New report reveals Australia’s fastest-growing women’s cancer

Australia's first State of the Nation: Uterine Cancers in Australia 2025 report by the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG), reveals a confronting picture of a growing women’s health crisis that has gone largely unseen and one that now requires immediate, coordinated national action.  

Once considered a cancer that primarily affected older women, the report highlights an alarming new trend: incidence is now rising fastest among women aged 25 to 44, with cases in this age group expected to increase by around 60 per cent alone by 2035.  

“This comprehensive, evidence-based report now clearly shows that uterine cancers are a major and growing health challenge. Diagnoses are increasing across almost every age group, particularly younger women, and the impact is being felt by women, families and communities in every corner of the country,” said Professor Clare Scott AM, Chair of ANZGOG. 

Hidden populations face greater risks and fewer chances of surviving. 

The State of the Nation report highlights stark inequities in uterine cancer outcomes across Australia. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women in regional and remote areas, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are all more likely to be diagnosed later, have less access to specialist care, and face higher mortality rates. Addressing these inequities could improve outcomes for more than 22,000 women by 2035. 

“Where a woman lives, her cultural background, financial circumstances, or where her cancer is located, should never determine her chance of surviving. Yet for too many women, the unspoken burden of uterine cancer is a reality they face every day. We can, and must, do better.” said Professor Scott. 

Up to 60% preventable; Investment in awareness, research and support will save thousands of lives. 

Despite its growing impact, uterine cancer remains largely invisible in Australia’s cancer conversation. The limited research available notes, a staggering 94 per cent of women are unaware of what uterine or endometrial cancers are yet increased awareness of the disease and risk factors could prevent up to 60 per cent of future diagnoses.  

Research investment for uterine cancers lags far behind other cancers. Between 2003 and 2020, uterine cancers received just $1 million per year in research funding, compared with $24.5 million per year for breast cancer, a 427 per cent funding gap per diagnosis, per year. This disparity means women with breast cancer have over seven times more treatment options, and those with metastatic breast cancer have more than 11.5 times the options available to women with advanced uterine cancer.  

In addition, support and psychosocial care for women living with uterine cancers are inconsistent, and currently there is no dedicated national advocacy organisation. Many women face pain, fatigue, anxiety and long-term side effects alone.  

Prioritising prevention, advancing research, and ensuring equitable access to precision care could also save $4.1 billion in healthcare costs over the next decade while saving thousands of Australian lives. 

“Behind every number is a woman, her family, her community, and often a story of silence and isolation. This report is a wake-up call. Uterine cancers have largely been unseen, unsupported, and underfunded for far too long.” said A/Professor Yoland Antill, ANZGOG Director, Deputy Chair Research Advisory Committee and Medical Oncologist. 

A national plan to reverse the rise in uterine cancer. 

With the evidence now clear, the State of the Nation report sets out a national plan to reverse the rise in uterine cancers and transform outcomes for Australian women.  

The report identifies five urgent priorities: halve incidence, eliminate inequities, ensure access to precision care, support every woman to live well, and invest in research and data. Achieving these goals will require united action from government, researchers, clinicians, industry and the community to deliver the innovation, equity and support Australian women deserve.  

“This report outlines an agenda for change. No single organisation can tackle the rising burden of uterine cancers alone. ANZGOG is committed to working with government, partners and the sector to reverse the rise in uterine cancer and ultimately save lives.” said Professor Scott. 

For more than 25 years, ANZGOG has led innovation in gynaecological cancer research and education across Australia and New Zealand. By uniting clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience, ANZGOG continues to deliver evidence that transforms prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship outcomes, improving lives and shaping the future of care for women with uterine cancers. 

To view the report, please visit: www.anzgog.org.au   - END - 

About uterine cancers in Australia. 

• Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells in the uterus grow out of control. There are two main subtypes of uterine cancer: 

• • Endometrial cancers, which come from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and account for approximately 95 per cent of all uterine cancers 

• Uterine sarcomas, which are rarer subtypes of uterine cancer that develop from either the connective tissue (stroma) of the endometrium, or from the muscle tissue layer of the uterus (myometrium) or very rarely from other tissue types in and around the uterus and account for the balance of cases. They are often more aggressive. 

• Once considered a disease primarily of older women, uterine cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger populations, reflecting changes in demographics, lifestyle and risk factors. Incidence is projected to rise fastest among women aged 25-44 over the 2025-2035 period.  

• • Ages 25–34: Incidence is projected to increase from 52 to 80, a 54 per cent rise. 

• Ages 35–44: Incidence is projected to increase from 217 to 366, a 68 per cent increase. 

• Aged 45–54 and 55–64: Both age groups are projected to see approx. 25 per cent increase. 

• Uterine cancer is rising at an alarming rate. Over the past 25 years, the incidence has more than doubled both in Australia and globally. This growth is projected to continue by a further 148 per cent, meaning that in one generation (from 2004 to 2044), incidence will have increased approximately 280 per cent globally. 

• Every day in Australia, close to 10 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer (3,500 per year) and nearly two women lose their life (more than 700 each year). 

• Currently, more than 14,400 women in Australia are currently living with a diagnosis of uterine cancer (prevalence), having received a diagnosis within the last five years.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women in regional, rural or remote areas, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are disproportionately impacted. These women are more likely to be diagnosed later, have less access to specialist care, and face higher mortality rates. Addressing these inequities could improve outcomes for more than 22,000 women by 2035.

  • Women in regional and remote areas: 1.2 times more likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer and 1.5 times more likely to die lose their lives compared to women in urban areas.   

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women: 1.2 times more likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer and lose their lives than non-Indigenous women.

  • Women from low socioeconomic backgrounds: 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer and 2.1 times more likely to lose their lives than women from higher socioeconomic backgrounds.  

• Major risk factors include obesity, hormonal imbalances (oestrogen/progesterone), type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, genetic predispositions (e.g., Lynch syndrome, Cowden syndrome), reproductive history (early menarche, late menopause, never having children), and certain medications (unopposed oestrogen, tamoxifen).  

• Obesity is the most significant modifiable risk factor; the prevalence of Australian women aged 45–54 living with obesity increased from 49.4 per cent in 2001 to 67 per cent in 2022. 

Uterine cancer signs and symptoms. 

• The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal uterine bleeding. This is particularly concerning for women that occurs after menopause (post-menopausal bleeding), when periods have already stopped.  

• For women who have not yet reached menopause, warning signs may include, heavier-than-usual periods, changes in the menstrual cycle, bleeding between periods and periods that continue without a break. 

• Other possible symptoms can include unexplained weight loss, difficulty or pain when urinating, changes in bowel habits, and persistent abdominal or pelvic pain.