Uterine cancer
Life after treatment for uterine cancer
Life after uterine cancer treatment means adjusting physically, emotionally, and socially, maintaining your wellbeing through nutrition, exercise, and support. Resources and care plans can help you with recovery, relationships, fertility, and follow-up care.
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Sources and references 
For most people, the cancer experience doesn’t end on the last day of treatment. Life after cancer treatment can present its own challenges. You may have mixed feelings when treatment ends, and worry that every ache and pain means the cancer is coming back.
Some people say that they feel pressure to return to “normal life”. It is important to allow yourself time to adjust to the physical and emotional changes, and establish a new daily routine at your own pace. Your family and friends may also need time to adjust.
Cancer Council 13 11 20 can help you connect with other people who have had cancer of the uterus, and provide you with information about the emotional and practical aspects of living well after cancer.
Dealing with feelings of sadness
If you have continued feelings of sadness, have trouble getting up in the morning or have lost motivation to do things that previously gave you pleasure, you may be experiencing depression. This is quite common among people who have had cancer.
Talk to your GP, because counselling or medication – even for a short time – may help. Some people can get a Medicare rebate for sessions with a psychologist. Cancer Council may also run a counselling program in your area.
For information about coping with depression and anxiety, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.
Follow-up appointments
After treatment ends, you will have regular appointments with your specialists to monitor your health, manage any long-term side effects and check that the cancer hasn’t come back (recurred) or spread. If you have a low risk of recurrence, your follow-up care may be shared between your cancer specialist and GP, or you may be discharged to your GP with easy access back to your specialist if needed.
During check-ups, you will usually have a pelvic examination and you may have imaging scans. Follow-up appointments will start immediately after treatment, then become less frequent over time. How often you see your doctor will depend on the type and stage of the cancer.
When a follow-up appointment is approaching, many people find that they think more about the cancer and may feel anxious. If you are finding this hard to manage, talk to your doctor or call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
What if the cancer returns?
For some people, cancer of the uterus does come back after treatment (called a recurrence). This is why it’s important to have regular check-ups and to immediately report any symptoms (e.g. vaginal bleeding, pain in the abdomen, swelling, unexpected weight loss, unexplained cough), rather than waiting for your next follow-up appointment.
Most cancers of the uterus that come back do so in the first 2–3 years after treatment. If you have had a hysterectomy, cancer of the uterus usually comes back in the vagina or pelvic lymph nodes. It is also possible for the cancer to come back in another part of the body. If the cancer does recur, you will usually be offered further treatment to remove the cancer or help control its growth.
Seeking support
A cancer diagnosis can affect every aspect of your life. You will probably experience a range of emotions – fear, sadness, anxiety, anger and frustration are all common reactions. Cancer also often creates practical and financial issues.
There are many sources of support and information to help you, your family and carers navigate all stages of the cancer experience, including:
- information about cancer and its treatment
- access to benefits and programs to ease the financial impact of cancer treatment
- home care services, such as Meals on Wheels, visiting nurses and home help
- aids and appliances
- support groups and programs
- counselling services.
The availability of services may vary depending on where you live, and some services will be free but others might have a cost.
To find good sources of support and information, you can talk to the social worker or nurse at your hospital or treatment centre, or get in touch with Cancer Council 13 11 20.
My family members don’t really understand what it’s like to have cancer thrown at you, but in my support group, I don’t feel like I have to explain.”
Sam
Support from Cancer Council
Cancer Council offers a range of services to support people affected by cancer, their families and friends. Services may vary by location.
Cancer Council 13 11 20
Our experienced health professionals will answer any questions you have about your situation and link you to local services.
Legal and financial support
If you need advice on legal or financial issues, we may be able to refer you to qualified professionals. These services are free for people who can’t afford to pay. Financial assistance may also be available. To find out more, call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
Peer support services
You might find it helpful to share your thoughts and experiences with other people affected by cancer. Cancer Council can link you with individuals or support groups by phone, in person, or online. Call 13 11 20 or visit cancercouncil.com.au/OC.
Information resources
Cancer Council produces booklets and fact sheets on more than 40 types of cancer, as well as treatments, emotional and practical issues, and recovery. Call 13 11 20 or visit your local Cancer Council website.
Practical help
Cancer Council can help you find services or offer guidance to manage the practical impacts of cancer. This may include helping you access accommodation and transport services.
Useful websites
You can find many useful resources online, but not all websites are reliable.
These websites are good sources of support and information.
| Australian | |
| Cancer Council Australia | cancer.org.au |
| Cancer Council Online Community | cancercouncil.com.au/OC |
| Cancer Council Podcasts | cancercouncil.com.au/podcasts |
| Guides to Best Cancer Care | cancer.org.au/cancercareguides |
| Australasian Lymphology Association | lymphoedema.org.au |
| Australasian Menopause Society | menopause.org.au |
| Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group | anzgog.org.au |
| Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation | agcf.org.au |
| Cancer Australia | canceraustralia.gov.au |
| Carer Gateway | carergateway.gov.au |
| Continence Foundation of Australia | continence.org.au |
| Healthdirect Australia | healthdirect.gov.au |
| Healthy Bones Australia | healthybonesaustralia.org.au |
| Pelvic Floor First | pelvicfloorfirst.org.au |
| Services Australia | servicesaustralia.gov.au |
| International | |
| American Cancer Society | cancer.org |
| Cancer Research UK | cancerresearchuk.org |
| HysterSisters: Woman-to-Woman Hysterectomy Support | hystersisters.com |
| Macmillan Cancer Support (UK) | macmillan.org.uk |
Caring for someone with cancer
You may be reading this booklet because you are caring for someone with cancer. What this means for you will vary depending on the situation. Being a carer can bring a sense of satisfaction, but it can also be challenging and stressful.
It is important to look after your own physical and emotional wellbeing. Give yourself some time out and share your concerns with somebody neutral such as a counsellor or your doctor, or try calling Cancer Council 13 11 20. There is a wide range of support available to help you with the practical and emotional aspects of your caring role.
Support services – Support services such as Meals on Wheels, home help or visiting nurses can help you in your caring role. You can find local services, as well as information and resources, through the Carer Gateway. Call 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.gov.au.
Support groups and programs – Many cancer support groups and cancer education programs are open to carers as well as to people with cancer. Support groups and programs offer the chance to share experiences and ways of coping.
Carers Australia – Carers Australia provides information and advocacy for carers. Visit carersaustralia.com.au.
Cancer Council – You can call Cancer Council 13 11 20 or visit your local Cancer Council website to find out more about carers’ services.
Sources and references
This edition has been developed by Cancer Council NSW on behalf of all other state and territory Cancer Councils as part of a National Cancer Information Subcommittee initiative. All updated content has been clinically reviewed by Professor Alison Brand, Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney and Director, Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW. This edition is based on the previous edition, which was reviewed by the following panel: A/Prof Orla McNally, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, Director Oncology/Dysplasia, Royal Women’s Hospital, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, University of Melbourne, and Director of Gynaecology Tumour Stream, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, VIC; A/Prof Yoland Antill, Medical Oncologist, Peninsula Health, Parkville Familial Cancer Centre, Cabrini Health and Monash University, VIC; Grace Guerzoni, Consumer; Zeina Hayes, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Bronwyn Jennings, Gynaecology Oncology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mater Hospital Brisbane, QLD; A/Prof Christopher Milross, Director of Mission and Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Mariad O’Gorman, Clinical Psychologist, Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre and Bankstown Cancer Centre, NSW. We would like to thank all the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on current and previous editions of this title.
Uterine Cancer
Cancer Council 13 11 20
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