Cancer
Medicines for Endometrial cancer
A cancer of the lining of the womb, most often signalled by bleeding after the menopause — frequently found early and very treatable, so postmenopausal bleeding should always be checked.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Endometrial cancer?
Endometrial cancer, the commonest type of womb (uterine) cancer, starts in the lining of the womb (the endometrium). Its most important warning sign is unusual vaginal bleeding — especially any bleeding after the menopause, but also bleeding between periods or unusually heavy periods before it.
- How it is treated: Treatment depends on the stage and type.
- Self-care: Maintaining a healthy weight and managing diabetes reduce risk.
- When to seek help: See a GP promptly about any bleeding after the menopause, or bleeding between periods or unusually heavy periods, so the cause can be investigated.
What it is
Endometrial cancer, the commonest type of womb (uterine) cancer, starts in the lining of the womb (the endometrium). Its most important warning sign is unusual vaginal bleeding — especially any bleeding after the menopause, but also bleeding between periods or unusually heavy periods before it. Because this symptom tends to appear relatively early and prompts investigation, many endometrial cancers are found at an early, very treatable stage. It is more common after the menopause and risk is influenced by factors linked to oestrogen, including obesity, diabetes and certain medicines, as well as some inherited conditions. Postmenopausal bleeding is always investigated to exclude it.
How it is treated
Treatment depends on the stage and type. The main treatment is usually surgery to remove the womb (and often the ovaries and tubes), which cures many early cancers. Depending on the findings, this may be followed by radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormone treatment, and newer targeted and immunotherapy options are used in some cases. Care is planned by a specialist gynaecological cancer team. Managing risk factors such as weight and diabetes supports overall health, and any inherited risk (such as Lynch syndrome) may prompt family assessment.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Endometrial cancer
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Maintaining a healthy weight and managing diabetes reduce risk. Most importantly, never ignore postmenopausal bleeding — reporting it promptly leads to early diagnosis when treatment is most effective.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP promptly about any bleeding after the menopause, or bleeding between periods or unusually heavy periods, so the cause can be investigated.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Endometrial cancer: frequently asked questions
What is the main warning sign of womb cancer?
Unusual vaginal bleeding — especially any bleeding after the menopause. This should always be checked, as it often leads to finding the cancer early when it is very treatable.
What increases the risk of endometrial cancer?
Factors linked to oestrogen, including obesity and diabetes, older age, and some inherited conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight and managing diabetes reduce risk.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Womb (uterus) cancer
- NICE NG12 — Suspected cancer
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