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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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Choosing the right treatment for you will depend on many factors, including the type of cancer you have, the stage and grade| of the cancer, and your age and general health.
Once your specialist has all the details about your cancer they will be able to discuss the best treatment for your situation. It’s important that you discuss with your doctor the treatments they are recommending and that you understand why a particular type of treatment has been suggested for you.
Most womb cancers are discovered at an early stage (when they have not spread beyond the womb) and may be cured by a hysterectomy| (surgical removal of the womb). As this treatment is very successful for many women, further treatment is not normally necessary.
Radiotherapy| may be given after the operation if your surgeon feels that there is any risk of the cancer coming back. Radiotherapy can be used instead of surgery if the cancer can’t be removed surgically, or if you aren’t well enough to have an operation. Radiotherapy may also be used if the cancer comes back (recurs) in the pelvic area at a later date.
If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, treatment with a female hormone called progesterone| may be able to shrink the cancer and help control symptoms. Chemotherapy| is also used sometimes for women in this situation, and can help to shrink the cancer and control its growth for a time.
In most hospitals a team of specialists will discuss the treatment that is best for you. This multidisciplinary team (MDT) specialises in treating gynaecological cancer and in giving information and support. It will normally include:
Other staff will also be available to help you if necessary, such as:
Even though a number of cancer specialists work together to decide on the most suitable treatment, you may want to have another medical opinion. Most doctors will be happy to refer you to another specialist for a second opinion, if you feel this will be helpful. Having a second medical opinion may mean that the start of your treatment is delayed, so you and your doctor need to be confident that it will be useful.
If you do go for a second opinion, it may be a good idea to have a list of questions ready, so that you can make sure all your concerns are covered during the discussion.
Before you have any treatment, your doctor will explain its aims to you. They will usually ask you to sign a form saying that you give your permission (consent) for the hospital staff to give you the treatment. No medical treatment can be given without your consent, and before you are asked to sign the form you should have been given full information about:
If you don’t understand what you have been told, let your doctor or specialist nurse know straight away so that they can explain again. Some cancer treatments are complex, so it’s not unusual for people to need repeated explanations.
It’s often a good idea to have a friend or relative with you when the treatment is explained, to help you remember the discussion more fully. You may also find it useful to write down a list of questions before you go to your appointment.
Patients often feel that the hospital staff are too busy to answer their questions, but it’s important for you to be aware of how the treatment is likely to affect you. The staff should be willing to make time for you to ask questions.
You can always ask for more time to decide about the treatment if you feel that you can’t make a decision when it is first explained to you.
You are also free to choose not to have the treatment. Your doctor or specialist nurse can explain what may happen if you don’t have it. It’s essential to tell a doctor, or the nurse in charge, so that they can record your decision in your medical notes. You don’t have to give a reason for not wanting to have treatment, but it can be helpful to let the staff know your concerns so that they can give you the best advice.
Many people are frightened at the idea of having cancer treatments because of the side effects that can occur.
Some people ask what would happen if they didn’t have any treatment. Although the treatments can cause side effects, these can usually be well controlled with medicines.
Treatment can be given for different reasons and the potential benefits will vary depending upon your particular situation.
In women with early-stage endometrial cancer, surgery is usually done with the aim of curing the cancer and, in most cases, is successful. Sometimes additional treatments such as radiotherapy are given after the surgery to reduce the risks of the cancer coming back.
If the cancer is at a more advanced stage or has come back (recurred), treatment may only be able to control it, leading to an improvement in symptoms and a better quality of life. However, for some people in this situation, treatment will not have much effect upon the cancer and they will get the side effects with little benefit.
If you have early-stage cancer and have been offered treatment that aims to cure it, it may be easy to decide whether to accept the treatment.
However, if a cure is not possible and the treatment is being given to control the cancer for a period of time, it may be more difficult to decide whether to go ahead. Making decisions about treatment in these circumstances is always difficult, and you may need to discuss in detail with your doctor whether you wish to have treatment.
If you choose not to, you can still be given supportive (palliative) care, with medicines to control any symptoms.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.