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Endometriosis and cancer — two words you don’t want to see together. If you’re already dealing with the pain, frustration, and confusion that come with endometriosis, the last thing you need is another reason to stress out.
The reality is that the relationship between these two health issues is complex, and there's a lot of misinformation out there. So, let's get to the truth and dive into this topic together, separating fact from fiction and arming ourselves with the knowledge we need.
What exactly is endometriosis?
Endometriosis can feel misunderstood. Many people only learn about it after years of weird symptoms, uncomfortable exams, and maybe some well-meaning but not-so-helpful advice from relatives who don’t quite get it.
Simply put, endo is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) grows outside the uterus.
This tissue can appear on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and even in other areas of the body. During each menstrual cycle, this misplaced tissue responds to hormonal changes, potentially causing inflammation, pain, and in some cases, the formation of scar tissue.
Endometriosis affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, making it a common gynecological condition. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe, impacting quality of life and, sometimes, fertility.
While it's a challenging condition to live with, it's important to remember that having endometriosis doesn't automatically mean you're destined for additional serious health issues.
It’s a lot to handle, and feeling dismissed or misunderstood by doctors or loved ones can make it tougher. Thankfully, there’s growing awareness, better research, and more resources today than ever before.
Does endometriosis increase the risk of cancer?
Now, let's address the elephant in the room. Does endometriosis increase the risk of cancer? The short answer is: it's complicated.
Recent research has shown that, yes, there is an increased risk of ovarian and endometrioid cancer, particularly a type called clear cell ovarian cancer, in women with endometriosis. But it's important to note that while the relative risk is increased, the absolute risk remains low.
As OB-GYN, Dr. Caledonia Buckheit explains, "Women with and without endometriosis have a low lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer — less than 2%. So, even though those with endometriosis have a higher risk (about 1.9% as opposed to 1.3% in those without endo), the odds are very good that ovarian cancer will not affect you."
So if you have endo, it doesn’t mean that you’re definitely going to get ovarian cancer — most people with endometriosis won’t develop ovarian cancer.
Some research has also suggested a potential link between endometriosis and certain other cancers, such as breast cancer and some types of skin cancer. But these links are less clear, so more research is needed to get the full picture.
Other factors — like genetic makeup, environment, and general overall health — come into play, too. No one piece of the puzzle, including endometriosis, seals the deal on something as complex as cancer.
What’s the link between endo and cancer?
So why might there be a link between endometriosis and certain cancers? Scientists are still working to understand this relationship fully, but there are a few theories. One possibility is that the chronic inflammation associated with endometriosis might play a role.
Inflammation is known to be a factor in the development of some cancers. Another theory is that the hormonal imbalances often seen in endometriosis could contribute to cancer risk.
It's crucial to remember that having an increased risk doesn't mean cancer is inevitable. Many women with endometriosis never develop cancer, and many factors contribute to cancer development beyond just having endometriosis.
What’s the connection between endometriosis and ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer happens when certain cells in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum begin to grow out of control. Research shows that people with endometriosis have a slightly higher chance of developing specific kinds of ovarian cancer, like clear cell and endometrioid ovarian cancer.
Why this happens isn’t totally clear yet, though. Experts suspect it might have something to do with the inflammation and hormonal changes that come with endometriosis. Over time, those changes could nudge cells into a more abnormal pattern of growth.
Still, it’s important to remember that this is just one piece of a much bigger picture. Most people with endometriosis never see these risk factors turn into a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Getting the facts can replace a lot of fear with a calmer sense of understanding.
What can you do?
If you're living with endometriosis, this information might feel overwhelming. But knowledge is power, and there are steps you can take to protect your health:
- Regular check-ups: Stay on top of your gynecological health with regular pelvic exams and screenings (yes, we know no one likes these exams, but they’re worth it). Your doctor can help monitor any changes and catch potential issues early.
- Know your body: Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as persistent bloating, pelvic pain, or changes in bathroom habits. If you notice anything unusual, don't hesitate to speak up.
- Manage your endometriosis: Work with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan for your endometriosis. Keeping symptoms under control may help reduce inflammation and other factors that could contribute to increased cancer risk.
- Healthy lifestyle choices: Maintaining a balanced diet, a BMI between 18.5-and 24.9, regular exercise, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking can all contribute to overall health and may help reduce cancer risk, including ovarian, endometrial, and breast cancers.
Signs and symptoms to look out for
When it comes to cancer, early detection is always helpful. There aren’t really “must-watch” signs that link endometriosis directly to cancer, but it’s smart to stay tuned in to the body.
Any changes that stand out — like persistent bloating that lasts a few weeks instead of a few days, pain that doesn’t feel like the typical endometriosis flare-up, feeling full unusually fast when eating, or unexplained weight changes — might be worth mentioning to a healthcare provider. These symptoms are super nonspecific; they often point to plenty of more common and less serious conditions. Still, checking in can bring peace of mind.
It’s completely normal to feel worried about how endometriosis might connect to cancer, but it’s just as important to keep things in perspective. The truth is, that most people with endometriosis don’t end up developing cancer.
Instead of letting fear run the show, focus on what you can do. That might mean learning more, speaking up for yourself, and partnering with a healthcare provider who really hears you.
And remember, you’re far from alone here. There’s a huge community of people living with endometriosis and plenty of resources to lean on.
So, take a deep breath. With solid information, self-care, and a willingness to stand up for your needs, you’ve got what it takes to get through this. Keep asking questions, stay curious, and never hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.
This is your health journey, and you’re in charge.
Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced content writer and strategist, having written about a vast range of topics from chemical regulations to parenting, for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Tally Workspace, and Office Christmas. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.
