Healthy Tips: Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risk with Endometriosis Awareness - Health

Study Reveals Shocking Increase in Ovarian Cancer Risk for Women with Endometriosis

A recent study has found that women with endometriosis are at a significantly higher risk of developing Ovarian cancer . The risk is about four times higher among women with endometriosis compared to those without the condition . This study sheds light on the varying risks based on different subtypes of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a common condition that affects more than 11 % of women in the United States and is characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus outside the uterus itself . The study , published in JAMA , reveals that women with severe forms of endometriosis , such as deep infiltrating endometriosis and ovarian endometriomas , have a much higher risk of ovarian cancer . In fact , their risk is nearly 10 times higher than women without endometriosis.

 About 1.1 % of US women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at some point in their lifetime , according to the National Cancer Institute . This year , it is estimated that there will be nearly 20,000 new cases of ovarian cancer , and about 13,000 people will die of the disease.

The study also highlights the increased risk of type I ovarian cancer , which tends to grow more slowly , for women with deep infiltrating endometriosis or ovarian endometriomas . The risk of type I ovarian cancer is nearly 19 times higher for these women compared to those without endometriosis.

 Moreover , these data support the importance of counseling women with deep infiltrating and/or ovarian endometriosis regarding the increased risk for ovarian cancer . Although the absolute number of ovarian cancers is limited , the increased risk is significant , he wrote.

While the study shows a strong association between endometriosis and ovarian cancer risk , experts urge women with endometriosis not to panic . The overall risk of ovarian cancer is still relatively low , even for women with endometriosis . The study does not establish causation between endometriosis and ovarian cancer , and more research is needed to fully understand the association.

Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer Risk : What You Need to Know

Dr. Tatnai Burnett , a specialist in gynecology surgery , emphasizes that the risk of ovarian cancer for women with endometriosis is still on the lower side of cancer risks . Current recommendations do not include universal screening for patients with endometriosis , and the study does not change these recommendations.

Dr. Deanna Gerber , a gynecologic oncologist , points out that the risk of ovarian cancer is extremely low in the general population , making any increased risk for women with endometriosis relatively small . While the study highlights an association between endometriosis and ovarian cancer , the exact mechanisms behind this association remain unclear and require further research.

Experts recommend that women with endometriosis be aware of the warning signs of ovarian cancer and discuss any concerns with their healthcare providers . While the study reveals a significant increase in ovarian cancer risk for women with endometriosis , it is important to remember that the overall risk of ovarian cancer remains low.