Risk Factors

Women with known risk factors should ask their doctor about the symptoms to watch for and how often to have checkups.

Factors that may increase your risk for uterine cancer include:

• Estrogen therapy. Women who use estrogen without progesterone have an increased risk of uterine cancer. Long-term use and large doses of estrogen seem to increase this risk. Women who use a combination of estrogen and progesterone have a lower risk of uterine cancer than women who use estrogen alone.
• Tamoxifen. Women taking the drug tamoxifen have an increased risk of uterine cancer. The risk is greater after menopause.
• Early menstruation or delayed menopause. Starting menstrual periods at an early age and going through menopause at a late age increase your risk of getting uterine cancer.
• Obesity. Women who are overweight have an increased risk.
• Family history. An inherited disorder called HNPCC gives you an increased risk of developing uterine cancer and colon cancer.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Women who have PCOS have an increased risk of developing uterine cancer. PCOS is a condition that can affect a woman's hormone cycle, periods and fertility.

Factors that may lower your risk for uterine cancer include:

• Lifestyle. A diet low in saturated fats, high in fruits and vegetables and rich in soy products may reduce the risk of uterine cancer. Regular exercise may also help.
• Child bearing and breast-feeding. Women who have never been pregnant have an increased risk of developing uterine cancer over those women who have had children. Women who have breastfed have a lower risk.

More on Uterine Cancer

In the Encyclopedia:

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.