What Should I Know About Screening?

Photo of a woman talking to her doctor

Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for uterine cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs and learn what you can do to lower your risk.

There are no screening tests for uterine cancer in women who do not have any signs or symptoms. The Pap test does not screen for uterine cancer.

Screening is when a test is used to look for a disease before there are any symptoms. Diagnostic tests are used when a person has symptoms. The purpose of diagnostic tests is to find out, or diagnose, what is causing the symptoms. Diagnostic tests also may be used to check a person who is considered at high risk for cancer.

Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancers except for cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs and learn what you can do to reduce your risk.

If you have symptoms, your doctor may perform an endometrial biopsy or a transvaginal ultrasound. These tests can be used to help diagnose or rule out uterine cancer. This test may be done in your doctor’s office, or you may be referred to another doctor. The doctor might perform more tests if the endometrial biopsy does not provide enough information, or if symptoms continue.