Endometriosis is a chronic condition, but it is not a form of cancer. That said, some research suggests a slightly increased risk of developing certain types of cancer in people with endometriosis.
It’s important to keep this in perspective. The overall risk remains low, and most people with endometriosis don't develop cancer. The connection is still being studied, and while the data points to a possible association, it doesn't mean that endometriosis causes cancer.Ω
What does matter is staying proactive about your health. Pay attention to changes in your symptoms, and keep up with regular gynecologic care. If something feels different or concerning, speak with your healthcare provider. Early evaluation is the best way to address potential issues—whether related to endometriosis or something else.
While the cancer risk is small, awareness and routine care are key tools for long-term health management.
What is Endometriosis, and is it Cancer?
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, but because it’s located in areas where it can’t be shed, it can lead to inflammation, pain, and scar tissue over time.
Common sites for endometriosis include
- The ovaries
- The fallopian tubes
- The pelvic lining
In some cases, the tissue grows more deeply into pelvic structures—a form known as deep infiltrating endometriosis. This type can affect organs like the bladder, bowel, or ligaments supporting the uterus, and is often associated with more severe symptoms.
Overlapping features
Although endometriosis is not cancer, there are some overlapping features, like:
- Both involve abnormal cell behavior
- Both can lead to the formation of growths or lesions
However, endometriosis is a benign condition—it doesn’t invade surrounding tissues or spread throughout the body the way cancer does.
That said, research has found a slightly increased risk of certain cancers in people with endometriosis, particularly ovarian cancer. This may be related to the chronic inflammation that endometriosis causes, which can affect cellular health over time.
While the risk is still low, it’s one reason why regular gynecologic care and symptom monitoring are important parts of managing this condition.
Can Endometriosis Cause Cancer?
While there is no direct causal link between endometriosis and cancer, research suggests that women with endometriosis have a slightly higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, particularly clear cell and endometrioid ovarian cancers, which are both types of epithelial ovarian cancer.
The clearest connection appears to be with epithelial ovarian cancer, which begins in the cells that line the ovaries or fallopian tubes. One possible explanation is that the ongoing tissue damage and inflammation caused by endometriosis may lead to genetic changes in the surrounding cells over time.
Some studies have also explored potential links between endometriosis and other cancers, including breast cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but those associations are less well understood and require further research.
It’s important to be aware of these risks, but also to keep them in perspective: the vast majority of people with endometriosis never develop cancer. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider can help monitor any changes and ensure you’re getting the care that’s right for you.
Which Types of Cancer Are Most Closely Linked to Endometriosis?
Ovarian cancer
The strongest evidence connects endometriosis to certain types of ovarian cancer, especially:
- Clear cell ovarian carcinoma
- Endometrioid ovarian carcinoma
These cancers may develop from endometriosis lesions, particularly those on or near the ovaries.
However, it's important to keep the overall risk in context. According to Dr. Jackie Wong,
- People with endometriosis have a slightly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those without it.
- Despite that increased risk, ovarian cancer is relatively uncommon. The lifetime risk of ovarian cancer for most people is about 1.4%, and an endometriosis diagnosis brings it to around 1.8% (still a relatively small risk compared to other more common cancers like uterine cancer).
Other cancers
Other cancers have also been studied in relation to endometriosis, but findings are inconsistent:
- Endometrial cancer: Some studies suggest a possible link, but the data is not conclusive.
- Cervical cancer: Research shows no strong or consistent association.
- Breast cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: These have been explored in smaller studies, but more evidence is needed.
While these risks may sound concerning, the majority of people with endometriosis do not end up with a cancer diagnosis. Regular check-ups and ongoing symptom monitoring remain the most effective way to manage your health.
How Common Is Cancer in People With Endometriosis?
Endometriosis may increase the risk of certain cancers, but the overall likelihood remains low. Most people with endometriosis do not develop cancer.
- In a large study, about 1 in 76 people with endometriosis developed ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
- By comparison, the risk in the general population is about 1 in 91.
- While this reflects a higher relative risk, the absolute risk is still small.
Several factors can influence this risk:
- Never having been pregnant
- Early onset of menstruation
- Late menopause
These factors, combined with endometriosis, may further increase ovarian cancer risk, though the overall likelihood still remains low.
What Can You Do?
The best way to manage cancer risk when you have endometriosis is to:
- Schedule regular gynecologic check-ups
- Monitor for new, persistent, or changing symptoms
- Discuss your individual risk factors, such as family history, with a healthcare provider
Staying informed and working closely with a specialist can help ensure any changes are caught early and addressed appropriately.
