Endometrial cancer secondary prevention
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
All women should have regular pelvic exams beginning at the onset of sexual activity (or at the age of 21 if not sexually active) to help detect signs of infection of abnormal development. Women should have Pap smears beginning 3 years after becoming sexually active.
Women with any risk factors for endometrial cancer, including women who are taking estrogen replacement therapy, should be followed more closely by their doctors. Frequent pelvic examinations and screening tests such as a Pap smear and endometrial biopsy should be considered.
The following protective factors may also decrease the risk of endometrial cancer:
- Combination oral contraceptives: Taking contraceptives that combine estrogen and progestin (combination oral contraceptives) decreases the risk of endometrial cancer. The protective effect of combination oral contraceptives increases with the length of time they are used, and can last for many years after oral contraceptive use has been stopped.
- Physical activity: Physical activity may lower the risk of endometrial cancer.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding:Estrogen levels are lower during pregnancy and when breast-feeding. Being pregnant and/or breast-feeding may lower the risk of endometrial cancer.
- Diet: A diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables may lower the risk of endometrial cancer. The risk may also be lowered when soy -based foods are a regular part of the diet.