Womb Cancer (Endometrial/Uterine Cancer): Understanding, Preventing and Treating a Common Women’s Cancer

 

Womb Cancer (Endometrial/Uterine Cancer): Understanding, Preventing and Treating a Common Women’s Cancer

Womb cancer, also called endometrial cancer or uterine cancer, is one of the most common gynecological cancers in women worldwide. Although the thought of cancer is frightening, the good news is that womb cancer is usually detected in its early stages when it can be treated successfully. In this blog, we’ll explore what womb cancer is, its risk factors, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options in a simple, reader-friendly way.

What is Womb Cancer?

Womb cancer begins in the lining of the uterus (endometrium), the pear-shaped organ where a baby grows during pregnancy. The endometrium changes every month in preparation for pregnancy and sheds if no pregnancy occurs, leading to menstruation.

Sometimes, abnormal changes occur in these lining cells. If untreated, these changes can develop into cancer, most commonly diagnosed in women aged 50–60 years.

Unlike some other cancers, womb cancer is often detected early because it causes noticeable abnormal bleeding, prompting women to seek medical help quickly.

Why is Womb Cancer on the Rise?

Womb and ovarian cancers are more common in women living in urban environments. Factors linked to higher risk include:

• Having fewer pregnancies
• Breastfeeding less often
• Lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure

While these do not directly cause cancer, they increase the likelihood of abnormal changes in the womb lining.

Who is at Risk of Womb Cancer?

Certain factors can raise the chances of developing uterine cancer:

• Obesity – excess body fat can increase estrogen levels, which affect the womb lining.
• High blood pressure and diabetes – common health issues that may contribute to risk.
• Early menstruation or late menopause – more years of menstrual cycles expose the womb lining to hormones for longer.
• Never being pregnant – pregnancy reduces the number of menstrual cycles, lowering risk.
• Older age – most cases occur after menopause.
• Hormone therapy for breast cancer – some treatments can increase risk.

👉 If you fall into these categories, it’s important to discuss screening and prevention with your doctor.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Womb cancer often shows warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding –
• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after menopause
• Continuous spotting or unusually heavy periods
• Painful urination or difficulty passing urine
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Unusual vaginal discharge (watery, foul-smelling, or blood-tinged)

If you notice these symptoms, see a gynecologist immediately. Early detection makes treatment much easier and more effective.

Can Womb Cancer Be Prevented?

While not all cases can be prevented, healthy lifestyle choices can reduce risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight – balanced diet and regular exercise are key.
• Stay active – physical activity lowers hormone imbalance and boosts immunity.
• Discuss hormone therapy – if you’re considering hormone therapy after menopause, talk to your doctor about risks.
• Consider birth control pills – long-term use (under medical supervision) may lower the risk of endometrial cancer.

How is Womb Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves checking the womb lining for abnormal cells. Two main methods are used:

1. Endometrial Sampling

• Performed in a clinic, similar to a Pap smear.
• A thin device collects a small tissue sample from the womb lining.
• Quick (5–10 minutes), no anesthesia needed.
• Some mild cramping or spotting may occur after the procedure.

2. Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

• Done in a hospital under general anesthesia.
• The cervix is gently widened, and a curette is used to scrape the lining.
• Usually takes 15–30 minutes, with mild cramping and light bleeding afterward.
• Often used if more tissue is required for testing.

Stages of Womb Cancer

Understanding the stage helps guide treatment:

• Stage I: Cancer is confined to the uterus.
• Stage II: Cancer involves both the uterus and cervix.
• Stage III: Cancer spreads beyond the uterus to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: Cancer spreads further, possibly to the bladder, rectum, or distant organs.

Most women are diagnosed at Stage I, which gives an excellent chance of successful treatment.

Treatment Options for Womb Cancer

The primary treatment for womb cancer is surgery.

• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, often along with ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• In some cases, surrounding tissues like lymph nodes may also be removed.
• About 90% of women require no treatment beyond surgery.

If the cancer has spread, additional treatments may include:

• Radiotherapy – to target remaining cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy – rarely used, but may be combined with radiation in advanced cases.

Living Beyond Womb Cancer

The positive side of womb cancer is that most women are diagnosed early and treated effectively. Many continue to lead full, active lives as professionals, mothers, and community members.

The key lies in listening to your body: unusual bleeding is not “normal” and should always be checked by a doctor.

A Whole-Person Approach to Care

Cancer care today goes beyond surgery or medicine. A team of experts, including oncologists, surgeons, nurses, nutritionists, and counselors, work together to treat not just the disease but the whole person. Emotional, psychological, and lifestyle support are equally important for long-term recovery and quality of life.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Womb cancer is common but highly treatable. With awareness, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment, most women overcome it and continue living healthy, fulfilling lives.

👉 Remember:

• Don’t ignore abnormal bleeding.
• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
• Get regular check-ups, especially after menopause.

When caught early, womb cancer is beatable—and most women do beat it.

 

FAQs

1. What is womb cancer?
 It is cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).

2. Who is most at risk?
 Women who are obese, older, diabetic, or have never been pregnant face higher risk.

3. What are early signs of womb cancer?
 Abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, painful urination, and unusual discharge.

4. Can womb cancer be cured?
 Yes. Over 70% of cases are detected early, and most are cured with surgery.

5. How can I reduce my risk?
 Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and discuss hormone therapy risks with your doctor.