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Endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer — recognising PMB and the GP pathway

By Dr HB Lo, FACRRM

Reviewed 15 August 2026
10 min read

Endometrial cancer is Australia's most common gynaecological malignancy — about 3,300 new cases per year — with an 83 per cent five-year survival rate.

The key symptom is postmenopausal bleeding (PMB): any vaginal bleeding after menopause, even one episode. About 1 in 10 women with PMB have endometrial cancer. Any episode warrants transvaginal ultrasound; if the lining exceeds 4 mm, endometrial biopsy follows.

Risk factors include obesity, diabetes, PCOS, Lynch syndrome, and tamoxifen. The GP role is to investigate promptly and refer to gynaecological oncology.

What endometrial cancer is and why early recognition matters

Endometrial cancer — also called uterine cancer or corpus uteri carcinoma — arises from the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare,



it is now the most common gynaecological cancer in Australia, with approximately 3,300 new cases diagnosed each year and about 660 deaths annually. Five-year survival sits at roughly 83 per cent — substantially better than ovarian cancer — because most women present while the cancer is still confined to the uterus.

The reason for this favourable profile is that endometrial cancer reliably produces a visible symptom early: postmenopausal bleeding. That window makes the GP role critical. Recognise the symptom, arrange urgent investigation, and refer promptly when findings are concerning.

Incidence has approximately doubled over thirty years, driven by rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes across the Australian population. The Australian Cancer Plan 2024–2033 formally recognises a two-week suspected-cancer pathway from GP presentation to transvaginal ultrasound and specialist consultation — a significant shift towards systematic early detection.

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📌 Endometrial cancer — recognising PMB and the GP pathway (Mazatlán)
🏢 Dr Hb Lo
📍 Mazatlán