What are the Causes of Uterine Cancer? Key Risk Factors Explained
Understanding the causes of uterine cancer can help with early prevention and risk reduction. This cancer often develops due to hormonal imbalances, particularly excess estrogen, which can lead to abnormal cell growth in the uterus. Other risk factors include obesity, a family history of uterine cancer, diabetes, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). While not all cases are preventable, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups can help lower the risk and ensure early detection.
What are the Causes of Uterine Cancer?
Though experts have not found any causes of uterine cancer, some factors increase your chances of it. Let’s check them:
- Being 55 years old or over and being postmenopausal or reaching menopause
- Having genetic conditions like Cowden syndrome (a rare inherited disorder) or Lynch syndrome (an inherited disorder that increases the chances of colorectal cancer)
- Being overweight
- Not giving birth to children ever
- Starting periods before the age of 12
- Suffering from diabetes
- Suffering from high blood pressure
- Having a family history of uterine, ovarian, and bowel cancer
- Undergoing fertility treatment or using estrogen-only hormone replacement
- Undergoing radiation therapy in the pelvis previously
- Having PCOS
What are some more Causes and Risk Factors Associated with Uterine Cancer?
While the exact cause of uterine cancer remains unclear, certain risk factors can increase a woman’s likelihood of developing the disease:
An excess of estrogen without the counterbalancing hormone, progesterone, can raise the risk.
Being overweight can increase estrogen production, which may promote uterine cancer.
The risk of uterine cancer rises as women age, with most cases diagnosed in women over 50.
A family history of uterine or colorectal cancer can increase the risk.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and diabetes are associated with higher uterine cancer risk.
This medication, often prescribed for breast cancer, can slightly increase uterine cancer risk.
How to Prevent Uterine Cancer?
Though there is no way to completely prevent uterine cancer, the risk factors mentioned above give you some idea about how to decrease your chances of developing this cancer. Let’s check how you can do that:
- maintain a healthy weight
- develop a healthy eating habit. Include foods that are low in saturated fats and high in healthy nutrients. Fruits and vegetables are some such foods.
if you have any endometrial disorders, approach a doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What are the main causes of uterine cancer?
A. Uterine cancer is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances, especially excess estrogen. Other risk factors include obesity, diabetes, genetic predisposition, and conditions like PCOS.
Q2. Does obesity increase the risk of uterine cancer?
A. Yes, obesity increases estrogen levels, which can lead to abnormal cell growth in the uterus, making it a significant risk factor for uterine cancer.
Q3. Can uterine cancer be inherited?
A. While most cases are not inherited, a family history of uterine or colorectal cancer may increase the risk. Genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome also raise the likelihood.
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Author Bio:
Dr. Yashashree Joshi – MBBS, MD (Philippines)
Dr. Yashashree Joshi, MD, is a globally-trained oncologist with a robust academic background and extensive experience in pioneering cancer treatments. Dedicated to patient-centered care, she continually integrates the latest advancements in oncology to provide her patients with innovative and personalized treatment plans.
Content Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board
