Introduction
The uterus (womb) is part of the female reproductive system and is located at the top of the vagina. It is where a baby grows during pregnancy.
The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium and is shed each month as part of your period. Most cancers of the uterus develop in the lining are called endometrial cancer. Cancer of the uterus can also be called uterine cancer.
Endometrial cancer is fairly common; about 5,000 - 6,000 women a year are affected (1). It mostly affects women between the ages of 50 and 70, who have been through the menopause (when your periods stop). It is more common in women who have never been pregnant. Like all cancers, it is important to get early treatment so that the cancer does not spread to other parts of the body.
About 95% of endometrial cancers of the uterus are adenocarcinomas. Cancers that start in the muscle of the womb (sarcomas) are even less common. There are three types of adenocarcinomas. The most common (over 75% of cases) is endometriod adenocarcinoma. The other types are papillary serous carcimona (5%), clear cell carcinoma (very rare), and leiomyosarcoma (rare).
The neck of the uterus is called the cervix. You can find more information about cancer of the cervix (cervical cancer) in the separate topic.

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