Treatment For Womb Cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support

A team of specialists meet to talk about the best treatment for you. They are called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

The MDT will look at many factors when planning your treatment options. These will include:

  • your general health
  • the type and size of the tumour
  • whether the cancer has begun to spread.

The main treatment for womb cancer is an operation to remove the womb, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This is sometimes the only treatment needed to cure the cancer. Depending on the stage and grade of the cancer, you may also be offered treatments after surgery. These can help reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

Your doctor will explain the different treatments and their side effects. They will also talk to you about the things you should consider when making treatment decisions. You may also be invited to take part in a clinical trial.

The types of treatment you may have include:

  • Surgery - surgery to remove the womb (a hysterectomy) is usually the main treatment for womb cancer. Sometimes surgery is used to treat womb cancer that has spread.
  • Radiotherapy - radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells. Radiotherapy may be used to reduce the risk of cancer coming back after surgery. It may also be given as the main treatment for womb cancer or to help manage symptoms of advanced womb cancer.
  • Chemotherapy - chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is sometimes used to reduce the risk of cancer coming back after surgery or radiotherapy. Or it may be used to help control cancer and relieve symptoms.
  • Hormonal Treatments - the hormones oestrogen and progesterone can affect how cells in the womb lining grow. You may be offered hormonal therapy to try to shrink and control the cancer and relieve symptoms.

Useful resources

EA is committed to ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and with dignity and...
This Teachers' Maternity Leave Scheme has been updated to reflect the rules concerning...
There are a number of health campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness of...
Cancer Focus NI, Keeping Well vans are mobile drop-in units which bring health checks,...
Sometimes when faced with an unplanned or crisis pregnancy it is difficult to discuss it...
This includes: Raising awareness of depression and Aware NI services at a wide range of...
The Menopause Project is an education and research project between Informing Choices NI...
Affected by breast cancer? Join this group to share experiences and ask questions to...
We all have good and bad days but what and when we eat can influence our mood, energy,...
Cancer Focus NI can provide a wide range of presentations to meet the needs of your...
Around one in five women will experience a mental health issue during pregnancy or within...
This programme is a six week training programme for groups of adults and focuses on...
We are delighted to provide this FREE digital toolkit. Designed in partnership with the...
Support hub for mothers
Track your treatment and wellbeing
Pregnancy and guidance for after birth
Active 10 is a free and easy to use walking app that tracks your walking and shows you...
It’s an easy to follow programme known the world over, and perfect for those new to...
Guided meditations
Handle stress and anxiety on the go
Support for breast cancer
Guided meditations
The availability of free period products in public spaces has been increasing owing to...
Learn to manage negative thoughts and look at problems differently
Food diary, exercise tracker and diet coach
Your Mind Plan offers practical ideas and advice to help you boost and maintain your mental wellbeing. Answer the quick 5-question quiz and the Every Mind Matters widget will give you 5 tailored actions to help you feel more in control, improve your sleep, deal with stress and anxiety, and boost your mood – as well as the option to easily swap any actions and to save the whole plan via email.

Articles & Videos

Helplines & Web Chats

Informing Choices NI - Helpline
Royal Osteoporosis Society - Helpline
Macmillan - Forum
Macmillan - Ask an expert
Women's Aid - Forum
Association for Post-Natal Illness Helpline
Women's Aid - Domestic abuse helpline