are a healthy weight. Very obese women are six times more likely to develop endometrial cancer compared with women who are a healthy weight.
One way to assess whether your weight is healthy is to calculate your body mass index (BMI). In the UK, people with a BMI of between 25 and 30 are overweight, and those with an index above 30 are obese.
Reproductive history
Women who have not had children are at a higher risk of womb cancer. This may be because the increased levels of progesterone and decreased levels of oestrogen that occur during pregnancy have a protective effect on the lining of the womb.
Tamoxifen
Women who are treated with tamoxifen (a hormone treatment for breast cancer) can be at an increased risk of developing womb cancer. However, this risk is outweighed by the benefits that tamoxifen provides in preventing breast cancer.
Diabetes
Women with diabetes are twice as likely to develop womb cancer as women without the condition. Diabetes causes an increase in the amount of insulin in your body, which in turn can raise your oestrogen level.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing womb cancer, as they have high levels of oestrogen in their bodies.
Women with PCOS have multiple cysts in the ovary, which can cause symptoms such as irregular or light periods, or no periods at all, as well as problems getting pregnant, weight gain, acne and excessive hair growth (hirsutism).
Endometrial hyperplasia
Endometrial hyperplasia is when the lining of the womb becomes thicker. Women with the condition may be at increased risk of developing womb cancer.
Want to know more?
- Cancer Research UK: womb cancer risks and causes
- Macmillan: causes of womb cancer
Useful Links
- Published Date
- 2013-08-07 09:59:16Z
- Last Review Date
- 2012-11-21 00:00:00Z
- Next Review Date
- 2014-11-21 00:00:00Z
- Classification
- Cancer and tumours,Diabetes,Hormone therapy,HRT,Obesity,Polycystic ovary syndrome,Post-menopausal women,Uterine cancer,Weight gain,Weight management,Womb,Women
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Womb (uterus) cancer – Living with
Living with womb cancer
A diagnosis of cancer is a challenge for most people. How cancer affects your daily life depends on the stage of your cancer and the treatments used.
There are many ways to get help coping with cancer. Not all of them work for everybody, but one or more should prove helpful:
- keep talking to your friends and family because they can be a powerful support system
- communicate with others in the same situation
- learn about your condition
- set reasonable goals
- take time out for yourself
Want to know more?
- Cancer Research UK: living with womb cancer
Page last reviewed: 21/11/2012
Next review due: 21/11/2014
Coping with cancer
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In this video, people who have been through cancer treatment talk about what kept them going and the practicalities of treatment.
Media last reviewed: 14/11/2013
Next review due: 14/11/2015
‘I started bleeding after the menopause’
Gabrielle describes how early diagnosis of womb (endometrial) cancer saved her life
Useful links
NHS Choices links
- Bleeding or spotting after the menopause
- Cancer support services
- Care and support
- Cervical cancer
- Hysterectomy
- Ovarian cancer
- Women’s health 40-60
- Women’s health over-60s
External links
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Endometrial cancer
Diagnosing womb cancer
You should visit your GP if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding. While it is unlikely to be caused by womb cancer, it is best to be sure.
Your GP will probably carry out a physical examination of your vagina. They will ask about your symptoms, when they happen and how often.
You may be referred to a specialist in conditions of the female reproductive organs, called a gynaecologist, for further tests. Some of these tests are outlined below.
Blood test
A blood test can sometimes help diagnose womb cancer. This is because some cancerous tumours release certain chemicals into your blood, known as tumour markers, and they can be detected during a blood test.
However, this type of test is not very reliable. The presence of these chemicals does not mean that you definitely have womb cancer. Some people with womb cancer do not have these chemicals in their blood.
Transvaginal ultrasound (TVU)
Another test you may have is called a transvaginal ultrasound (TVU). TVU is a type of ultrasound scan that uses a small scanner in the form of a probe. This is placed directly into the vagina to obtain a detailed picture of the inside of the uterus. The probe can feel a little uncomfortable, but shouldn’t be painful.
