Womb (Uterus) Cancer

IN OUR REGION

In the North West, womb cancer rates are 6% higher than the national average, with Lancashire reporting an 18% higher incidence rate.  

North Wales womb cancer rates are 4% higher than the national Welsh benchmark. Gwynedd rates are a staggering 44% above the national average, while both Conwy and Flintshire exhibit rates 10% higher.  

SYMPTOMS

• Bleeding or spotting from the vagina after menopause  
• Heavy periods that are unusual for you  
• Vaginal bleeding between your periods  
• A change to vaginal discharge  

Further symptoms can include:  

• A lump or swelling in your tummy, or between your hip bones (pelvis)  
• A pain In your lower back or between your hip bones  
• Pain during sex  
• Blood in your wee  

CAUSES

Womb cancer is most common in women who have been through the menopause, but can affect anyone with a womb. You cannot develop womb cancer if you have had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove your womb).  

A high level of oestrogen is a main factor that can increase your chance of developing womb cancer.  

You may have high oestrogen levels if you:  

• Are overweight  
• Take some types of hormone replacement therapy  
• Have never given birth  
• Have polycystic ovarian syndrome  
• Went through the menopause after the age of 55 

Further factors that may make you more likely to get womb cancer are:  

• Diabetes  
• Family history of bowel, ovarian or womb cancer  
• Inherited a rare gene that causes ‘Lynch Syndrome’  
• Taken medicines like Tamoxifen  
• Had radiotherapy on your pelvis  

TREATMENT

Womb cancer is usually treatable when it is found early.

The treatment you have for womb cancer will depend on:

• the size of the cancer
• where it is
• if it has spread
• your general health

It will usually include surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It may also include treatment with targeted medicines to treat the cancer.

Surgery is often the primary treatment for womb cancer, especially when detected early. Various surgical procedures may involve removing:

• The womb and cervix (hysterectomy)
• The womb, ovaries, and fallopian tubes if the cancer has spread there
• Lymph nodes around the womb or in the pelvis
• The upper part of the vagina connected to the cervix
• The bladder or rectum if the cancer has returned or spread to these areas

Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.

You may receive radiotherapy for womb cancer:

• As the primary treatment if surgery is not an option
• If the cancer is large or has spread
• After surgery, typically combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy), to help prevent recurrence.

Chemotherapy involves using medications to kill cancer cells.

You may receive chemotherapy for womb cancer:

• Combined with radiotherapy (called chemoradiotherapy) as the primary treatment if surgery is not an option
• After surgery (usually with radiotherapy) to help prevent the cancer from returning
• To slow the cancer's progression and alleviate symptoms if it has spread to other parts of your body

You may also receive:

• Hormone therapy
• Immunotherapy

If you have any concerns about the signs and symptoms of womb cancer, please visit your GP.