Endometrial cancer

What is womb cancer?

Womb cancer starts in the cells of the womb (uterus). It is also called endometrial cancer. The endometrium is the lining of the womb. Endometrial cancer is the most common type of womb cancer.

If you are looking for information about cancer of the neck of the womb (cervix), this is not the right section for you. We have a separate section about cervical cancer.

The womb and reproductive system

The womb is part of the female reproductive system. It is a pear shaped muscular organ that holds and protects a growing baby during pregnancy. It is hollow, like a bag. The reproductive system is made up of the:

vulva
vagina
womb (uterus)
neck of the womb (the cervix)
fallopian tubes
ovaries

Diagram showing the parts of the female reproductive system.

This video shows more detail about the female reproductive system. It lasts for 1 minute and 50 seconds.

Where womb cancer starts

Most womb cancers start in specific cells in the womb lining, the endometrium. Most endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas.

Adeno means that the cancerous cells are of glandular tissue. So, for the most common type of womb cancer, the cancer is in the glands of the endometrium. Carcinoma means the cancer has started in tissues lining or covering internal organs.

Who gets womb cancer?

Most people who develop womb cancer are older women. It is much less common in those younger than 40.

Trans men and non-binary people assigned female at birth can also develop womb cancer. This can happen when they haven't had an operation to remove their womb and cervix (total hysterectomy).

How common is womb cancer?

Around 9,800 women are diagnosed with womb cancer in the UK each year. This makes it the 4th most common cancer in women in the UK.

Last reviewed: 08 Feb 2024

Next review due: 08 Feb 2027

Symptoms of womb cancer

The most common symptom of womb cancer is abnormal bleeding from the vagina. This is especially in women who have stopped having periods (post menopausal women).

Risks and causes of womb cancer

Being overweight or obese is one of the biggest risks of womb cancer in the UK. There are some other risk factors that can increase your risk of developing womb cancer.

Getting diagnosed with womb cancer

You usually start by seeing your GP if you have symptoms that could be due to womb cancer. Your doctor will then decide whether to do tests or refer you to a specialist.

Types and grades of womb cancer

The type of womb cancer you have depends on the type of cell the cancer started in. The grade gives doctors an idea of how fast growing the cancer is.

Stages of womb cancer

The stage of a cancer tells you how big it is and whether it has spread. This helps your doctor decide which treatment you need.

Treatment for womb cancer

Your treatment depends on several factors. These include what type of womb cancer you have, how big it is, whether it has spread (the stage) and the grade. It also depends on your general health.