Uterine cancer

Surgery is the most common way to treat uterine (womb) cancer. The aim of the surgery is to remove all the tumour.

Your doctor will discuss if surgery is suitable for you. It will depend on the type and size of the cancer and if it has spread.

The most common type of surgery is the removal of the uterus, the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. This is called a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Sometimes the lymph nodes are also removed. 

Read more about surgery for uterine (womb) cancer.

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. The aim is to destroy the cancer cells with as little damage as possible to normal cells. It can be given in two ways:

• External beam radiotherapy: The radiation comes from machines which aim rays directly at your tumour or the tumour site.
• Internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy): The radiation source is placed inside your body - usually inside your vagina - in special applicators on our near your tumour.

Read more about radiotherapy for uterine (womb) cancer.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given after surgery (adjuvant therapy) in the treatment of uterine cancer. It can also be used alone or with radiotherapy. 

Read more about chemotherapy and its side-effects. 

The two female sex hormones, progesterone and oestrogen, can affect how cancer cells grow in the lining of your womb. Hormone treatment may be given to help reduce the tumour and control some of your symptoms.

The main hormone treatment is progesterone, which is usually given in tablet or injection form. Side-effects are usually mild – weight gain, fluid retention or feeling sick – but let your doctor know if you have any side-effects that are troubling you.

Targeted therapies and immunotherapy can help your body to fight cancer, slow its growth or control side-effects from other cancer treatments. Your medical oncologist will tell you if there are any therapies available that will be of benefit to you. 

Read more about targeted therapies and immunotherapy.