The TVU checks whether there are any changes to the thickness of the lining of your uterus that could be caused by the presence of cancerous cells.
Biopsy
If the results of the TVU do detect changes in the thickness of the lining of the uterus, you will usually have a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
In a biopsy, a small sample of cells is taken from the lining of the womb (the endometrium). The sample is then checked at a laboratory for the presence of cancerous cells.
The biopsy can be carried out in several ways, including:
- aspiration biopsy – a small flexible tube is inserted into your vagina and up into your womb, which then sucks up a small sample of cells
- hysteroscopy – this allows the doctor to look at the inside of the womb using a thin type of telescope called a hysteroscope, which is inserted through your vagina and into your womb, allowing the doctor to look at the lining of the womb and take a sample from it
In some cases, a hysteroscopy may be used before dilatation and curettage (D&C). D&C is a minor surgical procedure carried out under general anaesthetic where some tissue from the womb lining is removed. The tissue is then sent off to a laboratory for further testing.
Want to know more?
- Cancer Research UK: womb cancer tests
- Macmillan: how womb cancer is diagnosed
Tests if you have womb cancer
If you’re diagnosed with womb cancer, you may have further tests that can help determine the stage of the cancer. Staging the cancer will allow the doctors to work out how large the cancer is, whether or not it has spread, and the best treatment options for you.
These tests may include:
- a chest X-ray, where radiation is used to check if the cancer has spread to the lungs
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), where magnetic fields and radio waves are used to created a detailed image of the inside of your body to check if the cancer has spread
- a computerised tomography (CT) scan, where a series of X-rays are used to create a detailed image of the inside of your body to check if the cancer has spread
- further blood tests, usually to check your general health and how well some of your organs are functioning
See treating womb cancer for more information about staging.
Want to know more?
- Getting your test results
- Cancer Research UK: further tests for womb cancer
Useful Links
- Published Date
- 2013-08-07 09:43:46Z
- Last Review Date
- 2012-11-21 00:00:00Z
- Next Review Date
- 2014-11-21 00:00:00Z
- Classification
- Biopsies, swabs or scrapings,Ultrasound scan,Uterine cancer,Womb
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Endometrial cancer
Introduction
Cancer of the womb (uterus) is a common cancer that affects the female reproductive system. It is also called uterine cancer and endometrial cancer.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of womb cancer.
If you have been through the menopause, any vaginal bleeding is considered to be abnormal. If you have not yet been through the menopause, unusual bleeding may include bleeding between your periods.
You should see you GP as soon as possible if you experience any unusual vaginal bleeding. While it is unlikely that it is caused by womb cancer, it is best to be sure.
Your GP will examine you and ask about your symptoms. If they suspect you may have a serious problem or if they are unsure about a diagnosis, they will refer you to a specialist for further tests.
Read more about the symptoms of womb cancer and diagnosing womb cancer.
Types of womb cancer
The vast majority of womb cancers begin in the cells that make up the lining of the womb (called the endometrium), which is why cancer of the womb is often called endometrial cancer.
In rare cases, womb cancer can start in the muscles surrounding the womb. This type of cancer is called uterine sarcoma and may be treated in a different way to endometrial cancer.
This article uses the term womb cancer and mostly includes information about endometrial cancer. See the Cancer Research UK website for more information about soft tissue sarcomas.
Womb cancer is separate from other cancers of the female reproductive system, such as ovarian cancer and cervical cancer.
Why does womb cancer happen?
It is not clear exactly what causes womb cancer, but certain things can increase your risk of developing the condition.
A hormone imbalance is one of the most important risks for womb cancer. Specifically, your risk is increased if you have high levels of a hormone called oestrogen in your body.
A number of things can cause this hormone imbalance, including the menopause, obesity, diabetes and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There is also a small increase in the risk of womb cancer with long-term use of the breast cancer drug tamoxifen.
