Endometrial cancer begins in the inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium. This abnormal cell growth often results from an excess of estrogen without sufficient progesterone, leading to an excessively thick endometrium.
Over time, these cells can grow uncontrollably, leading to the development of tumours and, if left untreated, the spread of cancers beyond the uterus.
About this Cancer
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, around 8,600 women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2025, and 1,700 women will die from it.
This cancer ranks 4th among cancers that affect women.
90 per cent of endometrial cases first present with postmenopausal bleeding
Endometrioid adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype, accounting for
approximately 80 per cent of all endometrial carcinomas.
More than 90 per cent of diagnoses are in people over 50 years of age, after menopause &
the median age is 63 years old.
The five-year overall survival is estimated to be 83 per cent; however, it is below 20 per
cent for those with metastatic disease.
Source: Canadian Cancer Society Statistics 2025
Endometrioid adenocarcinoma (Type I)
The most common type (about 70-80 per cent). It originates in the glandular lining of the uterus, is often associated with estrogen, and typically grows more slowly, offering a better outlook than rarer types.
Uterine serous carcinoma (Type II)
Less common (around 10 per cent) but fast-growing and more likely to spread. It has a higher chance of coming back and accounts for a large share of endometrial cancer deaths.
Clear cell carcinoma
Rare (under five per cent). Tends to be high-grade and aggressive, with a higher risk of spreading to lymph nodes and other organs; not linked to estrogen.
Undifferentiated / Dedifferentiated carcinoma
Very rare (about two per cent). High-grade, aggressive tumours can be more complex to treat and more likely to return.
Mixed carcinoma
Rare (under three per cent). Contains two or more tumour types – at least one is serous or clear cell. It can be harder to diagnose because the cells are mixed.
Carcinosarcoma
Rare (under five per cent of uterine cancers). Combines features of carcinoma (lining tissue) and sarcoma (connective tissue). Often aggressive and found at later stages; more often diagnosed in people in their 60s.
- Stage I: The cancer is found only in the uterus.
- Stage II: The cancer has spread from the uterus to the cervix.
- Stage III: The cancer has spread beyond the uterus but remains within the pelvis.
- Stage IV: The cancer has spread to the bladder, bowel, or other organs outside the pelvis.
In addition to staging, endometrial cancers are also graded (G1, G2, G3) based on the degree of differentiation of the cancer cells, which can help predict how quickly the cancer may grow.
Symptoms of endometrial cancer can include:
Abnormal Vaginal bleeding
- Significant changes in the menstrual cycle
- Bleeding between periods
- Any vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause
Pain
- Or pressure in the pelvic area
- During sexual intercourse
- Difficult or painful urination
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
- Strong-smelling or “Pus-like”
- Blood tinged
Other symptoms
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
From: Mayo Clinic
Age: Older people are at a higher risk of developing this type of cancer
Obesity: People who are obese have higher levels of estrogen, which can lead to a hormonal imbalance that overstimulates the cells lining the uterus to grow abnormally.
Early Menopause or Late Menopause: People who start menstruation before the age of 12, or go into menopause later in life than usual, are more likely to develop endometrial cancer.
Genetics: Family history of endometrial cancer increases the risk of endometrial cancer.
Hormonal changes: Changes in the balance of progesterone and estrogen in the body can affect the endometrium, making cancer more likely to develop.
Giving Birth: People who have never given birth to a child are twice as likely to develop uterine cancer as those who have given birth at least once.
Increased Risk in people who have been diagnosed with:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Lynch Syndrome
- Cowden Syndrome
- Diabetes
From: American Cancer Society
To confirm a suspected case of endometrial cancer, diagnostic evaluation typically involves:
- Pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound.
- Tissue sampling via endometrial biopsy
- Hysteroscopy with dilation and curettage.
Early detection plays a crucial role in the prognosis of endometrial cancer. Patients diagnosed at an early stage generally have more favourable outcomes, whereas prognosis is less favourable for those with advanced disease or recurrent cancer.
Treatment options include:
Surgery is the primary treatment for endometrial carcinoma. It is used to both remove the cancer and to determine the stage of the tumour. Treatments for this type of cancer also include
Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus. In cancer care, it is often used to treat cancers of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries (sometimes with nearby tissues/organs also removed)
Radiation Therapy: Treatment that uses high-energy rays or particles to damage and destroy cancer cells in a specific area of the body
Chemotherapy: drugs that travel through the bloodstream to kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells, throughout the body
Hormone Therapy: Treatment that blocks or lowers certain hormones in the body to slow or stop the growth of cancers that depend on those hormones
Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target molecules or pathways that cancer cells use to grow and survive, often causing less damage to normal cells than chemotherapy
Immunotherapy: Treatment that helps the body’s own immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively
From the Canadian Cancer Society
Stories from Survivors
Surviving advanced uterine cancer: Annie Lemieux.
https://www.facebook.com/th: Tammy Cunningham.
Toronto woman stays positive after an endometrial cancer diagnosis: Terrilynn Ho.
The da Vinci Surgical Robot: Judy’s Story – Humber River Health Foundation– Judy.
https://thepatientstory.com/patient-stories/uterine/chasity-j/: Chasity J (American)
https://thepatientstory.com/treatments/margie-w: Margie Wilson (American)
Slash, Burn, Poison: Katheleen May’s journey from diagnosis with details on her experiences of receiving treatment.
janetbates: Janet Bates’ endometrial cancer journey and details about living with endometrial cancer.
