The most common symptom of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer) is unusual vaginal bleeding. This may include:
- bleeding or spotting after menopause
- heavier than usual periods or other changes in periods
- bleeding between periods
- constant bleeding (periods that continue without a break).
A less common symptom is a smelly, watery vaginal discharge. In rare cases, symptoms include abdominal (belly) pain, unexplained weight loss, difficulty urinating (weeing) or a change in bowel habit (pooing). Any of these symptoms can happen for other reasons, but it is best to see your doctor for a check-up.
→ READ MORE: Cancer of the uterus diagnosis
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A/Prof Orla McNally, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, Director Oncology/Dysplasia, Royal Women’s Hospital, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, University of Melbourne, and Director of Gynaecology Tumour Stream, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, VIC; A/Prof Yoland Antill, Medical Oncologist, Peninsula Health, Parkville Familial Cancer Centre, Cabrini Health and Monash University, VIC; Grace Guerzoni, Consumer; Zeina Hayes, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Bronwyn Jennings, Gynaecology Oncology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mater Hospital Brisbane, QLD; A/Prof Christopher Milross, Director of Mission and Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Mariad O’Gorman, Clinical Psychologist, Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre and Bankstown Cancer Centre, NSW.
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