It is not always possible to prevent womb cancer, but some things are thought to reduce your risk. This includes maintaining a healthy weight and the long-term use of some types of contraception.
Read more about the causes of womb cancer and preventing womb cancer.
How is womb cancer treated?
The most common treatment for womb cancer is the surgical removal of the womb (hysterectomy). A hysterectomy can cure womb cancer in its early stages, but you will no longer be able to get pregnant. Surgery for womb cancer is also likely to include the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Radiotherapy or chemotherapy are also sometimes used, often in conjunction with surgery.
A type of hormone therapy may be used if you are yet to go through the menopause and would still like to have children.
Even if your cancer is advanced and the chances of a cure are small, treatment can still help to relieve symptoms and prolong your life.
Read more about treating womb cancer.
Living with womb cancer
Living with cancer is challenging and womb cancer can affect your life in specific ways.
For example, your sex life may be affected if you have a hysterectomy. You may find it physically more difficult to have sex and you may have a reduced sex drive.
You may find it beneficial to talk to other people about your condition, including family members, your partner or other people with womb cancer.
Read more about living with womb cancer.
Useful Links
Related Videos (Links)
- Published Date
- 2013-08-07 10:15:29Z
- Last Review Date
- 2012-11-21 00:00:00Z
- Next Review Date
- 2014-11-21 00:00:00Z
- Classification
- Cancer and tumours,Chemotherapy,Post-menopausal women,Uterine cancer,Womb
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Endometrial cancer
Living with womb cancer
After treatment
Women with womb cancer usually have a hysterectomy. This can be a major operation, and recovery may take from six to 12 weeks. During this time you will have to avoid lifting things (for example, children and heavy shopping bags) and doing heavy housework. You won’t be able to drive for between three and eight weeks after the operation.
Most women need four to 12 weeks off work after a hysterectomy. The recovery time will depend on the type of surgery you have, whether or not any problems develop and what type of work you will return to.
Some of the treatments for endometrial cancer, particularly radiotherapy, can make you very tired. You may need to take a break from some of your normal activities for a while. Don’t be afraid to ask for practical help from family and friends if you need it.
Follow-up
After your course of treatment has finished, you’ll probably be invited back for regular check-ups. At the check-up, your doctor will examine you (this is likely to include an internal examination) and possibly carry out blood tests or scans to see how your cancer is responding to treatment.
Want to know more?
- Macmillan: follow-up after treatment for womb cancer
Relationships and sex
Relationships with friends and family
Knowing how to talk to your friends and family about your cancer can be difficult, and they may find it hard to talk to you as well. People deal with serious problems in different ways.
It’s hard to predict how a diagnosis of cancer will affect you. Being open and honest about how you feel and what your family and friends can do to help may put them at ease. But don’t feel shy about telling people that you want some time to yourself, if that’s what you need.
Want to know more?
- Talking to your kids about cancer
- Macmillan: other people’s attitudes towards your cancer
- Macmillan: the emotional effects of cancer
Your sex life
Womb cancer and its treatment can affect your sex life. This can happen in several ways:
- Early menopause: if you haven’t already had the menopause, removing the ovaries means that you’ll go through an early menopause. Symptoms can include vaginal dryness and loss of sexual desire.
- Changes to your vagina: radiotherapy for endometrial cancer can make your vagina narrower and less flexible. Sometimes the vagina gets so narrow that having sex becomes difficult. To stop this happening, you should be offered a set of vaginal dilators. These are plastic cones that you put into your vagina to stretch it. You can also stretch your vagina by having sex, or by using your fingers or a vibrator.
- Not wanting to have sex: it’s common for women to lose interest in sex after treatment for womb cancer. Your treatment may leave you feeling very tired. You may feel shocked, confused or depressed about being diagnosed with cancer. You may be grieving the loss of your fertility.
