Purpose of the Review
To assess the most recent high-quality evidence for endometrial cancer prevention strategies.
Recent Findings
- Obesity is an established risk factor for endometrial cancer.
- Weight cycling and weight gain in middle age are risk factors for endometrial cancer.
- Bariatric surgery reduces the risk of endometrial cancer by up to 81% in obese women who attain and maintain a normal weight.
- Combined oral contraceptives provide durable protection against endometrial cancer for 30 years or more.
- Ever use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and inert intrauterine devices reduce endometrial cancer risk.
- The first oestrogen-based non-progestin HRT for non-hysterectomised women that contains estradiol and bazedoxifene has an effective protective effect on endometrium.
- Bisphosphonates reduce endometrial cancer risk.
Summary
Weight loss and LNG-IUS would seem to be an effective strategy for preventing the development of obesity-driven endometrial cancer in the highest risk women. Future research may identify other safe and effective chemoprevention interventions, such as aspirin, bisphosphonates or metformin.
Michelle L MacKintosh, Emma J Crosbie
CurrentOncologyReports 2018 November 13, 20 (12): 101
