Reducing your risk for uterine cancer

You may lower your risk of developing uterine cancer by doing the following.

Research shows that you can lower your risk for uterine cancer by having a healthy body weight. Eating well and being physically active can help you have a healthy body weight.

Studies show that physical activity may help protect against uterine cancer.

Some drugs and lifestyle choices may help to protect you from developing uterine cancer.

Taking birth control pills (oral contraceptives) that have both estrogen and progesterone may help protect women from developing uterine cancer. Doctors may also consider giving women with polycystic ovarian syndrome who do not ovulate this type of birth control pill to help prevent uterine cancer.

Having children may help lower the risk for uterine cancer.

Research suggests that drinking coffee may help protect against uterine cancer. This is true for both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee.

Some women can have a higher than average risk for uterine cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risk. If you are at higher than average risk, you may need to visit your doctor more often to check for uterine cancer. Your doctor will recommend what tests you should have and how often you should have them.

Women who have atypical endometrial hyperplasia usually receive treatment to help prevent the abnormal cells from becoming uterine cancer.

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome should take progesterone therapy to control hormone levels and reduce the risk for uterine cancer.

A prophylactic hysterectomy may be an option for some women who have a very high risk of developing uterine cancer, including some women with Lynch syndrome. This is surgery to remove the uterus before cancer develops. The decision to have a prophylactic hysterectomy should be carefully considered. Talk to your doctor about all the risks and benefits of the surgery and if it’s the best choice for you.

Learn what you can do to prevent cancer.