It’s understandable that you may not feel like having sex while having to cope with all this. Try to share your feelings with your partner. If you feel that you have problems with sex that aren’t getting better with time, you may want to speak to a counsellor or a sex therapist.
Want to know more?
Talk to others
Being diagnosed with cancer can be hard, both for patients and their families. You’ll need to deal with the emotional and practical difficulties.
With womb cancer, you have to cope physically with recovering from a hysterectomy as well as with the possible emotional impact of losing your womb. Younger women may have to face the fact that they won’t be able to have children and all the grief and anger that may cause.
Often, it can help to discuss your feelings and other difficulties with a trained counsellor or therapist. You can ask for this kind of help at any stage of your illness. There are various ways that you can find help and support:
- Your hospital doctor, specialist nurse or GP can refer you to a counsellor.
- If you’re struggling with feelings of depression, talk to your GP. A course of antidepressant drugs may be helpful, or your GP can arrange for you to get help from a counsellor or psychotherapist.
- It may be helpful to talk to someone who’s had the same experience as you. Many organisations have telephone helplines and forums that may be useful to you. If you wish, they can put you in touch with other people who’ve been through cancer treatment.
Want to know more?
- Cancer Help UK: coping with cancer
- Macmillan: online community
- More to Life (support for people who are involuntarily childless)
Money and financial support
If you have to reduce or stop work because of your cancer, you may find it hard to cope financially. If you have cancer or you are caring for someone with cancer, you may be entitled to financial support.
- If you have a job but can’t work because of your illness, you’re entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from your employer.
- If you don’t have a job and can’t work because of your illness, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance.
- If you’re caring for someone with cancer, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.
- You may be eligible for other benefits if you have children living at home or you have a low household income.
Find out early on what help is available to you. You can ask to speak to the social worker at your hospital, who can give you the information you need.
Free prescriptions
People being treated for cancer are entitled to apply for an exemption certificate giving free prescriptions for all medication, including medicine for unrelated conditions.
The certificate is valid for five years, after which you can apply for it to be renewed. You can apply for a certificate by speaking to your GP or cancer specialist.
Want to know more?
- Benefits for carers and benefits for the person you care for
- Find your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau
- Free prescriptions for people with cancer Q&A
- GOV.UK: benefits
- Macmillan: financial issues
- Money Advice Service
Dealing with dying
If you’re told that nothing more can be done to treat your womb cancer, your care will focus on controlling your symptoms and helping you to be as comfortable as possible. This is called palliative care. Palliative care also includes psychological, social and spiritual support for you and your family or carers.
Want to know more?
- Accessing palliative care
- End of life care
- Macmillan: support if you’re caring for someone with womb cancer (support line: 0808 808 00 00)
- Marie Curie Cancer Care
Useful Links
Related Videos (Links)
- Published Date
- 2014-07-09 23:29:44Z
- Last Review Date
- 2012-11-21 00:00:00Z
- Next Review Date
- 2014-11-21 00:00:00Z
- Classification
- Cancer and tumours,Cancer specialists,Cancer support,Carers,Family and friends' needs,Long-term management,Relationships,Treatments,Uterine cancer
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Endometrial cancer
Preventing womb cancer
It is not always possible to prevent womb cancer, but some things are believed to reduce the risk of the condition.
Healthy weight, diet and exercise
The most effective way of preventing womb cancer is to maintain a healthy weight.
The best way to avoid becoming overweight or obese is to eat healthily and exercise regularly.
A low-fat, high-fibre diet is recommended, including wholegrains and at least five portions a day of fresh fruit and vegetables.
For most people, a total of at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (such as cycling or fast walking) every week is recommended. Ideally, this should be spread across the week into at least five separate periods.
If you haven’t exercised before or haven’t done it for some time, see your GP for a health check-up before you start a new exercise programme.
Read more about health and fitness and losing weight.
