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

Uterine cancers have become Australia’s fastest-growing women’s cancer, with incidence doubling over the past 25 years and projected to continue to surge. Without immediate action, more than 44,000 women are expected to be diagnosed by 2035, and 8,900 will lose their lives to the disease.

Released today, 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, over the next decade.

“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, 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 over the next decade.

“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% 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 cancer.

Released: November 10, 2025

This report was commissioned by the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) and prepared independently by Insight Economics. Funding for this report was jointly provided by ANZGOG, AstraZeneca, Eisai, GSK and MSD.

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Media inquiries

For more information or to coordinate an interview, please contact: Monique Cerreto, Head of Communications & Engagement, ANZGOG:

Monique Cerreto: T: 0416 282 464, E: Monique.cerreto@anzgog.org.au

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About Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG):

ANZGOG is the peak national gynaecological cancer research organisation in Australia and New Zealand. We foster and lead innovative, world-class multidisciplinary research to improve outcomes and quality of life for everyone with a lived experience of gynaecological cancer.

Our vision is clear: Advancing research, saving lives. For over 25 years, ANZGOG has enabled over 60 clinical trials across all types of gynaecological cancer, involving more than 4,500 patients. These trials are delivered through over 80 hospital sites, supported by both local and global research collaborations.

Our growing network includes over 1,500 members across clinical, allied health, and pure research disciplines—alongside community representatives who ensure the voices of women with lived experience are at the centre of everything we do.