Endometrial/Uterine Cancer Risk Factors

Endometrial Cancers

Most cancers of the uterus arise from the lining, called the endometrium. Well-established risk factors for endometrial cancer are:

• Obesity: greater than 50 pounds overweight
• Age: only 5% of endometrial cancers occur in women younger than 40
• Extended tamoxifen use
• Non-cyclic use of estrogen
• Hereditary Non-polyposis Colorectal Cancer (Lynch Syndrome)
• Ovarian diseases: certain ovarian tumors can cause an increase in estrogen levels
• Diabetes

Uterine Sarcomas

Cancers arising from the muscle of the uterus are called sarcomas. These tumors are typically aggressive even in early stages. The major risk factor for developing a uterine sarcoma is having a history of prior radiation to the pelvis.