Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that raises the possibility of getting a disease. Here are some risk factors for developing endometrial cancer:
Age
Your risk for developing endometrial cancer increases with age. The average age at diagnosis is 60 years old. A majority of women with endometrial cancer have already gone through menopause however, about 5-10 % of cases occur before the age of 40 years.
Obesity
Women who are very overweight have an increased chance of developing the disease. They are about two to ten times more likely than normal weight women. Having increased fat can raise your estrogen levels, which can increase your risk.
Diabetes
Women with diabetes are about two times more likely to develop endometrial cancer.
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Endometrial hyperplasia
This is a condition of increased growth of the endometrium and may cause heavy menstrual flow or other abnormal bleeding. This is considered a pre-cancer and may turn into cancer if not treated early.
Family History/Genetics
Endometrial cancer runs in some families that have certain inherited genetic traits. A family history of uterine, colorectal, or ovarian cancer may increase your risk for endometrial cancer. Up to 5% of uterine cancer may be caused by genetic traits such as mutations in genes involved in the DNA mismatch repair pathway (Lynch Syndrome).
Hormone (Estrogen) Therapy
Women who still have a uterus and have taken estrogen (but not progesterone) for menopausal hormone therapy may be at an increased risk for endometrial cancer.
Tamoxifen
Women who have taken tamoxifen as an anti-estrogen for breast cancer have a 2-4 fold increased risk for endometrial cancer. Tamoxifen acts like estrogen in the uterus and can cause the endometrium to grow, increasing your risk.
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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
This condition causes women to have higher levels of androgen and estrogen, and lower levels of progesterone, which can increase risk for endometrial cancer.
Nulliparity
Women who have never had children are at higher risk for endometrial cancer.
Menstrual History
Women who experienced their first menstrual period before age 12 and went through menopause after age 55 have a higher chance of getting endometrial cancer.
