Uterine cancer — also called endometrial cancer — is the most common gynecologic cancer in India and worldwide. The good news is that it often produces a noticeable early symptom: abnormal uterine bleeding. This gives women a fighting chance to catch it early, when treatment is most effective.
Here are 7 warning signs of uterine cancer that every woman should know.
1. Vaginal Bleeding After Menopause
This is the most important warning sign. Any vaginal bleeding — even light spotting — after menopause is not normal and should be evaluated immediately. In postmenopausal women, abnormal bleeding is the presenting symptom in over 90% of uterine cancer cases.
Do not assume it is harmless. Do not wait to see if it goes away. See a specialist right away.
2. Abnormal Bleeding Between Periods
In premenopausal women, bleeding that occurs between periods — or periods that are unusually heavy or prolonged — can be a sign of uterine cancer. While there are many non-cancerous reasons for abnormal bleeding, it always warrants investigation.
3. Pelvic Pain or Pressure
A feeling of pressure, fullness, or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis — especially if it is new and persistent — should not be dismissed. In some cases, this occurs when the tumour has grown in size.
4. Painful Intercourse
Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) can have many causes, but when it occurs alongside other symptoms on this list, it may warrant a gynaecologic evaluation.
5. Unintentional Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss — losing weight without trying — is a general cancer warning sign. When combined with other symptoms, it should prompt an appointment with your doctor.
6. Unusual Vaginal Discharge
A watery, blood-tinged, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge that is not related to your menstrual cycle or an infection may be a symptom of uterine cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women.
7. Difficulty or Pain While Urinating
As uterine cancer progresses, it can press on surrounding structures including the bladder, causing urinary symptoms such as pain, urgency, or frequency.
Who Is at Risk for Uterine Cancer?
- Postmenopausal women — risk increases significantly after menopause
- Obesity — excess body fat produces oestrogen, which can stimulate the uterine lining
- Diabetes and high blood pressure
- Never having been pregnant
- Late menopause (after age 55)
- Family history of uterine, ovarian, or colorectal cancer
- Taking oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy
- Tamoxifen use (a breast cancer drug)
How Is Uterine Cancer Diagnosed?
The most common diagnostic method is an endometrial biopsy — a simple procedure where a small sample of the uterine lining is taken and examined under a microscope. Other tools include transvaginal ultrasound and hysteroscopy.
Uterine cancer is NOT detected by a Pap smear — the Pap smear screens for cervical cancer, not uterine cancer. This is a common misconception.
Treatment and Outcomes
When caught at stage I (confined to the uterus), the 5-year survival rate for uterine cancer is approximately 95%. Treatment typically involves surgery (hysterectomy), sometimes followed by radiation or hormone therapy depending on the stage.
The Most Important Thing You Can Do
Do not normalise abnormal bleeding. If you are postmenopausal and experience any vaginal bleeding, or if you are premenopausal and experiencing irregular, heavy, or frequent bleeding — please see a specialist.
Dr. Monisha Gupta is a Gynecologic Oncologist at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi, with over 10 years of experience treating uterine, ovarian, cervical and vulvar cancers.
