Uterine cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system in the United States. It often causes symptoms such as pelvic pain and unusual vaginal bleeding. Most uterine cancer begins in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, which is a hollow muscular organ that plays a key role during pregnancy.
People assigned female at birth who are 50 years or older have the highest risk of developing uterine cancer. However, anyone with a uterus can be affected at any age.
Common symptoms
The lining of the uterus naturally grows and thickens throughout the menstrual cycle to prepare for potential pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the lining sheds and menstruation begins.
When uterine cancer develops, abnormal growth occurs in this lining, resulting in various symptoms depending on the extent of the disease. Common symptoms include:
abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially when not menstruating or after menopause
heavier or longer menstrual periods
pelvic pain
pain during sexual intercourse
Symptoms by stages
Uterine cancer progresses through four stages, and the severity of symptoms can vary with each stage. An earlier diagnosis typically results in milder symptoms and better treatment outcomes.
There is currently no screening test specifically for uterine cancer. A Pap smear, which is used for detecting cervical cancer, does not detect uterine cancer. This makes it important to monitor your body and consult your healthcare provider if you notice unusual symptoms.
Early-stage symptoms
In early stages, uterine cancer is generally confined to the uterus. The most noticeable symptom at this point is abnormal vaginal bleeding, which may also continue into later stages.
Advanced-stage symptoms
In later stages, the cancer may have spread beyond the uterus to areas such as the cervix, lymph nodes, bladder, or rectum. Symptoms in advanced stages may include:
pain during sex
painful or difficult urination
pelvic pressure or pain
unexplained weight loss
It's worth noting that the symptoms of uterine cancer can resemble those of other health issues. For example, postmenopausal bleeding may result from uterine atrophy, a noncancerous condition. Only a portion of abnormal vaginal bleeding cases are due to uterine cancer.
When to contact a healthcare provider
Since no routine screening exists for uterine cancer, it's essential to report any concerning symptoms to a healthcare provider. Some risk factors that may increase your likelihood of developing this condition include:
older age
obesity
use of estrogen-only birth control or hormone replacement therapy
early onset of menstruation
late menopause
never having been pregnant (nulliparity)
polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
high blood pressure
diabetes
If you experience symptoms alongside one or more of these risk factors, consult with your primary care provider or OB-GYN as soon as possible.
Questions to ask your provider
If you visit your healthcare provider regarding potential symptoms, consider asking the following questions:
Could anything else be causing my abnormal bleeding?
What tests are available to diagnose uterine cancer?
How quickly should I get tested?
If I don’t have uterine cancer, what steps can I take to lower my risk?
A quick review
Uterine cancer begins in the lining of the uterus and is most common among individuals assigned female at birth. Key symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic discomfort, and urinary issues.
Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. If you're experiencing unusual reproductive symptoms, seeking medical advice is a crucial part of staying healthy.