Soya
Some research has suggested that a diet high in soya may possibly help prevent womb cancer. Soya contains isoflavens, which may help protect the lining of the womb. Foods that are high in soya include soya beans and tofu. However, more research into this area needs to be carried out.
Contraception
Research has also shown that long-term use of the combined contraceptive pill (the pill) can lower the risk of womb cancer.
Other types of contraception such as contraceptive implants and the intrauterine system (IUS) work by releasing progestogen (a synthetic version of progesterone). These may also reduce the risk of womb cancer.
Useful Links
- Published Date
- 2013-08-06 16:46:16Z
- Last Review Date
- 2012-11-21 00:00:00Z
- Next Review Date
- 2014-11-21 00:00:00Z
- Classification
- Contraception,Getting active,Healthy eating,Uterine cancer,Weight management
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Endometrial cancer
See what the doctor sees with Map of Medicine
The Map of Medicine is used by doctors throughout the NHS to determine the best treatment options for their patients. NHS Choices offers everyone in England exclusive and free access to this cutting-edge internet resource, which lets you see exactly what your doctor sees.
The information in the Map has been approved by the UK’s leading clinical experts, is based on the best available clinical evidence, and is continually updated. To take advantage of this unique resource go to:
Useful Links
- Published Date
- 2011-09-11 15:45:35Z
- Last Review Date
- 0001-01-01 00:00:00Z
- Next Review Date
- 0001-01-01 00:00:00Z
- Classification
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Endometrial cancer
Symptoms of womb cancer
The most common symptom of womb cancer is abnormal bleeding from the vagina, although most people with abnormal bleeding do not have cancer.
Bleeding may start as light bleeding accompanied by a watery discharge, which may get heavier over time. Most women diagnosed with womb cancer have been through the menopause, so any vaginal bleeding will be unusual.
In women who haven’t been through the menopause, unusual vaginal bleeding may consist of:
- periods that are heavier than usual
- vaginal bleeding inbetween normal periods
Less common symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen (tummy) and pain during sex.
If womb cancer reaches a more advanced stage, it may cause additional symptoms. These include:
- pain in the back, legs or pelvis
- loss of appetite
- tiredness
- nausea
When to seek medical advice
If you have postmenopausal vaginal bleeding or notice a change in the normal pattern of your period, visit your GP.
Only 1 in 10 cases of unusual vaginal bleeding after the menopause are caused by womb cancer, so it’s unlikely your symptoms will be caused by this condition.
However, if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, it is important to get the cause of your symptoms investigated. The bleeding may be the result of a number of other potentially serious health conditions, such as polyps or fibroids (non-cancerous growths that can develop inside the uterus). Other types of gynaecological cancer can also cause unusual vaginal bleeding, particularly cervical cancer.
Want to know more?
- Cancer Research UK: womb cancer symptoms
- Eve Appeal: what women need to know about womb cancer (PDF, 2.6Mb)
- Macmillan: symptoms of womb cancer
Useful Links
- Published Date
- 2014-10-09 06:31:12Z
- Last Review Date
- 2012-11-21 00:00:00Z
- Next Review Date
- 2014-11-21 00:00:00Z
- Classification
- Heavy periods,Uterine cancer,Vaginal bleeding,Womb,Women
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Endometrial cancer
Treating womb cancer
Stages of womb cancer
Health professionals use a staging system to describe how far womb cancer has advanced. These stages are:
- stage 1: the cancer is still contained inside the womb (uterus)
- stage 2: the cancer has spread to the neck of the womb (the cervix)
- stage 3: the cancer has spread outside the womb into nearby tissues in the pelvis or the lymph nodes
- stage 4: the cancer has spread to the soft tissues of the abdomen, or into other organs, such as the bladder, bowel, liver or lungs
Your chances of surviving womb cancer depend on the stage at which it is diagnosed.
If womb cancer is diagnosed at stage 1 or 2, you have a 70-80% chance of living at least five more years. Many women with stage 1 womb cancer are cured.
