Approximately 11% of Americans aged 15 to 44 assigned female at birth are diagnosed with endometriosis, a condition characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus outside the uterine cavity. This affliction, often accompanied by significant pain and discomfort, has come to light due to recent studies highlighting its potential link to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. A study published in JAMA and a meta-analysis conducted in 2021 suggest that women with severe endometriosis may face a significantly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, particularly type I ovarian cancer.
The Utah Cancer Registry helped identify 597 women who developed ovarian cancer out of nearly 451,000 women examined in the Utah Population database between 1992 and 2019. Among these, about 78,500 women had endometriosis. These findings indicate that individuals with deep infiltrating endometriosis or ovarian endometriomas have an 18.96-fold increased risk of type I ovarian cancer compared to their counterparts without the condition. This substantial risk is comparable to the well-known link between smoking and lung cancer.
“That’s where we found a 19-fold increased risk, which compares to the connection between smoking and lung cancer,” – Karen Schliep, PhD
Endometriosis does not directly cause ovarian cancer but can significantly elevate the likelihood of developing it. The overall risk for those with endometriosis is 4.2 times higher, with a specific increase of 7.48-fold for type I ovarian cancer and 3.72-fold for type II, which is more aggressive.
“People with deep infiltrating endometriosis and/or ovarian endometriomas—more severe forms of the condition—had an 18.96-fold increased risk of type I ovarian cancer. They had a 3.72-fold higher risk of type II ovarian cancer, which is more aggressive.”
Despite these alarming statistics, experts emphasize the rarity of ovarian cancer. Dr. Karen Schliep reassures that the study's results should not cause undue alarm among women.
“Our results should in no way alarm women” because “ovarian cancer is rare.” – Karen Schliep, PhD
The most severe form of the condition, deep infiltrating endometriosis, appears to be the most significant factor in elevating the risk of ovarian cancer. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing symptoms such as painful periods and cramping, which are often dismissed, leading to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
“People diminish how important it is,” – Tamer Seckin, MD
Dr. Tamer Seckin highlights the need for increased awareness and understanding of endometriosis, especially given its potential link to life-threatening conditions like ovarian cancer.
“We know ovarian cancer affects a small amount [of people], but it is deadly,” – Tamer Seckin, MD
The study's revelations have sparked anticipation for heightened attention toward endometriosis and its implications.
“I think this [study] is really going to trigger some attention.” – Tamer Seckin, MD
Mary Lou Ballweg echoes this sentiment, stressing that society often overlooks endometriosis because it seems irrelevant to young women.
“People aren’t paying attention because they don’t think it affects young women,” – Mary Lou Ballweg
The connection between endometriosis and ovarian cancer has long been suggested by researchers. Some hypothesize that ovarian cancer could originate from lesions caused by endometriosis. Dr. Sarah Adams points out that the magnitude of risk associated with this condition is significantly higher than previously estimated.
“The magnitude of the risk associated with endometriosis is much higher than previously estimated,” – Sarah Adams, MD
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