The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding.

• In a woman who has gone through menopause: Any vaginal bleeding, even light staining, should be considered abnormal.
• In  a premenopausal woman: Any menstrual bleeding that is heavier or longer than usual, or any bleeding that happens in between menstrual periods, should be considered abnormal.  

In most cases, abnormal bleeding will not be due to cancer. But if it happens, you should always see your doctor to be sure.

There are two types of uterine cancer. The most common type, endometrial cancer, comes from the lining of the uterus. The exact cause of this type of cancer is not known.

Endometrial cancer is associated with exposure to high levels of estrogen over a long period of time. Estrogen promotes growth of the uterine lining. This growth is normally controlled by a balance of estrogen and the other female hormone, progesterone.

Women with conditions in which estrogen exposure is excessive are at increased risk of endometrial cancer. This includes menopause, obesity, infertility, and use of the drug tamoxifen.

The other type of uterine cancer, called sarcoma, is rare. Sarcoma starts from the muscle tissue in the wall of the uterus. It can also cause abnormal bleeding, but not as often as with endometrial cancer.  Both types can cause pelvic pressure or pain. But these symptoms are much less common than bleeding.