Uterine Cancer

Risk & Prevention

Uterine cancer can happen to anyone with a uterus but some people are at a higher risk than others. 

When you understand your risk, you can take steps to lower it. You can also talk to your doctor about additional monitoring to catch uterine cancer early.

What’s My Risk of Getting Uterine Cancer?

The best way to evaluate the risk of uterine cancer is to have a conversation with your doctor. 

However, there are also online tools you can use to quickly assess your risk and start a conversation with your physician later on.

Your Disease Risk® is an effective tool developed by physicians and scientists at Siteman Cancer Center and WashU Medicine. It can provide you with an estimate of your risk, as well as targeted suggestions to help you reduce it.

Who Is At Risk of Getting Uterine Cancer? 

Several factors can raise your risk of uterine cancer:

• Excess weight
• Certain inherited genetic mutations (such as Lynch Syndrome)
• High blood pressure, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol
• A longer lifetime exposure to estrogen — such as starting periods early, going through menopause late, or never being pregnant
• Use of tamoxifen or estrogen-only supplements
• Radiation therapy to the lower belly or pelvis

Black women are twice as likely as white women to develop uterine sarcomas, a rare form of uterine cancer. Researchers aren’t sure why race is a risk factor for this cancer.

How Can I Lower My Risk of Uterine Cancer?   

There are some risk factors for uterine cancer that you can’t change. You can’t control your genetic history, when you started your period, or when you went through menopause. 

However, it is possible to change parts of your lifestyle. Focusing on good nutrition and getting regular physical activity can help lower your risk of many cancers, including uterine cancer.

Getting regular check-ups with your gynecologist is also a good way to stay on top of your health.