Can endometriosis cause cancer? Now know the real risks CrediHealth

Endometriosis is often brushed up as ‘only painful periods’. But for many women it is much more – chronic pain, missed work, years without answers. These things remain in your head. And for some, a deeper fear lingers: can endometriosis cause cancer? The fear is real and understandable.

Endometriosis is not cancer. But research shows a few ties between this condition and certain risks of cancer. That does not mean that everyone gets cancer with endometriosis. It does mean that you have to understand the risks and know what to look for. Staying informed gives you control. And it helps you to make decisions that protect your body and your peace of mind.

Let’s break everything down, what endometriosis really is, how cancer connects (or not), which types of cancer have been studied in this context and what signs they should view. This guide gives you honest answers, based on current research. So let’s start!

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis happens when cells are similar to those in the womb grow in places where they do not belong. This can be on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, intestines or even the pelvic wall. These spots tissue are still reactive to hormones. So, every month, during your cycle, they swell and bleeding, just as the womb would do lining.

But because the blood is nowhere, it gets stuck. Over time, this can lead to scar tissue, cysts, inflammation and pain. Some people live with slight discomfort. Others cannot work, walk or function during flare-ups.

Here is how it usually presents:

It usually affects women between 30 and 40, although the symptoms often start earlier. There is no remedy, but treatments help to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life.

Is there a connection between endometriosis and cancer?

This is where the question “Can endometriosis cause cancer?” Comes in. And the answer is, it is complicated.

Endometriosis is not cancer. It is also not labeled as a precancerous state. But over time, some studies show that endometriosis can increase the risk of developing certain cancers. Especially ovarian cancer. The inflammation and abnormal cell growth associated with endometriosis can contribute to this, although the shift is rare.

In general, research shows that women have endometriosis more than 4 times The risk of ovarian cancer than those who don’t have it.

This does not mean that everyone gets cancer. But if you have long -term endometriosis, especially with the ovaries, it is wise to follow your symptoms closely and to stay consistent with medical controls.

Other potential links are still being studied. The majority of the focus remains on ovarian cancer, with less evidence for other types.

Types of cancer linked to endometriosis

Although the risk of cancer with endometriosis is low, it is important to know which species are usually mentioned in research.

1. Ovarian cancer

This is the most important cancer that is seen in connection with endometriosis. In particular, certain subtypes, such as clear cell carcinoma and endometrioid carcinoma, are more common in people who have had endometriosis for many years. Some of these cases start as endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinoma (EAOC).

This does not mean that endometriosis becomes cancer. It just means that Long -term inflammation and hormonal imbalances can create a favorable environment for abnormal cells to grow. Estrogen can play a key role here.

2. Cervical cancer

The link here is weaker. Some studies have investigated cervical clear cell carcinoma in women with cervical endometriosis, but there is no strong or proven connection. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, not by endometriosis.

3. Endometrium cancer

This sounds like he should be connected. But it isn’t. Despite the similar names, endometriosis and endometrial cancer are not connected. They include different tissues. Symptoms such as pelvic pain or irregular bleeding can look alike, but their causes and risks are not shared.

What are the warning signals of cancer in women with endometriosis?

Here is the difficult part. Some cancer symptoms overlap with symptoms of endometriosis. That makes it easy to miss something serious. If you had been living with endometriosis for years, it is tempting to ignore new pain or fatigue and remedy it.

But this is what you should take seriously:

• New or increasing pelvic pain that feels different

• Flowers that do not leave after your period

• Sudden weight loss without trying

• Bleed between periods, especially postmenopause

• Changes in intestinal habits (longer than two weeks)

• Blood in the stool or urine

• Constant back pain or pressure in the lower abdomen

If one of these pops up, especially if they are new or deteriorate, it’s time to see your doctor. Imaging and blood tests can exclude or catch something early.

Diagnosis of endometriosis versus cancer

These two are not always easy to stand apart. Here is a quick comparison of how doctors usually find all:

If you have both risks, endometriosis and a family history of cancer, your doctor will let you know. It can influence how often they show you or what tests they recommend.

Different treatment options for endometriosis and cancer

Treatment for endometriosis is based on your symptoms, your age and whether you want to become pregnant. Choices include:

• Hormonal contraception (pill, patch, ring)

• Hormonal spiral

• Painkillers (such as NSAIDS)

• Gnrh agonists to stop ovulation

• Laparoscopy to remove endometrial tissue

• Hysterectomy, in severe or not -responding

Lifestyle changes such as regular movement, less alcohol and a diet with little inflammatory foods can also help relieve symptoms.

The treatment of cancer naturally depends on the type and stage. But it often includes:

If someone has both conditions, his doctor will build up a treatment plan that both takes both account. Some cancer therapies can influence hormones, which can also influence endometriosis.

Steps you can take to reduce your cancer risk with endometriosis

Although you cannot fully delete the risk of cancer, some steps can help to lower your risk, especially if you live with endometriosis.

1. Follow the symptoms closely – use a diary or app. New patterns or persistent changes are important.

2. With follow-ups lettuce agreements do not remain, even if you feel better.

3. Discuss carefully hormone therapy – Some hormone treatments can increase estrogen that can feed abnormal cells.

4. Eat anti-inflammatory foods load on greens, berries, full grains and omega-3 fats.

5. Avoid smoking – Tobacco increases the risk of multiple cancers.

6. Regular training – It helps to balance hormones and to maintain a healthy weight.

7. Ask for family history – If someone in your family had ovary or breast cancer, share it with your doctor to help guide monitoring and screening.

None of these steps can completely eliminate the risk, but they help to tip the opportunities to your advantage.

Last thoughts: Stay informed, stay empowered

Can endometriosis cause cancer to reply the question again? No, it does not immediately cause cancer. But the longer you live with it, the more important it is to stay alert. There is a slightly greater chance of certain cancers, especially ovary species. That means that you do not ignore new symptoms and that you do not miss follow-ups. You remain informed and proactive.

You don’t define endometriosis. But understanding how it can connect with other risks helps you to stay one step ahead.

You deserve clarity, no fear. You earn answers, no assumptions. And you earn care that looks at the full image.

Stay informed. Stay seen. You have this.

Related: is endometriosis genetic? This is what research says