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Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer develops when cells grow and divide abnormally in the uterus.

Last modified: January 25, 2022

Quick facts about uterine cancerQuick facts

  • Uterine cancer is the most diagnosed gynaecological cancer in Australia and the fifth most common cancer in Australian women, accounting for 4.6% of all new cancer diagnoses in women
  • It is estimated that 1 in 44 women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer by the age of 85

Types of uterine cancerTypes of uterine cancer

The uterus is part of the female reproductive system and is made up of two layers: the myometrium (the outer layer of muscle tissue) and the endometrium (the inner layer or lining).

There are two main types of uterine cancer, which depend on the layer of the uterus that the cancer develops in:

Endometrial cancer Uterine sarcoma

Endometrial cancer

Cancer that develops in the endometrium. This is the most common type of uterine cancer.

Uterine sarcoma

Cancer that develops in the myometrium. This type of uterine cancer accounts for 2-4% of all uterine cancer diagnoses.

Signs and symptoms of uterine cancerSigns and symptoms

As signs and symptoms for uterine cancer can be similar to other common conditions, it’s important to see your GP or healthcare professional if you experience any of the symptoms below. Discussing anything concerning with your doctor as soon as possible can help give you peace of mind and offer the best chance of successful treatment if you receive a uterine cancer diagnosis.

Uterine cancer can be difficult to detect as it may not cause any symptoms at early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding

  • Pelvic pain

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Unpleasant smelling and/or watery discharge

  • Difficulty urinating

  • Pain during sexual intercourse

Stages of uterine cancerStages

Uterine cancer is typically staged using the FIGO (International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics) system, which helps doctors understand what your cancer looks like.

Within each stage of uterine cancer, there are sub-stages listed from A through to D which describe the extent of the tumour. The FIGO system, along with other tests, helps determine the stage of your uterine cancer using the guidelines below:

Stage IA uterine cancer Stage IB uterine cancer Stage II uterine cancer Stage IIIA uterine cancer Stage IIIB uterine cancer Stage IIIC1 uterine cancer Stage IIIC2 uterine cancer Stage IVA uterine cancer Stage IVB

Stage IA

The tumour is confined to the inner half of the thickness of the myometrium

Stage IB

The tumour involves more than half of the thickness of the myometrium

Stage II

The tumour has spread to the cervical stroma, but not outside the uterus

Stage IIIA

The cancer has spread to the serosa, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries

Stage IIIB

The cancer has spread to the vagina or tissue around the uterus (parametrium)

Stage IIIC1 

The cancer has spread beyond the uterus to the pelvic lymph nodes, but not to the inner lining of the rectum or urinary bladder

Stage IIIC2

The cancer has spread beyond the uterus to the lymph nodes around the aorta, but not to the inner lining of the rectum or urinary bladder

Stage IVA

The cancer has spread to the inner lining of the rectum or urinary bladder, and may or may not have spread to surrounding lymph nodes

Stage IVB

The cancer has spread to the inguinal lymph nodes, the upper abdomen, omentum or distant organs including the lung, liver or bones

Treatment for uterine cancer

There are many different types of treatment for uterine cancer. Your treatment will depend on you and your cancer.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions about uterine cancerFAQs

Is utrine cancer hereditary?

Your likelihood of developing uterine cancer may be increased if you have a family history of ovarian, uterine or bowel cancer. Other genetic conditions, including Cowden syndrome or Lynch syndrome, may also increase your risk of uterine cancer.

What causes uterine cancer?

The exact cause of uterine cancer is unknown, however there are some factors which are known to increase the risk for development of uterine cancers including your age, medical history, weight and genetics.

What are the risk factors for uterine cancer?

Risk factors that have been associated with developing uterine cancer include:

  • Age – Uterine cancer is more common in Australian women who are post-menopausal
  • Medical history – Having certain medical conditions can increase your risk of developing uterine cancer, including high blood pressure, diabetes, ovarian tumours, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometrial hyperplasia and having received hormone replacement therapy. Women who have never been pregnant also have an increased risk of developing uterine cancer
  • Weight – Obesity has been found to increase your chance of developing uterine cancer
  • Genetics – People with familial history of uterine, ovarian and bowel cancer or certain inherited syndromes, including Cowden syndrome and Lynch syndrome, have a higher risk of developing uterine cancer
How common is uterine cancer?

Uterine cancer is the most diagnosed gynaecological cancer in Australia and the fifth most common cancer in Australian women, accounting for 4.6% of all new cancer diagnoses in women.

How is uterine cancer diagnosed?

There are many different tests that are used to diagnose uterine cancer, alongside a physical examination.

Tests to diagnose uterine cancer include:

  • Transvaginal ultrasound
  • Endometrial biopsy, or hysteroscopy and biopsy
  • X-ray
  • CT scan
  • MRI
  • PET scan
Are there clinical trials available for uterine cancer that I can participate in?

Icon offers clinical trials across a wide range of cancer types and treatments. If you would like more information on participating in a clinical trial, please speak with your doctor who will be able to find a trial that might be right for you and your cancer.

See current clinical trials delivered by Icon Cancer Centre.

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ReferencesReferences

For a full list of references, click here.
  1. Cancer Australia. (2020). Uterine cancer statistics. Retrieved on 8 April 2021 at https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/cancer-types/uterine-cancer/uterine-cancer-statistics
  2. Cancer Council Australia. (2021). Uterine cancer. Retrieved on 8 April 2021 at https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/uterine-cancer
  3. Cancer Council Victoria. (2021). Uterine cancer. Retrieved on 8 April 2021 at https://www.cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/uterine_cancer/uterine-cancer-overview.html
  4. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Endometrial cancer. Retrieved on 8 April 2021 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometrial-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352466
  5. American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2020). Uterine Cancer. Retrieved on 8 April 2021 at https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/uterine-cancer/risk-factors-and-prevention
  6. American Cancer Society. (2019). Endometrial Cancer. Retrieved on 8 April 2021 at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrial-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html
  7. Victoria State Government. (2015). Uterine Cancer. Retrieved on 8 April 2021 at https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/uterine-cancer
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