Cancer of the uterus

If you’re affected by cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer), you may have many questions about how it is diagnosed, treatment options, side effects and how to stay well. You can find trustworthy information about all aspects of your experience below.

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What is cancer of the uterus?

Cancer of the uterus occurs when cells in the uterus grow out of control and form a tumour. Get an overview of cancer of the uterus, what causes it and who gets it.

Symptoms

Learn about the common symptoms of cancer of the uterus and when to see your doctor.

Getting diagnosed

Find out about the tests for cancer of the uterus, how this cancer is diagnosed and staged, and who will provide your care.

Treating cancer of the uterus

Cancer of the uterus is often found early and, in many cases, can be treated with surgery alone. If the cancer has spread, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or chemotherapy may also be used.

Managing side effects

Find out about the possible impacts of treatments for cancer of the uterus, and how to manage side effects such as fatigue and menopause.

Life after treatment

Learn about follow-up care, what happens if the cancer returns, and how to look after your physical and mental health.

Questions for your doctor Asking your doctor questions will help you make informed decisions. Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask.

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Diagnosis

What type of cancer of the uterus do I have?
Has the cancer spread? If so, where has it spread? How fast is it growing?
Are the latest tests and treatments for this cancer available in this hospital?
Will a multidisciplinary team be involved in my care?
Are there clinical guidelines for this type of cancer?

Treatment

What treatment do you recommend? What is the aim of the treatment?
Are there other treatment choices for me? If not, why not?
If I don’t have the treatment, what should I expect?
How long do I have to make a decision?
I’m thinking of getting a second opinion. Can you recommend anyone?
How long will treatment take? Will I have to stay in hospital?
Are there any out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare or my private health cover? Can the cost be reduced if I can’t afford it?
How will I know if the treatment is working?
Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?

Side effects

What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
Will I have a lot of pain? What will be done about this?
Can I work, drive and do my normal activities while having treatment?
Will I still be able to have children? Should I see a fertility specialist?
What can I do to manage menopausal symptoms?
Will the treatment affect my sex life?
Should I change my diet or physical activity during or after treatment?
Are there any complementary therapies that might help me?

After treatment

How often will I need check-ups after treatment?
If the cancer returns, how will I know? What treatments could I have?

This section focuses on endometrial cancer, the most common type of cancer of the uterus. It is also known as uterine cancer, womb cancer, or cancer of the lining of the womb. We also discuss uterine sarcoma, a rarer type of cancer of the uterus (see also Soft tissue sarcoma).

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