SISTER STUDY RESEARCH

Fibroids, endometriosis and ovarian cancer

Uterine fibroids and endometriosis are two non-cancerous gynecological conditions that share some symptoms. Both conditions are influenced by hormones such as estrogen and there is some evidence they may be associated with ovarian cancer risk. Some women with these conditions have their uterus removed (hysterectomy), which could also impact their ovarian cancer risk. In the Sister Study, 34% of 40,928 eligible participants have reported a fibroid diagnosis, 13% reported having had endometriosis, and 7% reported having both. 20% of participants have had a hysterectomy. Women with fibroids had a 65% increased rate of developing ovarian cancer, compared to women without fibroids. Among women with fibroids, those who had a hysterectomy were less likely to develop ovarian cancer than those who did not. History of endometriosis was not associated with risk. Studying the joint effects of fibroids, endometriosis and hysterectomies adds to our understanding of ovarian cancer and may help inform decisions about how women with fibroids, endometriosis, and hysterectomies are treated and monitored.

Learn more here:
The independent and joint associations of hysterectomy and uterine fibroids or endometriosis with ovarian cancer incidence: results from a US-based cohort