If the condition is diagnosed at stage 3, you have a 40-50% chance of living at least another five years.
Around one in four womb cancers are diagnosed at stage 4. By this point, you only have a 20-30% chance of living at least five more years.
Want to know more?
- Cancer Research UK: stages of womb cancer
- Macmillan: staging and grading womb cancer
Treatment overview
The main treatment for womb cancer is to remove the womb (hysterectomy), together with the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This is sometimes followed by radiotherapy or chemotherapy to try to kill any possible remaining cancer cells, depending on the stage and grade of the cancer.
Treatment for women who haven’t been through the menopause
Having a hysterectomy will mean that you will no longer be able to get pregnant. Therefore, younger women who haven’t already reached the menopause may not want to have their womb and ovaries removed if they wish to have children.
In this case, under very specific circumstances it may be possible to treat the cancer using hormone therapy.
Treating advanced cancer
Advanced womb cancer requires a different course of treatment, usually depending more on chemotherapy. Advanced cancer may not be curable, but the treatment aims to achieve a remission, where the cancer shrinks, making you feel normal and able to enjoy life to the full.
Even if there’s no chance of a cure, surgery may be carried out to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormone therapy can reduce symptoms such as pain by shrinking the cancer or slowing its growth.
Want to know more?
- Cancer Research UK: controlling symptoms of advanced womb cancer
- Cancer Research UK: which treatment for womb cancer?
Surgery
Surgery for stage 1 womb cancer
If you have stage 1 cancer, you’ll probably have a hysterectomy. This involves the removal of both ovaries and the fallopian tubes (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, or BSO) and the uterus (hysterectomy).
The surgeon may also take samples from the lymph nodes in the pelvis and abdomen and other nearby tissue. These will be sent to the laboratory to see whether the cancer has spread.
The most common hysterectomy technique involves using one large cut across your tummy to access the womb and remove it.
It is sometimes possible to use a technique called laparoscopic hysterectomy, also known as keyhole hysterectomy. This involves using several small cuts so a special type of telescope (laparoscope) and other surgical instruments can be used. This means the surgeon can see inside your body and remove your womb through your vagina with little scarring.
You’ll probably be ready to go home three to five days after your operation, or less if you had keyhole surgery. But it can take many weeks to recover fully.
After your operation, you’ll be encouraged to start moving about as soon as possible. This is very important, and even if you have to stay in bed you’ll need to keep doing regular leg movements to help your circulation and prevent blood clots. You’ll be shown exercises by the nurses or physiotherapist to help prevent complications.
When you go home, you’ll need to exercise gently to build up your strength and fitness. Discuss with your doctor or physiotherapist which types of exercise would be suitable for you.
Surgery for stage 2 or 3 womb cancer
If you have stage 2 or 3 womb cancer and the cancer has spread to the cervix or nearby lymph nodes in the pelvis, you may have a radical or total hysterectomy.
This involves the additional removal of the cervix and the top of your vagina, as well as the removal of the pelvic lymph nodes. You may also need radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
Surgery for advanced cancer (stage 4)
If you have advanced womb cancer, you may have surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible. This is called debulking surgery. This won’t cure the cancer, but it may ease some of the symptoms. Your doctor will discuss whether debulking surgery is suitable for you.
Want to know more?
- Cancer Research UK: having your operation for womb cancer
- NICE: treating endometrial cancer with keyhole hysterectomy (PDF, 58kb)
Radiotherapy
A course of radiotherapy will be recommended if your treatment team thinks there’s a significant risk that the cancer could return in the pelvis. Radiotherapy may also be used to slow the spread of cancer when a surgical cure is not possible.
