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Warning-sign checks

Uterine cancer: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help for very heavy bleeding accompanied by fainting, severe weakness, confusion, chest pain or difficulty breathing.

    Sudden breathlessness or chest pain during or after cancer treatment can also be a sign of a blood clot and needs emergency assessment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange a prompt medical assessment if you have:

    • Any vaginal bleeding after menopause
    • Bleeding between periods or a major unexplained change in periods
    • Persistent blood-stained or watery vaginal discharge
    • Ongoing pelvic pain, pressure or abdominal swelling

    These symptoms usually have causes other than cancer, but they should not be ignored.

    If you have completed treatment, contact your cancer team promptly about new bleeding, persistent pelvic or abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, a lasting cough or increasing breathlessness.

    This is different from routine follow-up and should not wait for the next scheduled appointment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Uterine cancer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.