Finding uterine cancer early
When uterine cancer is found and treated early, the chances of successful treatment are better. Get regular health checkups and see your doctor if you have any symptoms, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, or if you are worried about your health.
Most women should have regular Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer. This test sometimes also finds uterine cancer. It is not used as a regular screening test for uterine cancer because it was developed to find abnormal cervical cells rather than abnormal uterine cells. Also, the Pap test doesn’t reach the inside of the uterus so it will not find all uterine cancers.
If you have a higher than average risk, you may need to visit your doctor more often to check for uterine cancer. Talk to your doctor about tests that can help find uterine cancer early, including the following:
- pelvic exam
transvaginal ultrasound hysteroscopy - biopsy of the inner lining of the uterus (called the endometrium)