10 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is a disease where cancer cells form in the tissues of your endometrium, which is the lining of your uterus. The uterus is where a fetus grows in your body. Endometrial cancer mostly affects women and people with female anatomy who are no longer having their periods (postmenopausal). That's because a long exposure to estrogen, the female sex hormone, can affect the growth of endometrial cancer and some other cancers. There's no surefire way to prevent this kind of cancer, but there are things you can do to lower your risk.

Women who are overweight are up to three times more likely to get endometrial cancer. That's because obesity is related to having high levels of estrogen, polycystic ovary syndrome, and not getting much exercise, all risk factors for endometrial cancer. To lose weight, eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Limit high-fat red meats, sweetened beverages, and high-sugar desserts like cake, cookies, and ice cream. 

Several studies have looked at the link between physical activity and endometrial cancer. They found women who were very physically active had a 20% lower risk of endometrial cancer. Exercise will also decrease your likelihood of being overweight. Try to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, or 30 minutes five days a week. This can include jogging, an exercise class, swimming, and weightlifting, as well as doing housework and gardening.

One major study found no great link between eating more fruits and vegetables and reducing your endometrial cancer risk But other studies have shown a connection. Research from the American Cancer Society found in one large study that women who ate the most vegetables and fruits had a 20% and 25% lower risk, respectively, of endometrial cancer vs. women who ate the least fruits and vegetables. This difference was only seen among women who'd never had hormone replacement therapy. 

Many people who are overweight also have high blood sugar. Some evidence suggests that you could have a greater risk of endometrial cancer even if your weight is normal but your blood sugar is high. Eating a healthy diet and getting enough physical exercise can help to keep your blood sugar under control. If you have diabetes, be sure to monitor your blood sugar level, too. 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where you have an estrogen imbalance in your body. This can mean you have irregular periods, too much of the male hormone androgen, and small fluid-filled sacs (called cysts) containing immature eggs growing around the edge of your ovaries. If you're overweight or have obesity, your symptoms might be more serious. PCOS can cause fertility problems, diabetes, and a higher risk of endometrial cancer.

There's no cure for PCOS, but you can treat it by changing your diet to make it more nutritious, eating more complex carbohydrates, getting more exercise, and taking the medications your doctor prescribes for your condition. Complex carbs are found in fruits, veggies, beans, and whole grains. Including them in your diet can help improve many of the symptoms of PCOS.

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) usually contain the female hormones estrogen and progestin, though some only have progestin. They're used to prevent pregnancy. But they can also lower the risk for endometrial cancer by 30%, as these pills suppress the production of endometrial cells. If you're at risk for endometrial cancer, talk to your doctor about whether you should take oral contraceptives. The benefit is greatest for women who smoke, are overweight, and don't get much exercise. The benefits can last years after you stop taking the pills.

If you're over 35, you may want to use an IUD or vaginal ring instead of birth control pills since the pills can increase the risk of blood clots and strokes in women in this age bracket. New research suggests that contraceptives inserted in your vagina can also lower the risk of endometrial cancer.

Your doctor may recommend hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause to help with hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and night sweats and to prevent bone thinning. If you decide to use HRT, make sure that your pill has both estrogen andprogestin. Estrogen-only pills increase the risk of endometrial cancer, while progestin reduces the risk to a normal level. 

Studies have shown that smoking has a protective effect against endometrial cancer. It's not exactly clear why, but scientists think smoking disrupts communication between estrogen and its receptors. But don't take that as a reason to start smoking or keep on doing it! Smoking weakens your immune system, damages DNA in your cells, and increases your risk for 12 other types of cancer all over your body. In fact, 1 in 3 cancer deaths in the U.S. is caused by cigarette smoking.

If you need help quitting, visit the American Lung Association's website.

Breastfeeding your baby has a lot of positive benefits for you and your little one. Add lowering the risk of endometrial cancer to the list. Studies show an 11% decrease in your risk of endometrial cancer if you breastfeed. The reason is estrogen levels are lowest when breastfeeding and estrogen increases the likelihood of endometrial cancer. Breastfeeding for six to nine months gives the most protection.

Some conditions make it more likely you'll get endometrial cancer. These include Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer), PCOS, and Cowden syndrome (multiple hamartoma syndrome). Also, if your mother, sister, or daughter has endometrial cancer, there's a higher chance you might get it. If any of these factors apply to you, consider getting a blood test to see if you have any of the gene mutations for endometrial cancer.