Uterine cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive tract in the United States.
Most cases are endometrial cancer, which starts in the lining of the womb.
The American Cancer Society projects 68,270 new cases and 14,450 deaths in 2026, and cases keep climbing year over year.
More than 90 percent of women with endometrial cancer notice abnormal vaginal bleeding first, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
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Many blame perimenopause, fibroids, or a hormonal blip. That delay can push an early cancer into a harder-to-treat stage.
Caught while still confined to the uterus, endometrial cancer is highly survivable. The ACS urges anyone past menopause to report even light spotting to a doctor.
The seven signs worth acting on
1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding. Bleeding after menopause, spotting between periods, or a sudden change in flow. This is the most common sign and turns up in more than 9 of every 10 cases.
2. Watery, pink, or non-bloody discharge. New discharge unrelated to a period. The ACS says any abnormal discharge should be evaluated.
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3. Pelvic pain or pressure. A dull ache or a heavy, full feeling low in the abdomen. This tends to show up in more advanced disease.
4. Pain during sex. Discomfort or pain during intercourse is listed by MSK among the symptoms to watch for.
5. Difficult or painful urination. Trouble emptying the bladder, or a burning feeling when urinating.
6. Unexplained weight loss. Losing weight without trying, another sign that usually appears later.
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7. A mass or lump in the pelvis. A palpable lump or heaviness in the pelvic area is uncommon early on and generally signals more advanced disease.
Why menopause blurs the picture
Early uterine cancer often bleeds in ways that mimic the erratic cycles of perimenopause. That is why the ACS is emphatic on one point.
Any vaginal bleeding after menopause should be reported to a healthcare provider. The same guidance covers spotting and any unusual discharge.
Uterine corpus cancer is one of several cancers still rising in the US, alongside breast, prostate, liver, melanoma, oral cavity, and pancreatic cancer, the ACS reports.
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What to do this week
If you have bled once since menopause, even a single spot, call your clinician. Do not wait for a second episode.
The same applies to spotting between periods, new discharge, or new pelvic pain that will not settle. An endometrial biopsy is a short in-office procedure that can rule cancer out or catch it while treatment options are broadest.
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This article is made and published by Mie Hermansen, who may have used AI in the preparation.