Endometrial Cancer: Risk Factors & Surgical Treatment

It is becoming increasingly common to hear about a friend or family member being diagnosed with endometrial (uterine) cancer. This growing trend highlights the importance of understanding why the incidence of endometrial cancer is rising in India.

Dr. Archit Pandit, a leading Surgical Oncologist in Delhi, shares valuable insights into the risk factors associated with uterine (endometrial) cancer and explains the available surgical treatment options, including advanced minimally invasive procedures.

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Learn more from Dr. Archit Pandit:

https://youtu.be/vYIWiDMikgM?si=tzBjvffBxdDpFxRh

Who Is at Risk of Developing Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer?

There are two main types of endometrial cancer, each with different causes and risk factors.

Type 1 Endometrial Cancer

Type 1 accounts for nearly 80% of all endometrial cancers and generally has a better prognosis than Type 2. It is commonly associated with high estrogen levels in women.

Common Risk Factors

1. Estrogen Therapy

Women receiving estrogen therapy without progesterone, such as those taking medications like Tamoxifen (a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator used in breast cancer treatment), may have an increased risk.

2. Anovulatory Menstrual Cycles

Conditions associated with frequent anovulatory cycles include:

• Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD/PCOS)
• Infertility
• Nulliparity (women who have never been pregnant)

These conditions expose the uterus to prolonged estrogen stimulation without the balancing effect of progesterone, increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.

3. Obesity

Obesity is one of the most significant contributors to the increasing incidence of uterine cancer.

Women with obesity tend to have higher estrogen levels, which can increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer. A sedentary lifestyle and rising obesity rates have made this an important public health concern.

4. Early Menarche & Late Menopause

Women who begin menstruation at an early age or experience menopause later in life have longer lifetime exposure to estrogen, increasing their risk of endometrial cancer.

5. Hereditary Factors

Certain inherited cancer syndromes, particularly Lynch Syndrome, significantly increase the lifetime risk of endometrial cancer.

Women with a family history of the following cancers should consider genetic counselling or consultation with a surgical oncologist:

• Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Gastrointestinal Cancers