Cancer Australia today released new web-based information that for the first time provides up-to-date evidence on over 30 endometrial cancer* risk factors for Australian women.
Endometrial cancer is the most commonly diagnosed gynaecological cancer in Australian women and is the fifth most diagnosed cancer among females overall.
“Many of the factors that increase risk of endometrial cancer are things women cannot change, but the good news is there are things we can do to reduce our cancer risk. This new evidence shows us that around one third of all endometrial cancers are potentially preventable,” said Professor Dorothy Keefe, CEO, Cancer Australia.
“We do know a healthy lifestyle has health benefits for everybody and can modify our risk for cancer and a range of chronic diseases.”
The new website helps women of all ages to know what they can do to reduce their risk of endometrial cancer. The latest evidence shows that over one quarter of endometrial cancer cases in Australia are associated with overweight or obesity, and around 6 per cent can be attributed to insufficient physical activity.
“We know that maintaining a healthy body weight and being physically active are protective factors that lower the risk of endometrial cancer,” stated Professor Keefe.
It has also been estimated that almost 11% of endometrial cancer cases worldwide are associated with women having diabetes.
The Endometrial Cancer Risk Factors website includes information on factors which are associated with an increased risk (risk factors) or a decreased risk (protective factors) of developing endometrial cancer and also factors which are unproven or unlikely to be associated with risk of endometrial cancer.
The information on the website will help users to better understand risk associated with personal factors, family history and genetics, reproductive factors, lifestyle factors, and medical history and medications.
Cancer Australia has also released information about Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that increases a person’s risk of developing certain types of cancer, including endometrial cancer.
“We encourage health professionals to use the Endometrial Cancer Risk Factors website in consultation with their patients when discussing their risk of endometrial cancer,” said Professor Keefe.
The website is tailored primarily for women who have not been diagnosed with endometrial cancer. A summary report by Cancer Australia is also being published today on the Cancer Australia, with the latest, detailed evidence on factors associated with risk for endometrial cancer.