Unusual vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of womb (endometrial or uterine) cancer
- Bleeding, or spotting, after the menopause
- Heavier periods than are usual for you
- Bleeding between periods
- Periods that continue without a break
- A change to your vaginal discharge
It is important to highlight that any post-menopausal bleeding is abnormal and although this may be caused by something less serious than cancer, this should be investigated by your GP.
Other symptoms can include
- A lump in your tummy or between your hip bones (pelvis)
- Pain or pressure in your lower back, or between your hip bones (pelvis)
- Bloating or a swollen abdomen (tummy)
- Pain during sex
- Change in bowel or bladder habits, this can be more or less than is usual for you
Seek medical advice
If you have any of the symptoms of womb cancer, you should make an appointment with your GP. These symptoms can be caused by many different conditions and having one, or more, of them does not mean you definitely have cancer.
Your symptoms may seem minor but it’s important not to wait to see your GP as the earlier womb cancer is detected, the easier it can be to treat. Don’t be embarrassed, your doctor or nurse will be used to discussing symptoms like yours.
No Signs or Symptoms
The majority of people diagnosed with womb cancer will experience signs and symptoms, however around 2,000 women every year may have no indication that they have womb cancer prior to diagnosis. This may be because their periods have always been irregular, or they have a condition such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). For others there may be factors which, unknowingly, place them at risk of womb cancer. Read more here: Risk Factors and Prevention.
Cervical screening
Cervical screening, or smear test, does not rule out womb cancer. There is no national screening programme for womb cancer in the UK because, currently, there isn’t a test that can pick up womb cancer at an early stage.
Cervical screening is designed to detect abnormal cells, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), in the cervix and prevent cervical cancer. Very occasionally, abnormal cells can indicate the possibility of womb cancer and the need for further investigation. A ‘normal’ cervical screening result does not rule out womb cancer, if you experience any symptoms they should be investigated separately – don’t rely on the result of your last test or wait for your next cervical screening.
