Womb cancer symptoms as study finds extra weight doubles risk of the disease

Womb cancer is a disease occurring in the uterus and a new study has found excess weight almost doubles the risks.

A Cancer Research UK study found that the risk increased by 88 percent for every five extra body mass index (BMI) units.

Researchers found two hormones increased the likelihood of being diagnosed with the condition.

By identifying how hormones could increase the risk, scientists could use drugs to regulate levels of those hormones in people who are already in greater danger of developing the cancer.

"Links between obesity and womb cancer are well-known but this is one of the largest studies which has looked into exactly why that is on a molecular level," said the paper's lead author, Emma Hazelwood.

Womb cancer, which affects one in 36 people with a uterus in their lifetime, is especially closely linked with obesity, which causes around a third of cases.

Its symptoms, like spotting or heavy periods, can be signs of other conditions.

What are the signs and symptoms of womb cancer?

The risk of womb cancer is increased by excess weight, a new study reported (Uterine cancer, computer artwork.)

The main symptoms of womb cancer are:

• Bleeding or spotting even after menopause
• Heavy periods which are unusual for you
• Vaginal bleeding between your periods
• Changes to your vaginal discharge

The cancer also presents with other symptoms like:

• A lump or swelling in your tummy or between your hip bones (pelvis)
• Pain in your lower back or hip bones (pelvis)
• Pain during sex
• Blood in your urine

If you experience any of these symptoms it's important to get checked as soon as possible.

According to the NHS, finding it earlier makes it easier to treat.

Who is at risk of developing womb cancer?

Anyone who has a womb can develop womb cancer, including women, trans men, non-binary people and intersex people with a womb.

You are not at risk of getting womb cancer if you've had your womb surgically removed (hysterectomy).

One of the main reasons for developing womb cancer is having a high level of a hormone called oestrogen, which can happen if you're overweight, have never given birth, went through menopause after the age of 55, have polycystic ovary syndrome or take some kind of hormone replacement therapy.

Other risk factors for womb cancer include diabetes, family history, having radiotherapy on your pelvis or taking medicines like Tamoxifen, which is used to treat breast cancer.

How can you lower your risk of developing womb cancer?

Womb cancer cannot always be prevented, but you can take steps to reduce your risk, including:

• make sure to maintain a healthy weight

• stay active and exercise regularly

• maintain healthy diet and cut down on alcohol

• talk to a GP about types of contraception that may lower your chance of getting womb cancer

• talk to a GP about which HRT is best for you if you are thinking about taking hormone replacement