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Endometrial cancer

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        • Selective oestrogen receptor modulators
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What you can do

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There are things you can do to manage your risk of developing endometrial cancer. Factors that can be changed are called modifiable factors.

  • Body weight – being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Aim to keep to a healthy body weight (within a Body Mass Index (BMI) range of 18.5 to 25 kg/m2).
  • Physical activity – being physically active is probably associated with a decreased risk of endometrial cancer. Doing 5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity a week has been shown to help protect against cancer and unhealthy weight gain.
  • Breastfeeding – breastfeeding is probably associated with a decreased risk of endometrial cancer. The longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower her risk becomes.
  • Menopausal hormone therapy (also referred to as Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)) – using certain types of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. This includes MHT that only contains oestrogen, as well as the MHT medicine tibolone. The risk increases the longer you use these types of MHT. Having a discussion with your doctor is important in selecting the type of MHT. It is also important to review your needs regularly with your doctor if using MHT.
  • Glycaemic load – eating a lot of foods that raise blood glucose levels is probably associated with increased risk of endometrial cancer. Aim to eat a balanced diet, rich in plant-based foods, including fruit, vegetables and other foods containing dietary fibre to reduce your risk of endometrial cancer and other cancers.

Links and support

If you are worried about your risk of developing endometrial cancer, see your doctor with any concerns.

For women with endometrial cancer

If you have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer, you might feel overwhelmed, scared, anxious or upset – these are all normal feelings. It’s very important to have support from family, friends, health professionals and/or other services to help you cope with cancer.

  • Living with cancer has information about physical, emotional and practical issues during and after diagnosis and treatment.
  • Cancer Australia’s resource Cancer – how are you travelling? provides information to help you understand the emotional and social impacts of cancer.
  • The Cancer Council in your state or territory can give you general information about cancer, as well as information on resources and support groups in your local area. Call the Cancer Council Helpline from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call on 13 11 20.
  • Other cancer support organisations can also help you and your loved ones deal with the challenges of cancer.
  • Last Updated
  • Relevant Links
updated: 20 October 2020 - 3:32pm
Cancer Council
National Cancer Institute
American Cancer Society

Related information

What is cancer?
What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease of the cells, which are the body’s basic building blocks.

Treatment and side effects
Treatment and side effects

The treatment that your doctors recommend will depend on the type of cancer you have, how advanced it is, and other personal factors.

Living with cancer
Living with cancer

A diagnosis of cancer marks the beginning of a journey full of emotional, psychological, physical and practical challenges.

Life after cancer
Life after cancer

While looking forward to finishing their cancer treatment and getting on with life, for some people, the end of treatment can also be a confusing or worrying time.

A-Z List of Cancer Types

Information on more than 70 types of cancer

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About Cancer Australia

Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by leading and coordinating national, evidence-based interventions across the continuum of care.

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