Endometrial Cancer

Supporting your health journey: resources for endometrial cancer

Being diagnosed with endometrial cancer is a challenging time for patients, carers and their families. You may have questions and concerns not only about the disease and its treatment, but also about your specific condition and the support available to you. This page contains information about endometrial cancer and links to patient and carer support resources

Information I need:

What is endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer is the most common form of cancer in the uterus, which occurs in the lining of the uterus.1 Endometrial cancer is classified as endometroid carcinoma (75-80% of cases), serous carcinoma (10%) or clear cell carcinoma (<5%).2

Diagnosis initially requires a physical examination, thorough medical and family histories, ultrasound imaging and biopsy.1,3 In advanced disease, additional imaging may be required to assess if the disease has spread beyond the uterus.3 These investigations identify the cancer characteristics to guide your healthcare team with selecting the right treatment for you.3 These tests may be repeated once treatment is started to track how your tumour is responding and to adjust the type of treatment or dose. In addition, your healthcare team will want to know if you are experiencing any side effects from the treatment so that they can manage them effectively.

Resources you can access:

Living with cancer

For comprehensive information about endometrial cancer, diagnosis and treatments.

About the endometrium

For more information about endometrial cancer.

Non-English resources

For resources in languages other than English

If you would like an interpreter to help you understand any information, please call TIS
National on 131 450
and ask them to call Cancer Australia on 02 9357 9400.

Business hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Cancer misconceptions

For answers to cancer misconceptions.

Information for Carers and Family

A cancer diagnosis and treatment may be a confusing time for family and carers who could be struggling with feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, depression and loss. They may also be overwhelmed by changes to relationships and lifestyle, and by their new role and responsibilities.

Resources you can access:

Caring for someone with cancer

What does it mean to be a carer?

The Carers Association can provide support and advice for carers, call them on 1800 242 636.

If you need an interpreter, call TIS (the Translating and Interpreting Service) on 13 14 50.

Coordinating practical help and care

When friends and family say “let me know what I can do” the Gather My Crew app can help
organise the help and care you need. Download the app or read helpful tips and real stories.

Home help and assistance

You may be eligible for home help and assistance.

Financial assistance

Financial help may be available to you if you provide daily care.

Living with Cancer

Living with cancer can be really tough, but with the right support, information, and self-care, you might find it a bit easier to manage this journey. It might help to lean on loved ones and seek support from medical professionals and support communities. These communities can provide a safe space for sharing concerns, asking questions and gaining insights from people who are in a similar situation. Eating well, regular exercise and managing stress may also help improve overall health.

It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before changing your diet or starting any new exercise plan.

Resources you can access:

Eating well

A healthy, balanced diet is important when you have cancer.4

Search the Dieticians Association of Australia website for dieticians in
your area who specialise in oncology.

Check out the Royal Women’s Hospital’s guide to healthy eating.

Exercise

Regular exercise helps to improve general health and well-being and
may also be an effective way to help with the physical, mental and
emotional effects of cancer.5

Check out the Royal Women’s Hospital’s guide to being active.

Mental health support

Up to 40% of cancer patients may experience clinically significant mental
health issues, including depression and anxiety.6

The Australian Psychological Society website allows you to search for
psychologists in the area who specialise in cancer support.

Taking care of your mental health is crucial. If you’re experiencing
anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, Beyond Blue
offers valuable resources and support. Visit Beyond Blue for information,
online forums, and professional help. Remember, reaching out is a sign
of strength.

Call a counsellor on 1300 22 4636

Cancer and work

Many patients and carers continue to work during the cancer treatment
and recovery period.7 Cancer Council provides support and resources
helping to make attending work or returning to work easier for patients,
carers and survivors, their employers and colleagues.

Legal, workplace and financial planning referral services

A cancer diagnosis may mean a loss of income and out-of-pocket
treatment costs.8 Cancer Council connects people affected by cancer
with a volunteer professional in the community who will provide advice
and assistance.

Survivorship

The Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre has developed information
resources and events to help people move from initial treatment to
post treatment and beyond, including those receiving maintenance
treatments.

Connecting with your GP

Under Medicare, all cancer patients are eligible for subsidised allied
healthcare.9

Chronic Disease Management Plans (CDMP) – which include General
Practitioner Management Plans (GPMPs) and Team Care Arrangements
(TCAs) – can help you access valuable services required for ongoing
maintenance of cancer-related health issues.

SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM ABOUT A FORMAL CARE
PLAN

Peer support

If you would like to talk to a woman who has had cancer you can call:

•  General Support: You can speak to specially trained staff at Cancer
Council on 13 11 20 (Mon to Fri 9am–5pm) for information about the
effects of cancer, treatment, and support groups.

•  Interpreter Services: If you need an interpreter, call TIS (the
Translating and Interpreting Service) on 13 14 50 (Mon to Fri 9am–
5pm).

On The Down Low, Season Two is a six-part podcast series that shares real stories from people with lived experience of uterine cancers, alongside insights from leading experts.

Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Transcripts and downloadable versions are also available on the dedicated microsite: On The Down Low | Award-Winning Podcast on Gynaecological Cancers.

We hope you find this website helpful. For advice on medicines or any health-related matters, please contact your Doctor or Health Care Professional.

For medical emergencies please dial 000 immediately.

You should report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) online at www.tga.gov.au/safety/reporting-problems.

References: 1. Cancer Council. Uterine Cancer. Available online: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/uterine-cancer [Accessed May 2025]. 2. Bogani G et al. Gynecol Oncol 2022;164(3):658-666. 3. Cancer Australia. How is endometrial cancer diagnosed. Available online: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/endometrial-cancer/how-endometrial-cancer-diagnosed 4. Cancer Council. Food and Nutrition. Available online: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/diet-and-exercise/food-and-nutrition [Accessed May 2025]. 5. Cancer Council. Move your body. Available online: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/diet-and-exercise/move-your-body [Accessed May 2025]. 6. Cancer Council Victoria. Mental health: the forgotten impact of cancer. May 2020. Available online: https://www.cancervic.org.au/about/stories/mental-health-cancer. html [Accessed May 2025]. 7. Cancer Council. Cancer, work and you. Available online: https://www.cancer.org.au/support-and-services/cancer-work-and-you [Accessed May 2025]. 8. Cancer Council. Legal, Workplace and Financial Planning Referral Services. Available online: https://www.cancer.org.au/support-and-services/practical-and-financial-assistance/pro-bono-program [Accessed May 2025]. 9. Australian Government. Department of Human Services. Education guide - Chronic disease GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements. Available online: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/organisations/health-professionals/topics/education-guide-chronic-disease-gpmanagement-plans-and-teamcare-arrangements/33191 [Accessed May 2025].

This website is an information resource that is only for Australian residents. It is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional. Speak to your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your condition or treatment.