What causes uterine cancer

Uterine cancer is usually a malignant tumor caused by long-term overstimulation of the endometrium by estrogen. It is mainly related to factors such as endocrine disorders, genetic factors, obesity, diabetes, and infertility.

1. Endocrine disorders

Long-term exposure to estrogen without progesterone antagonism can lead to endometrial hyperplasia. In patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, persistent estrogen secretion caused by ovulation disorders is an important cause of disease in young patients. Medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets, levonorgestrel intrauterine sustained-release system and other drugs are commonly used in clinical practice for endocrine regulation.

2. Genetic factors

Patients with hereditary tumor susceptibility syndromes such as Lynch syndrome have DNA mismatch repair gene defects, and their risk of endometrial cancer is 40-60 times higher than that of ordinary people. It is recommended that those with a family history undergo hysteroscopy regularly, and prophylactic hysterectomy may be considered if necessary.

3. Metabolic abnormalities

The efficiency of aromatase in adipose tissue of obese patients to convert androstenedione into estrogen is increased, and the level of sex hormone binding globulin is reduced, which together leads to an increase in free estrogen levels. Insulin sensitizers such as metformin may reduce the risk by improving metabolic status.

4. Reproductive factors

In nulliparous women, the protective effect of progesterone during pregnancy is lacking, and the endometrium continues to proliferate. Each full-term pregnancy reduces the risk by 15%, and lactational amenorrhea can also effectively reduce estrogen exposure time.

5. Exogenous estrogen

Long-term use of estrogen replacement therapy alone without progestin increases the risk of endometrial cancer by 3-5 times. Patients taking tamoxifen after breast cancer surgery should pay special attention to the fact that the drug exhibits a weak estrogen agonist effect on the endometrium.

Maintaining regular exercise habits can help maintain normal weight and endocrine balance. It is recommended to perform 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise every week. In terms of diet, the intake of cruciferous vegetables should be increased and red meat and processed meat products should be limited. All patients with abnormal uterine bleeding should seek medical treatment promptly and obtain a clear diagnosis through endometrial biopsy. The five-year survival rate of early-stage endometrial cancer can reach over 90%.