Endometrial Cancer and Healthy Weight

What is endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer originates in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. The endometrium is constantly changing as the levels of the two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, fluctuate during the month. When there is a shift in these hormones toward greater estrogen production, the endometrial lining thickens and the endometrial lining is shed. This is better know as “that time of the month” or menstruation.

Endometrial cancer is sometimes referred to as uterine cancer or cancer of the uterus and is very different from fibroids, endometriosis, or endometrial hyperplasia. Those are all benign (non-cancerous) conditions which also originate in the uterus.

The stats

Endometrial cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women after breast, lung, and colon cancer with over 40,000 new cases expected in 2008. If you notice spotting between menstrual periods or in early menopause, see your doctor, as these abnormalities can be early warning signs. Most importantly, this cancer can be detected early and is highly curable when found in its earliest stages with a 5-year survival rate of 95%.

Too much estrogen

Scientific studies have shown that an increase in estrogen, in the absence of progestin, is a risk factor for endometrial cancer. Women should be aware that there are numerous ways that the female body increases estrogen production: 1) early menstruation, 2) irregular ovulation, 3) estrogen-only replacement therapy (ERT), 4) never having been pregnant, and 5) ovarian tumors.

Increase weight, increase risk

However, overweight and obesity also increase circulating estrogen and therefore, are important risk factors for endometrial cancer.

Estrogen is highly concentrated in fatty tissue, so any extra weight that you carry as fat (not as lean muscle mass) can increase your risk for this disease. While easier said than done, gaining and maintaining a healthy weight is critical. Let’s look at several ways that you can begin to accomplish this today:

- Start by increasing soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet. This increased fiber intake will make you full and you will find that you will eat less.

- Try whole oats in the morning topped with frozen blackberries and slivered almonds.

- Eat vegetables, fruits and whole grains for snacks – grape tomatoes, red and green grapes are good for snacking.

- Make a large bowl of chick pea and black bean salads at the beginning of the week. Keep it cool in the fridge for easy snacking and “mini’ meals.

- Prepare a large romaine salad for lunch or dinner drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice topped with fish or lean chicken and red and yellow peppers bursting with antioxidants.

- Finally, plan your meals; this can be one of your best tools for weight loss. First look at all of the activities that you will be involved in during the week and then write down the snacks and meals that you plan to bring with you on the road, to work, school, and meetings. Finally, pre-pack your snacks and meals so that you can “grab-and-go” when it’s time to leave the house.

Simply put, eat your vegetables

In a recent meta-analysis (a scientific report that combines the results of several studies) it was found that cruciferous vegetables have the greatest influence on reducing risk of endometrial cancer among other fruits and vegetables. With this in mind, include more broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and cabbage into your diet. These foods not only contain concentrated forms of plant chemicals, especially sulforaphane which reduces cancer risk, but they are also loaded with fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, and minerals such as calcium, selenium and magnesium – all important for overall health and wellness.