New research suggests a substantially increased risk of ovarian cancer in women with endometriosis. The study, published in the journal JAMA, analyzed data from nearly 78,900 women with endometriosis and found that they were more than four times as likely to develop ovarian cancer compared to women without the condition. For women with severe endometriosis, this risk jumped nearly tenfold. However, experts emphasize that this represents a relatively small increase in risk overall, and patients with endometriosis shouldn’t be unduly concerned.
Endometriosis, affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation and scarring. Previous research from Finland had indicated a doubled risk of ovarian cancer for women with endometriosis and a tenfold risk for those with the ovarian form of the disease. However, this study lacked sufficient data for a detailed analysis of risks associated with each type of endometriosis.
The new JAMA study addresses this gap by examining data from the Utah Population Database, focusing on women aged 18 to 55. The study compared 78,893 women with endometriosis to 379,000 women without known endometriosis, including nearly 600 women with ovarian cancer. The researchers categorized endometriosis into five types based on affected organs and classified ovarian cancers into two types based on their growth pattern.
The study revealed that women with any type of endometriosis had a 4.2-times-higher lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. The risk was particularly elevated for women with endometriosis affecting both pelvic organs and ovaries, showing a 13-times-higher risk. While the study offers valuable insights, it doesn’t necessitate immediate changes in ovarian cancer diagnosis or prevention strategies. However, researchers hope that further analysis can lead to prediction models to aid clinicians and patients in making informed decisions.
Despite the increased risk, experts emphasize that the absolute risk for women with endometriosis remains relatively low. The lifetime risk of ovarian cancer for women without endometriosis is 1.3%, and the new study raises this risk for women with endometriosis by only 0.1%. This translates to approximately 10 extra cases per 10,000 women with endometriosis. This overall risk remains significantly lower than the general population’s risk for other common cancers like breast (13%), lung (6%), or bowel (4%) cancer.
While the study’s size is a strength, it has limitations. Misclassification of endometriosis and ovarian cancer subtypes is possible, and data on hormonal contraceptive use, known to reduce ovarian cancer risk, was unavailable. Experts advise against unnecessary anxiety and premature removal of ovaries, as this can lead to premature menopause and increased risk of other conditions like cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
This study highlights the importance of open communication between patients and healthcare providers regarding individual risk factors. While endometriosis increases the risk of ovarian cancer, the overall risk remains low, and women should not be unduly alarmed. It is crucial to discuss concerns with healthcare professionals and receive personalized advice based on individual circumstances.
