The uterus (or womb) is part of a woman’s reproductive system. It is the hollow, pear shaped organ where a baby grows before being born. The lower part of the uterus is called the cervix. The cervix leads into the vagina.
Your doctor may suspect you have uterine cancer after taking your medical history and doing a physical examination. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will arrange special tests. These tests may also be used to “stage” and “grade” the Cancer and to help plan treatment.
The most common signs and symptoms of uterine cancer include:
- Abnormal bleeding from the vagina.
- Bleeding that starts after menopause.
- Bleeding between periods in premenopausal women.
- Frequent heavy bleeding at any time (before or after menopause).
- Bleeding with sex.
- Unusual vaginal discharge (foul smelling or pus-like).
- Pain during sex.
- Pain or pressure in the pelvic area.
Other health problems can cause some of the same symptoms. Your doctor will do one or more test to make a diagnosis.
In 2020, there will be an estimated 7,400 new cases of Uterine Cancer and an estimated 1,300 deaths in Canada (Canadian Cancer Statistics, 2020).
As of June 2018, 74% of Uterine Cancer cases were diagnosed at stage I (Canadian Cancer Statistics, 2018).
Canadian Uterine Cancer Organizations