Endometrial cancer isn’t talked about much as much as it should be. It’s the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs in the U.S. and more than 69,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with it each year.
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.
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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.
Dr. June Hou, MD, a gynecologist oncologist and assistant professor at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, also says that having too much estrogen in the body (which overwhelms the progesterone in the body) can cause this type of endometrial cancer. Both doctors say that this can happen when someone has abnormal menstrual cycles, such as in women with PCOS. They also say that excess fat can cause the body to have too much estrogen.
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“For type 2 endometrial cancer—the more aggressive, but less common type of endometrial cancer—risk factors include lower BMI, older age, Black race and a personal history of breast cancer. The direct causes of this type of cancer is less clear,” Dr. Vetter says.
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.
Related: Here's What Actually Causes Endometrial Cancer, According to Oncologists
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.
“The best way to decrease your risk of endometrial cancer is to maintain a [healthy] body weight,” Dr. Vetter says. According to scientific research, weight loss can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer by an estimated 60%.
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.
Related: 'I Was Recently Diagnosed With Endometrial Cancer—Here's the First Symptom I Wish I Had Paid Attention To'
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%.
Many people struggle to lose weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise alone. If you have obesity and are struggling to lose weight, consider talking to your doctor about a prescription weight loss medication. According to the National Cancer Institute, weight loss medications like semaglutide may play a role in lowering the risk of endometrial cancer because they can help with weight loss.
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.
If you are transitioning into menopause, Dr. Hou recommends avoiding estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy as a way to keep your risk of endometrial cancer from rising.
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.
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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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