What you can do

There are things you can do to manage your risk of developing endometrial cancer. Factors that can be changed are called modifiable factors.

• Body weight – being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Aim to keep to a healthy body weight (within a Body Mass Index (BMI) range of 18.5 to 25 kg/m²).
• Physical activity – being physically active is probably associated with a decreased risk of endometrial cancer. Doing 5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity a week has been shown to help protect against cancer and unhealthy weight gain.
• Breastfeeding – breastfeeding is probably associated with a decreased risk of endometrial cancer. The longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower her risk becomes.
• Menopausal hormone therapy (also referred to as Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)) – using certain types of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. This includes MHT that only contains oestrogen, as well as the MHT medicine tibolone. The risk increases the longer you use these types of MHT. Having a discussion with your doctor is important in selecting the type of MHT. It is also important to review your needs regularly with your doctor if using MHT.
• Glycaemic load – eating a lot of foods that raise blood glucose levels is probably associated with increased risk of endometrial cancer. Aim to eat a balanced diet, rich in plant-based foods, including fruit, vegetables and other foods containing dietary fibre to reduce your risk of endometrial cancer and other cancers.

Links and support

If you are worried about your risk of developing endometrial cancer, see your doctor with any concerns.

For women with endometrial cancer

If you have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer, you might feel overwhelmed, scared, anxious or upset – these are all normal feelings. It’s very important to have support from family, friends, health professionals and/or other services to help you cope with cancer.

• Living with cancer has information about physical, emotional and practical issues during and after diagnosis and treatment.
• The Cancer Council in your state or territory can give you general information about cancer, as well as information on resources and support groups in your local area. Call the Cancer Council Helpline from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call on 13 11 20.
• Other cancer support organisations can also help you and your loved ones deal with the challenges of cancer.