The average age of someone diagnosed with endometrial cancer is 60. Whether you’re older than 60 or decades younger, there are ways to lower your risk of getting it. There’s one habit in particular that gynecologic oncologists wish women would stop doing because it greatly increases the risk.
Dr. Monica Vetter, MD, a gynecologic oncologist at Norton Healthcare, explains that there are two types of endometrial cancer. “The most common type of endometrial cancer is endometrioid endometrial cancer and this is caused by excess estrogen or a lack of progesterone, both of which are female hormones,” she says.
Related: Here's What Endometrial Cancer Actually Is—and How To Know if You're at Risk for It
People who are most at risk for endometrial cancer include women with obesity, older than 60, have type 2 diabetes, have a family history of endometrial cancer, have had breast cancer or have had endometrial hyperplasia.
The Most Common Habit That Raises the Risk of Endometrial Cancer
Of all the risk factors for endometrial cancer, obesity is the biggest one. For this reason, both doctors say that one common habit that can increase one’s risk of getting endometrial cancer is being sedentary.
Dr. Vetter explains that the reason why obesity increases the risk of endometrial cancer is because fat tissue converts androgens (a group of sex hormones) into estrogen. As explained, too much estrogen in the body can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
Just moving your body more can lower the risk of endometrial cancer. Scientific research shows that regular physical activity reduces the risk of endometrial cancer by 30%.
Maintaining a healthy weight is not the only way to lower your risk of endometrial cancer. “If you have a genetic predisposition for endometrial cancer, risk reduction with oral contraceptive pills or progestin-only contraceptives. Oral contraceptives can also decrease the risk of endometrial cancer in women with PCOS. Additionally, we recommend risk-reducing total hysterectomy after completion of childbearing,” Dr. Vetter says.
Especially if you have a family history of endometrial cancer, are older than 50 or have obesity, it’s worth it to talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower your risk. And when you do go to the doctor, why not park a little farther away? After all, every step is a step toward lowering your risk.
Related: What Role Do Hormones Play In the Development of Endometrial Cancer? Doctors Explain
Sources
Dr. Monica Vetter, MD, gynecologic oncologist at Norton HealthcareDr. June Hou, MD, gynecologist oncologist and assistant professor at Columbia University Irving Medical Center Read More Details
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