Word On Womb Cancer

Our grateful thanks to Peaches Womb Cancer Trust for thier contribution to our radio feature, which you can hear again at the bottom of this page.  You can reach Peaches Womb Cancer Trust via our Links Page.        

Understanding what Womb Cancer (Uterine/Endometrial Cancer) is, who’s at risk, common symptoms, and how widespread it is can empower women to act promptly—improving outcomes and saving lives.

Womb Cancer (Uterine/Endometrial Cancer)  refers to malignant tumours forming in the womb (uterus), almost always originating in the lining (endometrium). It makes up the vast majority of uterine cancers—endometrial cancer accounts for 90% of cases.

Who Develops It:

• Older age: most diagnoses occur after age 50, with rates highest between 75–79; 
• Peri-/post-menopausal women: about 75% of cases occur post-menopause;
• Younger women (under 50) account for 10–15% of cases. 

Risk Factors: (From strongest evidence to modest associations):

• Obesity/excess body fat – linked to 1/3 of UK cases;
• High lifetime oestrogen exposure: late menopause, early menarche;
• Hormone-related medications: Oestrogen-only HRT and tamoxifen increase risk;
• Combined oral contraceptives/IUDs are protective;
• Reproductive factors: nulliparity increases risk;
• Medical conditions: PCOS, diabetes, hypertension;
• Family history/genetic: Lynch syndrome, relatives with bowel, ovarian, or womb cancer;
• Prior pelvic radiotherapy;
• Older age – general increase over time.

Signs & Signals: Be alert to: 

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding: post‑menopausal, irregular, heavy or between periods;
• Unusual vaginal discharge;
• Pelvic/abdominal pain, back pain;
• Pain during sex and/or urination;
• Abdominal swelling or lump;
• Blood in urine.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters: 

• Early-stage detection (via bleeding) results in much higher cure rates—surgery often suffices.  Later-stage cases require more intensive treatment and carry worse prognoses—early action can save lives;
• A new vaginal swab test (WID‑easy) is emerging to aid faster, non-invasive diagnosis if adopted widely; 
• Identifying symptoms early reduces anxiety, invasive testing, and strain on health services.

Take action:

• Speak to a GP if you experience unusual bleeding, discharge, or pelvic symptoms;
• Maintain healthy weight and control chronic conditions;
• Share this information to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

Listen to this weeks radio report