The majority of people don’t know that oestrogen is produced in fat cells as well as the ovaries (Picture: Getty Images)
More people need to be aware of the link between excess oestrogen and womb cancer, a leading gynaecological charity has said.
A recent YouGov survey found that almost four out of five people aren’t aware of the link between oestrogen and womb cancer, and just under a third (28%) aren’t aware of the link with ovarian cancer.
Of the 2067 people surveyed, 43% weren’t aware that oestrogen is produced in the ovaries and only 97% didn’t know that some oestrogen is also produced in fat cells, albeit to a lesser degree.
‘Hormones have a beneficial effect on your health but also increase the risks of certain cancers, including gynaecological and breast cancers,’ explained Professor Annice Mukherjee, a consultant endocrinologist at Coventry University.
‘Gynae cancer awareness month is a great opportunity to get to know your body better, understand how your hormones work and to understand whether you have any risk factors for hormone related cancers.’
People who produce excess oestrogen, such as those with polycystic ovary symptom (PCOS) or obesity, are at a higher risk of getting certain oestrogen dependent cancers, such as womb cancer and ovarian cancer — the two most common gynaecological cancers.
According to gynaecological charity The Eve Appeal, obesity increases the risk of womb cancer by 10 times, and PCOS increases the risk by 2.8 times.
Diabetes and medications like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also increase the risks.
‘We want to help people to understand the missing piece of information around oestrogen and increased risk of some cancers – particularly the fourth most common cancer in women, that not many have heard of, womb cancer,’ said Athena Lamnisos, CEO of The Eve Appeal CEO.
‘Less than half of people know where this critical hormone is made in the body.
‘We want women to know how and where their hormones are made, have a better understanding of their hormones and how excess oestrogen can impact their cancer risk.
‘There are many contributing factors to our levels of oestrogen, many of which are outside of our control.
‘Yet understanding your body and your health risks is only of benefit when it comes to spotting symptoms, getting checked and advocating for yourself, knowledge is power.’
Mukherjee called for more research on the link between hormones and cancer, especially in women.
‘More understanding of this area is needed to improve women’s health,’ she said.
‘We need more research in this area and women need to understand their bodies.’
Key signs and symptoms:
Womb cancer
Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex, after the menopause or much heavier than is normal for you)
Ovarian cancer
Increased abdominal size and persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes)
Persistent pelvic and abdominal pain
Unexplained change in bowel habits
Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly, or feeling nauseous
Needing to urinate (wee) more regularly
Cervical cancer
abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex, after the menopause or much heavier than is normal for you)
changes to vaginal discharge
pain or discomfort during sex
unexplained pain in lower back or between hip bones
Vulval cancer
A persistent vulval itch
Pain or soreness around the vulva
Thickened, raised, red, lighter or darker patches on the skin of the vulva
An open sore or growth visible on the skin
A mole on the vulva that changes shape or colour
A lump or swelling on the vulva
Vaginal cancer
bleeding in between periods or after the menopause
bleeding after sex
vaginal discharge that smells or is blood stained
pain during sex
a lump or growth in the vagina that you or your doctor can feel a vaginal itch that won’t go away
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‘Knowledge is power.’