The short answer
The most common sign of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially bleeding after menopause. Because this symptom often appears early, uterine cancer is frequently found at an early, treatable stage.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of uterine cancer.
Any bleeding after menopause should always be checked.
Bleeding between periods or unusual discharge can also be signs.
Because bleeding appears early, uterine cancer is often found at an early stage.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Uterine cancer, also called endometrial cancer, starts in the lining of the uterus. Its most common sign is abnormal vaginal bleeding — especially any bleeding after menopause. Because this symptom appears early, uterine cancer is often found at a treatable stage.
The main sign
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common sign. This includes bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, or unusually heavy periods. Any bleeding after menopause should always be checked.
Any bleeding after menopause should always be evaluated.
Other signs
Less commonly, uterine cancer can cause unusual vaginal discharge or pelvic pain. But bleeding is by far the most common symptom that leads to diagnosis.
Why reporting it matters
There is no routine screening test for uterine cancer in women at average risk. That makes reporting abnormal bleeding promptly the main way it is caught early, when it is most treatable.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What is the most common sign?
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common sign — bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, or unusually heavy periods. Any bleeding after menopause should always be checked.
▸Why is uterine cancer often found early?
Because abnormal bleeding tends to appear early and prompts people to see a doctor, uterine cancer is often found at an early, treatable stage.
▸What other symptoms occur?
Other possible signs include unusual vaginal discharge and pelvic pain, though bleeding is the main one.
▸Is there a screening test?
There is no routine screening test for uterine cancer in women at average risk, which is why reporting abnormal bleeding promptly is so important.
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