Symptoms
Main symptoms of womb cancer
Main symptoms of womb cancer can include:
- bleeding or spotting from the vagina after the menopause
- heavy periods from your vagina that is unusual for you
- vaginal bleeding between your periods
- a change to your vaginal discharge
Other symptoms of womb cancer can include:
- a lump or swelling in your tummy or between your hip bones (pelvis)
- pain in your lower back or between your hip bones (pelvis)
- pain during sex
- blood in your pee
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you have any symptoms of womb cancer
Try not to be embarrassed, the doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these kinds of symptoms.
Important
These symptoms are common and can be caused by many different conditions.
Having them does not definitely mean you have womb cancer. But it's important to get the symptoms checked by a GP.
Do not wait to contact a GP. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early can mean it's easier to treat.
What happens at the GP appointment
You will be asked some questions about your health, family medical history, medical conditions and your symptoms.
Tell the GP if you or your family have any history of cancer or Lynch syndrome.
You may be asked to be examined, you can ask for a female doctor or nurse.
You'll be asked to undress from the waist down, behind a screen. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.
Then the GP may:
- feel inside your vagina with 2 fingers while pressing on your tummy (they will be wearing gloves)
- feel inside your bottom
- gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina to check your cervix, like they do during cervical screening
The GP may ask to check inside your vagina like they do during a cervical screening.
They may also ask to check your tummy area and inside your bottom to feel for any lumps or changes in size or shape.
Before starting these checks, they should explain what will happen during them and answer any questions you have.
Referral to a specialist
The GP may refer you for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if they think you have a condition that needs to be investigated.
This may be an urgent referral, usually within 2 weeks, if you have certain symptoms. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.
Page last reviewed: 1 August 2019
Next review due: 1 August 2019