Signs to Watch for
Most symptoms of endometriosis are not related to cancer. However, some signs may warrant closer attention, especially if they’re new, persistent, or feel different from your usual pattern.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Ongoing bloating that doesn’t resolve
- Feeling full quickly or having a reduced appetite
- Pelvic or abdominal pain that worsens or changes in character
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as new constipation, diarrhea, or urgency
These symptoms can have many causes, but if they’re happening frequently or don’t go away, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider. They may recommend imaging or other tests to rule out more serious conditions, including cancer.
What Causes the Increased Cancer Risk in Endometriosis?
While the connection between endometriosis and cancer isn’t fully understood, several biological factors may help explain the increased risk, particularly for certain types of ovarian cancer.
- Chronic inflammation: Endometriosis causes long-term inflammation in the pelvic region. Over time, this can lead to cellular stress, DNA damage, and changes in how cells grow or repair themselves — all of which may increase the likelihood of abnormal cell development.
- Immune system changes: Inflammation can impair the body’s ability to detect and clear precancerous or abnormal cells, which may allow them to grow unchecked.
- Hormonal influences: Estrogen plays a central role in endometriosis. It can also promote the growth of some cancer cells, including those found in certain ovarian cancers.
- Genetic factors: Some genetic mutations linked to ovarian cancer appear more frequently in people with endometriosis. These may affect how cells grow or respond to inflammation and hormones.
- CA-125 level: Is a protein that can be elevated in both ovarian cancer and benign conditions like endometriosis, which is why it's important to interpret results in context. While not specific to cancer, it can be a helpful tool for monitoring trends over time when used alongside other clinical information.
Screening and Monitoring for Cancer
There’s no specific screening test for ovarian cancer, but if you have endometriosis—whether superficial endometriosis or deeper forms—you can take practical steps to monitor your health.
Regular pelvic exams are important to check for any changes that may require further evaluation. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend imaging, such as a transvaginal ultrasound, to get a closer look at the ovaries.
It’s also important to report any new or persistent symptoms—like bloating, pelvic pain, or changes in your menstrual cycle or bowel habits—to your doctor promptly. While these symptoms don’t necessarily indicate cancer, they should be assessed, especially if you have a family history of ovarian or related cancers.
Treatment options for managing endometriosis and potentially lowering cancer risk include hormonal therapies, minimally invasive surgery to remove lesions, and ongoing care with a gynecologic specialist.
Working closely with your healthcare provider and reporting any new or unusual symptoms will help ensure that anything concerning is caught early and managed effectively.
Can Treating Endometriosis Lower Your Cancer Risk?
Treating endometriosis may help reduce cancer risk by lowering inflammation and limiting hormone exposure, both factors linked to abnormal cell growth. Common treatments include hormonal therapies and surgical removal of endometrial tissue, especially in cases of severe endometriosis where lesions are more extensive.
While these approaches aim primarily to manage symptoms and improve quality of life, research is still ongoing to clarify whether endometriosis treatment can also reduce cancer risk.
For now, treatment decisions focus on symptom control and maintaining overall health.
Clarity in Cancer Risk
Endometriosis can raise valid concerns about an increased risk of certain cancers, but it’s important to keep that risk in context. While there is an observed increase in cancer risk associated with endometriosis, particularly ovarian cancer, the overall likelihood remains low. Most people with endometriosis will not develop cancer.
Paying attention to common endometriosis symptoms and how they change over time is crucial. Regular monitoring and early reporting of new or persistent symptoms allow for timely evaluation and intervention when needed. Open, clear communication with your healthcare provider helps tailor management strategies to your individual risk factors.
Ultimately, managing endometriosis is about more than cancer risk—it’s about improving your quality of life and overall health. With accurate information, regular medical oversight, and appropriate treatment, people with endometriosis can live full, healthy lives.
You deserve health information you can trust. Join Roon and connect with vetted experts, not internet opinions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What kind of cancer is associated with endometriosis?
Endometriosis has been linked to a slightly increased risk of certain types of ovarian cancer, most commonly endometrioid and clear cell ovarian cancers. While the overall risk remains low, it's something to be aware of, especially in the context of other risk factors.
What is the life expectancy of a person with endometriosis?
Endometriosis does not affect life expectancy. It’s a chronic condition that can impact daily life, but with appropriate treatment and management, most people are able to maintain good overall health.
What are the symptoms of stage 1 endometrial cancer?
Early symptoms of endometrial cancer can include abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially after menopause), pelvic or lower abdominal pain, and unusual vaginal discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider.
Can I live normally with endometriosis?
Yes. While endometriosis can cause ongoing symptoms like pelvic pain, fatigue, or digestive issues, many people manage it successfully through a combination of medical treatment, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments. The goal is to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life over time.
