Why does womb cancer cause bleeding between periods?

Womb cancer begins in the lining of the womb. As abnormal cells grow, the lining may become uneven, irritated, or rich in delicate blood vessels. Small areas can shed at times other than a normal period, producing spotting or a light flow between periods. The bleeding may come and go, and its appearance does not show the cause by itself.

Bleeding between periods has many possible explanations, including changes in hormones, contraception, infection, polyps, and other womb conditions. A symptom does not establish a cancer diagnosis, but repeated or unexplained bleeding deserves assessment.

Arrange an appointment with a gynaecologist or doctor, particularly if the bleeding is new, keeps returning, or occurs with pelvic discomfort, unusual discharge, or bleeding after sex. Note when it happens, how long it lasts, how much blood you see, and any medicines or contraception you use. Assessment may include an examination, pregnancy testing when relevant, imaging, or sampling of the womb lining.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is heavy or rapidly increasing, you feel faint or unusually weak, you have severe pelvic pain, or you may be pregnant. Otherwise, contact a clinician promptly for unexplained bleeding between periods rather than waiting for the next cycle.

Ask what might be causing the bleeding, whether you need an examination or womb-lining sample, which symptoms should prompt urgent help, and when you should expect follow-up results.