What Are the Risk Factors for Endometrial Cancer?

What Causes Endometrial Cancer? Hormones, Genetics & More

Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, begins in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. It is the most common type of gynaecological cancer in women. It particularly affects those who are postmenopausal. Understanding the risk factors for endometrial cancer helps you stay informed about your reproductive health.

Hormonal Imbalance (Excess Estrogen)

The endometrium is highly sensitive to hormones, especially estrogen. When your body cannot counter an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, it may cause the endometrial lining to thicken excessively. It significantly increases one's risk of cancer. Doctors often notice these in:

• Women who do not ovulate regularly, especially those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Women taking estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Obesity

If you are overweight or obese, your chances of developing endometrial cancer increase. Fat tissue converts other hormones into estrogen, raising overall estrogen levels. Obese women are 2-4 times more likely to develop endometrial cancer compared to women at a healthy weight.

You can control this by maintaining a balanced diet and regularly engaging in physical activity. It can reduce your risk substantially.

Age is a Vital Factor

As women age, the risk of endometrial cancer increases. It spikes after women reach menopause. Most cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 50. While younger women with PCOS or family history can still be affected, postmenopausal women are at the highest risk.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Women with PCOS often have chronic disrupted ovulation, which means they do not ovulate regularly. It leads to prolonged exposure to unopposed estrogen, making PCOS a notable risk factor for endometrial cancer.

You can manage PCOS through medications, lifestyle changes, and hormonal treatments. It can help lower the risk.

Family History and Genetic Syndromes

Having a family history of endometrial or colon cancer can increase your risk. It is especially true if it is associated with a genetic condition called Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer). Women with Lynch syndrome have a higher risk of several cancers, including endometrial cancer.

If you have a strong family history of these cancers, genetic counselling and regular screening may help.

Diabetes

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, often linked with obesity and insulin resistance, is another contributing factor. High insulin levels in your body can stimulate abnormal cell growth in the endometrium. Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication is essential for reducing this risk.

Never Having Been Pregnant

Women who have never had children are at a slightly higher risk. Pregnancy interrupts the normal estrogen cycle with increased progesterone levels, which protects the endometrial lining. The more pregnancies a woman has had, the lower her lifetime risk of endometrial cancer.

Tamoxifen Use

Tamoxifen, a drug used to treat and prevent breast cancer, has a mild estrogen-like effect on the uterus. Long-term use of tamoxifen can slightly increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Although the benefits for breast cancer patients often outweigh this risk.

Hormonal, lifestyle and genetic factors largely influence endometrial cancer. While some risks, like age or family history, cannot be changed, others, like weight, diabetes management, and hormone therapy use, can be controlled.

If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause, or if you fall into any of these risk categories, consult your doctor. Early detection and regular gynaecological exams can make a life-saving difference.