Dr Tracy O'Mara and her team of researchers in Australia have made an important breakthrough in understanding risk factors for endometrial cancer. Their findings could go on to help people at high risk from developing endometrial cancer, and could shed light on new ways to treat patients with the disease.
This important breakthrough could lead to early detection, personalized interventions, and ultimately, improved outcomes for patients with endometrial cancer. This is crucial given the rising incidence and mortality rates of endometrial cancer. We cannot thank you enough for the trust you have placed in us to carry out this important work. Your contributions are making a real difference in the fight against cancer, and we are honoured to have your support.
What is endometrial cancer?
Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the uterus, the organ where a baby grows during pregnancy. When cells in the lining of the womb (the endometrium) start to grow out of control and spread, this is how endometrial cancer develops.
Is endometrial cancer common?
Endometrial cancer is the most common type of womb cancer, and the 4th most common cancer in women in the UK. Most cases of endometrial cancer are spotted because of irregular bleeding or bleeding after menopause. If caught early, endometrial cancer can often be treated effectively.
Worryingly though, the number of cases has been increasing in recent years in many countries. This means that it is more important than ever that we understand what makes someone more at risk of developing the disease.
Your support has helped uncover five key risk factors
Funded by our Curestarters, Dr Tracy O'Mara and her team of researchers in Australia have been able to investigate which risk factors are more likely to be shared among patients with endometrial cancer - and they have found five key factors that independently affect a person's risk.
Why is it important to understand risk factors?
Understanding what factors make someone more at risk of developing endometrial cancer could save thousands of lives in the future - either by leading to further research that could help us prevent cases from ever happening in the first place, or by raising crucial awareness of the disease in those most at risk.
The five risk factors for endometrial cancer:
- Waist circumference
- Age at menopause
- Age at first period
- Testosterone levels
- Sex-hormone binding globulin levels (a protein that attaches to sex hormones in the blood)
How does genetics influence endometrial cancer risk?
As well as these risk factors, we also know that a small number of endometrial cancers are caused by genetic changes that are passed on in a family. Certain genetic conditions, including Lynch syndrome and Cowden syndrome, can increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer.
And interestingly, Dr O'Mara also discovered another link between genetics and endometrial cancer risk. In the second part of the study the team combined their findings about the five risk factors with genetic information, finding a specific genetic sequence that was linked to an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer. Importantly, this sequence was also linked with testosterone levels - one of the five key risk factors the team already identified.
How could this research help us prevent endometrial cancer?
Dr O'Mara believes that their discoveries could mean that it is possible to prevent or treat endometrial cancer by targeting testosterone with hormone therapy, and that we could use this knowledge to spot people at high risk. The team hope that this could be possible within the next five years.
This project was jointly funded by Worldwide Cancer Research and Cancer Australia. By working together with other cancer research funders, we can help to advance research quickly and support the best ideas. This will enable more cutting-edge ideas with potential for impact to be explored.
Your endometrial cancer FAQs:
What are the main risk factors for endometrial cancer?
The risk of endometrial cancer increases with age and it develops most commonly after the menopause. Obesity and high-fat diets can also increase the risk. Research led by Curestarters has helped to identify five other risk factors: waist circumference; age at menopause; age at first period; testosterone levels; and levels of sex-hormone binding globulin.
Can endometrial cancer be genetic?
Some families are more at risk from endometrial cancer. Certain genetic conditions including Lynch syndrome and Cowden syndrome increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer. Curestarter research has also shown that a specific genetic sequence is also linked to an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer. Better understanding the link between genetics and endometrial cancer will hopefully lead to new cures in the future.
What are the signs of endometrial cancer?
Symptoms of endometrial cancer include bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause, as well as pelvic pain or a lump in the pelvis. If you have any symptoms you are worried about please speak to your doctor.
How can I reduce my risk of endometrial cancer?
Regular exercise and keeping a healthy diet help to reduce your risk of developing many types of cancer including endometrial cancer.
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