Uterine cancer develops in the womb (also called uterus), a female reproductive organ in which the foetus develops. The most common type of uterine cancer is called endometrial cancer and starts in the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). Other types of uterine cancer include uterine sarcomas, cervical cancer and Gestational trophoblastic disease.

Endometrial cancer is more likely to occur in women over the age of 50 as well as women who are exposed to oestrogen without progesterone. High, long-term doses of oestrogen are believed to increase the risk of developing uterine cancer. Women who do not have children, experience their first periods at a young age or have menopause later than normal are exposed to larger amounts of oestrogen than other women. Moreover, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to treat symptoms of menopause or to prevent osteoporosis and heart disease, also increases the risk of endometrial cancer. Other possible risks include obesity, colorectal (bowel) cancer, the drug tamoxifen and race (white women are more likely to develop uterine cancer than black). Uterine cancer usually occurs during or after menopause. The symptoms include unusual bleeding from the vagina, painful urination and sexual intercourse and pain in the pelvis.

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