What are the first signs of womb cancer?

Bleeding after menopause is not expected and should be checked, even if it happens once or is light. Before menopause, warning changes include bleeding between periods, unusually heavy periods, or bleeding after sex. Persistent pelvic pain, pressure, or unusual discharge may accompany womb cancer, but these symptoms also have other explanations and cannot diagnose it alone.

Arrange a clinical review for unusual bleeding or persistent pelvic symptoms. The assessment may include a pelvic examination, transvaginal ultrasound to view the womb lining, and an endometrial biopsy to examine cells from that lining. Keep a record of bleeding dates, flow, pain, and medicines to help the discussion.

Seek urgent help for bleeding that is heavy or accompanied by faintness, marked weakness, or severe pain. Contact a clinician promptly about any bleeding after menopause, repeated bleeding between periods, or pelvic pain that does not settle. Early review helps identify the cause and choose the right test.

Ask what may be causing the bleeding, whether ultrasound or biopsy is needed, and when results will be available. If womb cancer is found, ask how stage and cell type affect options such as hysterectomy or radiotherapy.