A lot of people don’t even know where the uterus is until something goes wrong. And even then, uterine cancer doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It’s not trending. It’s not often talked about at checkups. But in 2025, it should be. Because uterine cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer, and it’s on the rise.

You’d be surprised how many people don’t know about uterus.

• In the UK, 59% of women couldn’t identify the uterus on a diagram.

• In the U.S., over 40% of women didn’t know what the uterus does.

• Globally, studies show men consistently score lower on reproductive anatomy.

• One survey even found that 1 in 4 adults didn’t know the difference between the vulva and vagina—so you can imagine how confusing the uterus must seem.

And it’s not just a UK thing. It’s a worldwide education gap — shaped by silence, shame, and the fact that most people never got a proper anatomy lesson in school.

But why it matters?

If we don’t know what a uterus is, how can we recognise when something’s wrong with it?

How do we talk about symptoms like pelvic pain or irregular bleeding?

How do partners, friends, and family members show up and support someone facing uterine cancer… if they don’t even know what that organ is?

Let’s break it down like no one ever did in school.

The uterus is a pear-shaped organ in the pelvis. It’s made of three layers:

1. Endometrium – the inner lining that builds up and sheds during your menstrual cycle

2. Myometrium – the thick muscle layer that contracts during labor

3. Perimetrium – the thin outer covering

Now, cancer can start in different parts of this organ — and where it starts changes everything.

• Starts in the endometrium (the lining)

• Most common type of uterine cancer (about 90%)

• Usually grows slowly and shows early signs — like abnormal bleeding

• Often linked to estrogen imbalance, obesity, PCOS, or hormone therapy

• Early-stage survival rates are high — if caught early

• Starts in the myometrium (muscle layer) or connective tissue

• Much rarer, but more aggressive

• Harder to detect — may not cause bleeding at all

• Grows faster and spreads sooner

• Less responsive to hormone therapy or standard treatment

This one is harsher. It grows deeper in the muscle, often unnoticed until it’s already advanced.

• There’s no Pap test for it (Pap smears check cervical cells, not the uterus)

• There’s no ultrasound or blood test that’s routinely given unless you already have symptoms

• It’s underfunded and under-discussed compared to other cancers

• Many doctors still don’t recognize the signs early in younger women or Black women

So uterine cancer doesn’t just hide. It gets ignored.

Actually and sadly not anymore. More and more younger women are being diagnosed, some in their 30s. Why? It’s not fully clear. But obesity, PCOS, hormonal imbalances, and diabetes play a big role.

And let’s not ignore how environmental and social disparities are widening the gap. Black women, for example, are twice as likely to die from uterine cancer than white women.

Not because of biology. Because of delayed diagnosis, lack of access, and being dismissed too often when they speak up.

• Bleeding that’s not part of your cycle

• Spotting after menopause

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Unusual discharge

• Bloating that won’t go away

Actually… a lot. Researchers and patient advocates are finally speaking louder.

Here’s some hope:

• AI menstrual tracking tools are in pilot testing to detect patterns and alert users when bleeding becomes suspicious.

• Immunotherapy is giving new chances to women with late-stage endometrial cancer, especially those with mismatch repair gene issues.

• Genetic testing is becoming standard. (Every woman diagnosed with uterine cancer should be tested for Lynch syndrome—it could save their relatives’ lives too.)

• Minimally invasive surgery, like robotic-assisted hysterectomy, is shortening hospital stays and improving recovery time.

It’s social. It’s systemic. Too many people don’t even know this cancer exists.

Too many are too afraid or too busy taking care of everyone else to get checked.

And too many still carry shame around talking about “women’s health.”

Let’s end that. Right now.

• Share this newsletter. Start a conversation.

• Remind someone: bleeding after menopause is never normal.

• Push for better funding and research.

• Show up for someone going through treatment.

• And keep saying their names. Because uterine cancer takes beautiful lives too.

Uterine Cancer

What is Uterine Cancer? Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the uterus - the pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis where fetal development occurs during pregnancy. The most common type is endometrial cancer, which starts in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).

http://tutticancerwarriors.org

Every warrior deserves to be seen. Heard. Supported. We’ll keep raising awareness and fighting for earlier detection, better treatments, and more equity. Not just in October. Not just when it’s a trending hashtag. Every. Single. Week.

Thanks for being here. Keep learning. Keep sharing. Keep dreaming.

Ready for a little brain boost?

This week’s puzzle is based on our Cancer Immunotherapy edition — so if you haven’t read it yet, you might want to catch up first. The answers are hidden in plain sight.

👉Read Cancer Immunotherapy edition here

New puzzle, same mission: awareness through fun.

Thank you, Daniel, for bringing a little brain workout to our hearts-and-mission-filled newsletter.

Solve it with your friends/ family, share it on socials and tag us.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
   Uterine Cancer Statistics and Awareness
   https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uterine/

2. National Cancer Institute (NCI)
   Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer Treatment and Clinical Trials
   https://www.cancer.gov/types/uterine

3. Eve Appeal Survey (UK)
   Knowledge gaps in reproductive anatomy and gynecologic cancers
   https://eveappeal.org.uk

4. The Guardian – Most Britons Can’t Name Vulva Parts
   https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/may/30/most-britons-cannot-name-parts-vulva-survey

5. VICE – Nearly Half of British Women Can’t Locate Vagina or Cervix
   https://www.vice.com/en/article/almost-half-of-british-women-cant-correctly-locate-the-vagina-or-cervix/

6. Journal of Women’s Health (Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.)
   Studies on racial disparities in uterine cancer mortality
   https://www.liebertpub.com/jwh

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for awareness purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for medical concerns.