Tom Baker Cancer Centre | The Teal Diaries: Blog by Jacquelin Chartier. This blog is a platform to offer readers a deeply personal exploration of her ongoing cancer journey, as it began in 2011.
Fiery Trials: A woman’s journey through endometrial cancer with details on specific challenges.
Resources
Getting Back On Track After Endometrial Cancer: This resource can help endometrial cancer survivors and their families understand what to expect after treatment, what actions they can take to manage late side effects and health risks, and how to get their lives back on track.
Endometrial Cancer | Health Conditions | Healthier Together: An informational Albertan resource detailing what endometrial cancer is and highlighting preventative measures.
Endometrial Cancer – A Guide to Healthy Eating and Being Active: An informational guide that details healthy eating patterns and risks associated with lifestyle choices in endometrial cancer diagnosis.
Endometrial Cancer: After Treatment: This resource is a detailed breakdown of information and resources for people who have completed treatment for endometrial cancer.
Endometrial Cancer | Nutrition Guide for Clinicians: A nutrition guide on endometrial cancer by physicians that provides expert, evidence-based support for healthcare professionals.
Reducing your risk of uterine cancer: A web page resource detailing how people can reduce their risk of endometrial cancer.
Genital Tract Cancers in Females: Endometrial Cancer – Province of British Columbia: Web page resource outlining what endometrial cancer is, preventative measures, treatments, and physician follow-up.
Endometrial Cancer Pathway Map | Cancer Care Ontario: Overview of the clinical assessment for individuals with signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer.
The Most Common Warning Sign of Uterine Cancer: An educational video detailing what uterine cancer is and what the symptoms associated with it are.
What Is Uterine Cancer? | Ask Cleveland Clinic’s Expert: An educational video explaining precisely what uterine cancer is, what the screening methods are and how it is treated.
- May 2024 – Obesity and endometrial cancer: biological mechanisms, nutritional strategies, and clinical perspectives – Taylor & Francis Online
- May 2024 – Gut microbiota and endometrial cancer: research progress on the pathogenesis & application – Taylor & Francis Online
- July 2025 – Common hereditary cancer mutation in Quebec traced to single ancestor | Newsroom – McGill University – McGill University
- August 2024 – Identification of novel biomarkers and potential molecular targets for uterine cancer using network-based approach – Science Direct
- June 24, 2024 – Uterine cancer incidence trends and 5-year relative survival by race/ethnicity and histology among women under 50 years – Science Direct
- April 15, 2024 – Top advances of the year: Uterine cancer – American Cancer Society
- January 2024 – Uterine cancer deaths certified as part unspecified: an unsolved issue – European Journal of Cancer Prevention
- January 2024 – Comparing long-term sexual dysfunction across different uterine cancer treatment modalities – Science Direct
- October 17, 2022 – Use of straighteners and other hair products and incident uterine cancer – Journal of The National Cancer Institute
- September 2021 – Sleep deprivation and quality of life among uterine cancer survivors: systematic review – Springer Link
- February 2021 – Current status of clinical trials for cervical and uterine cancer using immunotherapy combined with radiation – Science Direct
Uterine Cancer Groups
We currently do not know of any Canadian uterine cancer groups. If you know of any, please send them to us at info@survivornet.ca.
Pink Pearl Canada:
Community-oriented charitable organization that provides support, facilitates connections and empowers people (between the ages of 18-40) who are overcoming the social and emotional challenges of being diagnosed with cancer across Canada. In person events at Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. & Virtual platform.
Ovarian Cancer Sunflower Support Group
For women with ovarian, endometrial, or fallopian tube cancer who have had or are having chemotherapy. Meetings are held from 1 PM to 2:30 PM on Thursdays.
Classes, Groups & Events | Alberta Health Services
Saskatchewan Ovarian and Gynecological Cancer Support Group
Community of women and families who have ovarian or other gynecological cancers. They meet regularly to connect with others going through the same journey, from diagnosis to treatment and recovery, and also hold information sessions with guest speakers.
The Saskatchewan Ovarian and Gynecological Cancer Support Group
Hearth Place Gynecological Support Group
This support group offers women a safe place to gather with other women to share experiences and coping skills, and to explore the emotional, physical and spiritual impacts of living with a gynecological cancer.
Support Groups & Emotional Wellness
Women’s Cancer Support Group
This is a support group for all women who have any type of cancer and their caregivers.
Ottawa Gyne Cancer Support Group
For those who have been diagnosed with ovarian, cervical, vaginal, vulval, or uterine/endometrial cancer living in the National Capital Region.
Canadian Cancer Survivor Network Survey
There are currently no endometrial cancer organizations in Canada. The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network decided to conduct a survey to identify the gaps and unmet needs of people with endometrial cancer and their caregivers. Eleven responses were recorded, detailing various experiences across Canada.
Among the 11 respondents, six live in Ontario, two in Nova Scotia, and one each in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Age-wise, 1 is under 30, 1 is between 41–50, two are between 51–60, four are between 61–70, and three are between 71–80. Four respondents identified as part of a racialized group.
Four respondents were diagnosed at stage I, four at stage II, and three at stage III; no one reported a stage IV diagnosis. Most participants named a spouse or partner as their primary source of support. One respondent relied primarily on friends, one on community services, and another reported having no support at all.
“At the time, there wasn’t great communication on the services available like Wellspring or Inspire Health” said one British Columbia patient with stage 3 endometrial cancer. This was when asked about obstacles to accessing support. The details of the survey and findings highlight the importance of improving information, navigation and access to both emotional and practical support for people living with endometrial cancer and their caregivers.