Obesity a key driver behind womb cancer increase

Figures published by Cancer Research UK revealed that 77 per cent of women now surviving for five years or more, compared to 61 per cent for women diagnosed between 1971 and 1975.

But the figures also showed a dramatic rise in the number of women diagnosed with womb cancer. Incidence of the disease has risen 43 per cent since the mid 1990s, from 13.7 to 19.6 per 100,000 women in the UK.

This has contributed to the fact that 1,900 women are now dying from the disease each year, compared to fewer than 1,500 at the turn of the millennium.

Before 2000, the chance of developing womb cancer had been constant for at least 25 years and death rates had been declining, according to the charity.

Obesity is a key driver behind the increase in diagnoses, at least doubling the risk of the disease, according to experts.

Professor Jonathan Ledermann, Cancer Research UK’s gynaecological cancer expert, said: “It’s clear we’re making great progress but we don’t yet fully understand what’s driving up cases of womb cancer, so there’s still lots more to do.”

Healthy body weight

Cancer Research UK advises women that maintaining a healthy body weight can halve a woman’s risk of womb cancer and is one of the best ways to protect against the disease, which is most prevalent in post-menopausal women.

Symptoms of womb cancer, which is also known as uterine cancer, include abnormal vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and pain during sex.

Sara Hiom, director of information at Cancer Research UK, said: “Although these symptoms don’t usually mean cancer, as they could be signs of more common conditions like fibroids or endometriosis, it’s still vital to get them checked by a doctor.

“The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more likely treatment will be successful.”

Sharon Robinson, 56, a womb cancer survivor from London, first went to her doctor after she experienced vaginal bleeding, which became more serious.

“Being told I had cancer was terrifying, as I knew it meant having my womb removed followed by weeks of radiotherapy. But in the end it was all worth it because here I am today, cancer-free.

“It’s so important that women who have symptoms like bleeding after the menopause go to their doctor without delay, as spotting cancer early save lives.”