What should you know about uterine and ovarian cancer?

Uterine cancer begins in tissue of the uterus, while ovarian cancer begins in an ovary or nearby related tissue. Unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pressure, persistent bloating, changes in bowel or bladder habits, or pain can have many causes. A symptom does not establish a cancer diagnosis. Evaluation may include an examination, blood tests, and pelvic ultrasound. If cancer is found, the type, grade, extent, and molecular features guide the discussion. Genetic assessment may be relevant when personal or family history suggests an inherited risk.

Arrange a medical review for bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, unusually heavy bleeding, or pelvic symptoms that persist or change. Bring a list of medicines and a family history of cancer. The care team may recommend tissue sampling, surgery, chemotherapy, or a focused operation such as oophorectomy or ovarian debulking surgery. Treatment aims depend on the diagnosis and may include symptom support and palliative care at any stage when comfort and quality of life need attention.

Seek urgent assessment for heavy vaginal bleeding with dizziness or faintness, severe or rapidly increasing pelvic or abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen with inability to pass stool or urine, or fever with feeling very unwell. These symptoms require prompt evaluation whether or not cancer is present.

Ask which organ appears involved, what tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis, whether BRCA genetic testing or genomic tumour profiling is relevant, what surgery or chemotherapy would involve, and how symptoms will be supported.