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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough most cases of endometrial cancer aren't preventable, certain factors can lower your risk of developing the disease. These include:
- Taking hormone therapy (HT) with progestin. Estrogen stimulates growth of the endometrium. Replacing estrogen alone after menopause may increase your risk of endometrial cancer. Taking synthetic progestin, a form of the hormone progesterone, with estrogen causes the lining of the uterus to shed. This kind of combination hormone therapy lowers your risk. But not all effects of HT are positive. Taking HT as a combination therapy can result in serious side effects and health risks, such as a higher risk of breast cancer and blood clots. Work with your doctor to evaluate the options and decide what's best for you.
- A history of using birth control pills. Use of oral contraceptives can reduce endometrial cancer risk even as long as 10 years after you stop taking them. The risk is lowest in women who take oral contraceptives for many years.
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity is one of the most significant risk factors for the development of endometrial cancer. You can help prevent endometrial cancer by maintaining a healthy weight. Excess fat tissue can increase levels of estrogen in your body, which increases your risk of endometrial cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight as you age lowers your risk of endometrial cancer as well as other diseases.
- Exercise. Regular exercise can have a dramatic effect on your risk of endometrial cancer. Women who engage in exercise every day have half the risk of endometrial cancer compared with women who don't exercise, according to the American Cancer Society.
References
- Detailed guide: Endometrial cancer. American Cancer Society. http://documents.cancer.org/140.00/140.00.pdf. Accessed Sept. 9, 2008.
- Endometrial cancer treatment (PDQ). National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/endometrial/patient/allpages/print. Accessed Sept. 16, 2008.
- Bakkum-Gamez JN, et al. Current issues in the management of endometrial cancer. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2008;83(1):97-112.
- Sorosky JI. Endometrial cancer. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008;111(2, Part 1):436-447.
- Moynihan T (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 21, 2008.
