Symptoms of uterine cancer

Uterine cancer can cause different signs and symptoms as the cancer grows. Other health conditions can cause the same symptoms as uterine cancer.

The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This includes a change in menstruation (heavier periods, periods that last longer or periods that occur more often than normal), bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause or spotting.

Other signs and symptoms of uterine cancer include:

  • unusual vaginal discharge, which can be foul-smelling, pus-like or blood-tinged
  • pain during intercourse
  • pelvic pain or pressure
  • pain or feeling of pressure in the pelvis, lower abdomen, back or legs
  • pain during urination, difficult urination or blood in the urine
  • pain during bowel movements, difficult bowel movements or blood in the stool
  • bleeding from the bladder or rectum
  • buildup of fluid in the abdomen (called ascites) or in the legs (called lymphedema)
  • weight loss
  • lack of appetite
  • difficulty breathing

Expert review and references

Your trusted source for accurate cancer information

With just $5 from readers like you, we can continue to provide the highest quality cancer information for over 100 types of cancer.

We’re here to ensure easy access to accurate cancer information for you and the millions of people who visit this website every year. But we can’t do it alone.

If everyone reading this gave just $5, we could achieve our goal this month to fund reliable cancer information, compassionate support services and the most promising research. Please give today because every contribution counts. Thank you.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

We do our best to make sure that the information we provide is accurate and reliable but cannot guarantee that it is error-free or complete.

The Canadian Cancer Society is not responsible for the quality of the information or services provided by other organizations and mentioned on cancer.ca, nor do we endorse any service, product, treatment or therapy.


1-888-939-3333 | cancer.ca | © 2025 Canadian Cancer Society