There are two types of radiotherapy used to treat womb cancer:
- internal radiotherapy (also known as brachytherapy), where a plastic tube is inserted inside the uterus and radiation treatment is passed down the tube into the womb
- external radiotherapy, where a machine is used to deliver pulses of radiation to your pelvis
A course of external radiotherapy is usually given to you as an outpatient for five days a week with a break at the weekend. The treatment takes a few minutes. The whole course of radiotherapy may last approximately four weeks depending on the stage and position of the womb cancer.
Some women have internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy) as well as external radiotherapy. During brachytherapy, the device that delivers radiation is placed in your vagina.
There are different types of brachytherapy, involving either low, medium or high dose rates. With low dose rate methods the radiation is delivered more slowly, so the device has to stay inside you for longer. You’ll have to stay in hospital while you have the treatment. Your doctor will discuss this with you.
Radiotherapy has some side effects. Skin in the treated area can become red and sore, and hair loss may occur. Radiotherapy to the pelvic area can affect the bowel and cause sickness and diarrhoea.
As your course of treatment progresses, you’re likely to get very tired. Most of these side effects will go away when your treatment finishes, although around 5% of women continue with long-term treatment effects, such as diarrhoea and rectal bleeding.
Want to know more?
- Macmillan: radiotherapy for womb cancer
Chemotherapy
If you have stage 3 or 4 womb cancer, you may be given a course of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be used after surgery to try to prevent the return of the cancer or, in cases of advanced cancer, slow the spread of the cancer and relieve symptoms.
Chemotherapy is usually given as an injection into the vein (intravenously). Most often, you’ll be able to go home the same day you have chemotherapy, but sometimes you may need a short stay in hospital. Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, with a period of treatment being followed by a period of rest to allow the body to recover.
Side effects of chemotherapy can include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- hair loss
- fatigue
There is also an increased risk of an infection developing in your bloodstream (sepsis), as your body’s ability to fight infection is reduced by chemotherapy.
The side effects should stop once the treatment has finished.
Want to know more?
- Cancer Research UK: chemotherapy for womb cancer
- Macmillan: chemotherapy for womb cancer
Hormone therapy
Some womb cancers are affected by the female hormone oestrogen. These cancers may respond to treatment with hormone therapy. Your doctor will discuss whether this is a possible treatment for your womb cancer.
Hormone therapy usually replaces a hormone called progesterone that would naturally occur in your body. Artificial progesterone is used and is usually given as tablets.
It’s mainly used to treat advanced-stage womb cancers or cancer that has come back, and it can help shrink the tumour and control any symptoms.
The treatment may have some side effects, including mild nausea, mild muscle cramps and weight gain. Your doctor will discuss these with you.
Want to know more?
- Cancer Research UK: hormone therapy for womb cancer
- Macmillan: hormonal treatment for womb cancer
Clinical trials
A lot of progress has been made in the treatment of womb cancer and more women are living longer with fewer side effects. Some of these advances were discovered through clinical trials, where new treatments and combinations of treatments are compared with standard treatment.
All cancer clinical trials in the UK are carefully monitored to make sure that the trial is worthwhile and safely conducted. Participants in clinical trials often do better overall than those in routine care.
If you’re invited to take part in a trial, you’ll be given an information sheet. If you wish to take part, you’ll be asked to sign your consent. You’re always free to refuse or withdraw from a clinical trial without it affecting your care.
Want to know more?
- Clinical trials and medical research
- Cancer Research UK: trials and research
- Cancer Research UK: womb cancer research
Useful Links
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- Published Date
- 2014-07-09 23:29:42Z
- Last Review Date
- 2012-11-21 00:00:00Z
- Next Review Date
- 2014-11-21 00:00:00Z
- Classification
- Alopecia,Bowel cancer,Brachytherapy,Cancer and tumours,Cancer specialists,Cervical cancer,Chemotherapy,Clinical trials and medical research,Getting active,Hormone therapy,Hysterectomy,Menopause,Ovarian cancer,Radiotherapists,Radiotherapy,Treatments,Uterine cancer,Womb,Women
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