Uterine Cancer Causes, Risk Factors and Prevention

What Causes Uterine Cancer?

The main cause of uterine cancer is unknown, but there is knowledge regarding the mutation of DNA, causing normal cells to turn into abnormal cells that trigger the growth of the disease

Uterine Cancer Risk Factors

The main risk factors for uterine cancer include:

• Age: Uterine cancer is commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 50 while uterine cancer is more uncommon in women younger than 45
• Obesity: More than half of uterine cancer diagnoses are linked to women that are overweight 
• Diabetes: Often associated with obesity, women who have diabetes are more at risk to develop uterine cancer 
• Pregnancy: Never having been pregnant
• Family history: Family history of uterine or ovarian cancer can increase your risk

Although these risk factors could increase the chance of developing uterine cancer, consult with your doctor first about your symptoms. Women with these risk factors do not always have uterine cancer. 

How to Prevent Uterine Cancer

Although you cannot completely prevent your risk of being diagnosed with uterine cancer, there are factors that may help lower your risk. The best ways to prevent uterine cancer includes:

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Staying within a healthy weight range can help reduce your risk of uterine cancer
• Using birth control pills: Taking birth control pills can help reduce the risk of uterine cancer. Birth controls pills, specifically the combination of estrogen and progesterone, can help reduce the risk of overgrowth of the uterine lining
• Adding physical activity to your routine: In conjunction with a healthy diet, adding physical activity can help prevent the risk of uterine cancer

Rely on the team at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center to answer your questions around uterine cancer. We are here to help on your uterine cancer journey and customize a plan for you. 

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