Quick read
Key points
- 1
Womb cancer, also called uterine or endometrial cancer, develops in the lining of the womb. It's one of the more common gynaecological cancers and most often affects women after menopause, though it can occur earlier.
- 2
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
- 3
You experience any bleeding after menopause, however light
01 · Know
What is Womb (uterus) cancer?
Womb cancer, also called uterine or endometrial cancer, develops in the lining of the womb. It's one of the more common gynaecological cancers and most often affects women after menopause, though it can occur earlier.
The most common early symptom is unusual vaginal bleeding, particularly after menopause or between periods before menopause. Because this symptom often appears early, womb cancer is frequently caught and treated successfully at an early stage.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Self-care advice
See your GP promptly for any unusual vaginal bleeding, particularly after menopause, so it can be properly investigated.
03 · Act
When to see a doctor
- 1You experience any bleeding after menopause, however light
- 2You notice bleeding between periods or unusually heavy periods before menopause
- 3You have unusual vaginal discharge alongside bleeding changes
- 4You experience pelvic pain alongside bleeding changes
- 5You have risk factors, such as obesity or a family history, and have questions about your risk
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Take these self-care steps
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- 1Report any unusual bleeding promptly.This is the most important symptom to act on quickly, as early investigation gives the best outcome.
- 2Attend all recommended investigations.Tests such as an ultrasound scan or biopsy are important for reaching an accurate diagnosis.
- 3Maintain a healthy weight where possible.Excess weight is a known risk factor for womb cancer, so managing weight can help reduce risk.
- 4Know your family history.Understanding your family's history of womb or bowel cancer can help assess your personal risk, particularly for conditions like Lynch syndrome.
- 5Attend follow-up care if diagnosed.Regular follow-up after treatment helps monitor for recurrence and manage any ongoing symptoms.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Womb (uterus) cancer ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Womb cancer is often caught early because its main symptom, unusual bleeding, tends to appear early, giving a good chance of successful treatment.
Any bleeding after menopause should always be reported to your GP promptly, even if it's light or happens only once.