Womb Cancer Cases Rise Among Young Women, Experts Urge Awareness of Early Symptoms

Womb cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, has seen its incidence double in UK women under 50 over the past 25 years, according to recent analyses. The disease is now the fourth most common cancer in women in the UK, with over 10,200 diagnoses annually. It is considered one of the deadliest gynecological cancers, with only a 15% five-year survival rate for those diagnosed at a late stage.

Experts suggest modern lifestyles, including obesity, poor diets, and delaying childbirth, may contribute to the rise in cases. "Womb cancer is the only gynecological cancer with increasing incidence and mortality," stated Dr. Bhavana Pothuri, an oncologist and researcher at New York University, speaking at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) conference. "We need greater awareness of the condition and its warning signs. Young women need to know that abnormal bleeding is not just a concern for post-menopausal women."

Common symptoms to watch for include bleeding between periods, unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, and abnormal vaginal discharge that may be pink or brown. Dr. Sangeeta Khinder, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at London Gynaecology, emphasized the importance of investigating any new symptoms, even if smear tests are clear. "If there is any bleeding between periods or if the periods are prolonged or heavier, this needs to be taken seriously and investigated," she advised.

While age is a risk factor, other conditions such as obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and certain types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also increase risk. Carrying excess weight can lead to chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances that accelerate cell division, potentially increasing the risk of mutation. Factors such as some hormonal contraceptives and not having children, which reduces exposure to estrogen, are also considered contributing elements.

New Treatment Shows Promise

Amid the rising cases, recent trials have offered new hope for patients with advanced endometrial cancer. A study presented at ESMO evaluated a new drug, sacituzumab tirumotecan, in 776 women whose disease had progressed after standard treatments. The drug, which targets cancer cells directly, was compared to standard chemotherapy.

Researchers found that women receiving sacituzumab tirumotecan had a 41% lower risk of cancer progression and a 32% lower risk of death compared to those on standard chemotherapy. Additionally, over a third (35%) of patients treated with the new drug experienced tumor shrinkage, compared to 17% in the standard chemotherapy group.

"Our study offers much-needed hope to women worldwide living with endometrial cancer, which is increasing in both incidence and mortality," said Dr. Michelle Lightfoot, a gynecologic oncologist and study co-author. Dr. Pothuri added, "We are seeing women diagnosed younger and that's why it's so important that we have treatments like these that can help slow down the progression of the disease."

While not entirely preventable, women can take steps to reduce their risk, including maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and limiting hormone exposure. The data also indicates that Black women are twice as likely to die from the disease.