The short answer
Uterine cancer risk is higher with things that raise estrogen exposure, such as obesity, certain hormone use, and reproductive factors. Older age, diabetes, and Lynch syndrome also raise risk. Abnormal bleeding is the key symptom to report.
Many risk factors relate to higher lifetime exposure to the hormone estrogen.
Obesity raises risk, partly by increasing estrogen.
Certain hormone use and reproductive factors affect risk.
Older age, diabetes, and Lynch syndrome raise risk.
Choose how you want to understand this
The full explanation.
The simple version
A risk factor is anything that raises the chance of developing a disease. Many uterine cancer risk factors relate to higher lifetime exposure to the hormone estrogen. Having risk factors does not mean you will get uterine cancer.
Estrogen and weight
Higher lifetime estrogen exposure raises risk. This includes obesity (fat tissue can raise estrogen), taking estrogen without progesterone, starting periods early or menopause late, and never having been pregnant.
Many uterine cancer risk factors relate to higher lifetime estrogen exposure.
Other factors
Older age, diabetes, and the inherited condition Lynch syndrome also raise risk. People with Lynch syndrome may need earlier or more frequent monitoring.
Catching it early
There is no routine screening test for uterine cancer. Reporting abnormal bleeding — especially any bleeding after menopause — promptly is the main way it is caught early, when it is most treatable.
Words to know
Tap any term to see what it means.
Common questions
▸What raises uterine cancer risk?
Many risk factors relate to higher exposure to estrogen over a lifetime, including obesity, taking estrogen without progesterone, starting periods early or menopause late, and never having been pregnant. Older age, diabetes, and Lynch syndrome also raise risk.
▸How does obesity affect risk?
Fat tissue can raise estrogen levels, and higher estrogen exposure raises the risk of uterine cancer. Obesity is an important and common risk factor.
▸What is Lynch syndrome?
Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that raises the risk of uterine, colorectal, and some other cancers. People with it may need earlier or more frequent monitoring.
▸How is uterine cancer caught early?
There is no routine screening test, so reporting abnormal bleeding — especially after menopause — promptly is the main way it is caught early.
Questions to ask your doctor
Being prepared helps you get the most out of your appointments. Save or print these questions.
Tap a question to save it to your list (kept on this device).
Test your knowledge
0 of 3 answered
This quiz checks understanding of educational content only. It is not medical advice. Open this quiz on its own page.