Unopposed Oestrogens and Endometrial Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): T.J.A. Key, M.C. Pike
Primary Institution: Imperial Cancer Research Fund's Epidemiology Unit, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, UK
Hypothesis
The unopposed oestrogen hypothesis suggests that endometrial cancer risk increases with exposure to oestrogen not opposed by progestagen.
Conclusion
The study concludes that both short-term and long-term use of oestrogens can significantly affect endometrial cancer risk.
Supporting Evidence
- Short-term use of combination-type oral contraceptives can reduce endometrial cancer risk by about 60%.
- Five years of unopposed oestrogen replacement therapy can increase lifetime risk of endometrial cancer by at least 90%.
- Obesity is associated with increased endometrial cancer risk due to progesterone deficiency.
Takeaway
If women take oestrogen without progesterone, it can increase their chances of getting endometrial cancer. But using a combination of both can help protect them.
Methodology
The study analyzed the mitotic rate of endometrial cells in relation to oestrogen levels and examined epidemiological data on hormone therapy and obesity.
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