When is hormone therapy recommended for womb cancer?

Womb cancer is also called endometrial or uterine cancer. Some tumours respond to oestrogen or progesterone signals. Laboratory testing of tumour tissue can help show whether hormone therapy is a reasonable option. It may be discussed when cancer has returned, spread, or cannot be treated with surgery, and in other carefully selected situations. The choice also depends on tumour type, grade, location, previous treatment, general health, and what the care plan is trying to achieve.

Ask the oncology team to explain the pathology findings and whether hormone receptors were tested. Discuss how the proposed medicine would be monitored, how response would be assessed, and how it fits with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or other medicines. Share your full medication list and mention previous clots, liver problems, or abnormal bleeding. Read more about Womb Cancer and Hormone Therapy for Cancer.

Contact the care team about increasing pelvic pain, heavier or unexpected bleeding, faintness, fever, or new discharge. Seek urgent help for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, or a painful swollen leg. Side effects such as fluid retention, headaches, mood changes, or breast tenderness should be discussed if they persist.

Ask whether the tumour has hormone receptors, why hormone therapy is being considered, what outcome the team will monitor, how long treatment may continue, and what options are available if the cancer changes or side effects are difficult.