What is metabolic syndrome?
It is a set of conditions that increase the risk of serious health problems.
They include:
Hypertension
high blood sugar
High cholesterol levels
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome and endometrial cancer.
Many women with endometrial cancer also have metabolic syndrome.
Scientists have found a link between three signs of metabolic syndrome (obesity, diabetes and hypertension) and endometrial cancer.
This is called the “triple endometrial cancer syndrome.”
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People living with obesity are 3 times more likely to suffer from endometrial cancer
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People with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from endometrial cancer
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People with hypertension have a higher risk of endometrial cancer
The link between obesity and endometrial cancer
Carrying excess weight can increase the amount of estrogen in the body, which can promote the growth of endometrial cancer.
The link between blood sugar and endometrial cancer
A glucose-rich environment, which occurs during diabetes, can fuel endometrial cancer, allowing cells to grow and become more invasive.
The link between high blood pressure and endometrial cancer
Researchers have established that high blood pressure increases the risk of endometrial cancer, but they are still exploring why.
The good news?
It may reduce your risk of endometrial cancer, even if you have metabolic syndrome.
Actions you can take:
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Exercise regularly
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Eat a healthy diet
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Use hormonal contraceptives
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Breast-feed
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Treat obesity and hypertension.
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Take diabetes medications to help lower blood sugar.
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Schedule regular checkups with your healthcare provider.
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Get genetic testing if you have a family history of endometrial cancer
This educational resource was created with the support of Karyopharm Therapeutics and Merck.
