9 Uterine Cancer Symptoms Doctors Say Women Over 50 Often Miss, Plus How To Reduce Your Risk
See the subtle early warning signs that could be dismissed as minor bothers
Many women can name the warning signs of breast cancer or colon cancer—but what about uterine cancer? It’s the sixth most common type of cancer in women, per the International Gynecologic Cancer Society, yet many miss the early warning signs that could save their lives. So we asked leading gynecologic oncologists to share the most common uterine cancer symptoms—and the sneaky ones women often overlook—so you can recognize the signs and act fast.
What is uterine cancer?
“Uterine cancer is a cancer that starts in the uterus, the ‘womb’ or organ where a pregnancy grows,” says Vincent Wagner, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist at University of Iowa Health Care. “Most cases begin in the lining of the uterus—the endometrium. When the cells in this lining grow in an uncontrolled way, they form a tumor.”
While you may hear doctors use the term “uterine cancer,” it’s actually an umbrella term.
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The two types of uterine cancer
There are two major types of uterine cancer:
- Endometrial cancer: “The most common type, [this] starts in the inner lining of the uterus,” explains Dr. Wagner. “Most cases are caught early and are very treatable. Within endometrial cancer, there are subtypes (endometrioid, serous, clear cell [and] carcinosarcoma). Some behave more aggressively, but they are all cancers of the lining.
- Uterine sarcoma: “Far less common,” says Dr. Wagner, “it starts in the muscle of the uterus and tends to be more aggressive.”
What causes uterine cancer?
If you or someone you love has faced a cancer diagnosis, you’ve probably asked: Why did this happen? Dr. Wagner says the causes of uterine cancer vary by type.
“Most endometrial cancers are linked to excess estrogen exposure over time,” says Dr. Wagner. “Estrogen stimulates the uterine lining to grow, and long-term imbalance can lead to cancer. Key [risk factors] include obesity, conditions like PCOS, starting periods early, late menopause or hormone therapy without progesterone. The aggressive subtypes (serous, clear cell [and] carcinosarcoma) are not as tied to hormones. They arise from genetic changes in the cells. Uterine sarcomas come from the muscle tissue and have different genetic causes.”
Endometrial cancer becomes more common with age, and postmenopausal women are at a higher risk. In fact, the American Cancer Society reports that the average age of diagnosis is 60, and it’s uncommon to be diagnosed with uterine cancer before the age of 45.
Race also plays a role in how uterine cancer impacts women, says Jonathan D. Black, MD, Board-Certified Gynecologic Oncologist at The Center for Gynecologic Oncology.
“Some more aggressive types of uterine cancers are more prevalent among Black women and Japanese women,” says Dr. Black. “Uterine cancers and sarcomas are related to a prior exposure to radiation or genetic conditions. They have a higher incidence among Black women and can be related to rapidly-growing fibroids, although most fibroids are actually benign or not cancerous.”
5 common uterine cancer symptoms to watch for
The most common symptoms of uterine cancer include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause (“This is the hallmark symptom,” Dr. Wagner says.)
- Irregular periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Pelvic pain
- Pelvic pressure
4 uterine cancer symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
It’s not always easy to recognize the early signs of uterine cancer, as some are easy to miss or write off as minor health bothers. Here’s what all women should watch for:
Pink or watery vaginal discharge
“[This is] often mistaken for a mild infection or ‘normal aging,’ but it can be caused by cancer cells shedding fluid,” says Dr. Wagner.
Unexplained loss of appetite or weight loss
“People often chalk this up to stress or diet changes, but cancer can alter metabolism and decrease appetite,” says Dr. Wagner.
Pelvic bloating or pressure
“Many women assume this is fibroids or gastrointestinal, but tumors, especially aggressive subtypes, can cause fullness or pressure,” says Dr. Wagner.
Pain with bowel movements or urination
“[This is] often blamed on UTIs or constipation, but can occur if the uterus enlarges or the tumor irritates nearby organs,” says Dr. Wagner.
4 ways to lower uterine cancer risk
Cancer can often feel like something that just happens to you. But when it comes to uterine cancer, you have more power than you might think. Our experts say there are lifestyle habits that help lower your risk:
Work toward shedding extra pounds
“In cases of obesity, the fat in the body gets converted to estrogen, which increases the endometrial cancer risk,” says Dr. Black.
Get moving
“Exercise improves hormone balance, lowers inflammation and reduces obesity-related risk,” says Dr. Wagner.
If you still get your period, get help regulating your cycle
“For women with PCOS or long, irregular cycles, birth control pills or progesterone help protect the uterine lining,” says Dr. Wagner.
Be aware of your family health history
“Conditions like Lynch syndrome greatly increase uterine cancer risk,” says Dr. Wagner. “Screening or preventive strategies can save lives.”
Dr. Black adds that for women with a family history of cancer, genetic testing can clarify their personal risk and help determine whether preventive surgery like a hysterectomy might be appropriate.
When to see your doctor
Both Dr. Wagner and Dr. Black stress that any unusual bleeding, especially bleeding that happens after menopause, is never normal and should be evaluated promptly by a medical professional. “When caught early, uterine cancer is one of the most treatable cancers,” says Dr. Wagner. “When diagnosis is delayed, outcomes worsen.”
The idea of uterine cancer can feel overwhelming—but here’s the empowering truth: By knowing the symptoms, making lifestyle changes to lower your risk and talking openly with your doctor, you’re taking powerful steps to protect yourself.
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