If you’re a woman of childbearing age, you probably know someone with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It affects one in every ten women aged 15 to 44, increasing their risk of developing cancer later in life.
At some point, you might wonder can PCOS cause cancer and how to treat it. There is no need to worry at all! Primary Care of Kansas is here to help you with whatever you need.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused by a hormonal imbalance. It is one of the leading causes of female infertility, affecting up to 5 million women of reproductive age in the United States.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes cysts on the ovaries, causing them to enlarge and form several tiny cysts on the outer edge of the ovaries or within the ovaries. The cysts hold immature eggs that are not released during ovulation.
This means that women with PCOS may miss their periods or have unsteady, light periods.
PCOS can cause two types of cysts in your ovaries: functional and pathological.
- Functional cysts form during the menstrual cycle and are hardly cancerous or cause symptoms. They typically go away without treatment.
- Pathological cysts have very low chances of cancer and are found very occasionally.
You may opt for treatment and guidance about PCOS from Dr.Saboor Rshid. For that simply contact us!
Causes of PCOS
While the exact cause is unknown, PCOS has been linked to hormonal imbalances in women of reproductive age, such as:
- Excess testosterone
- Excess luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates ovulation
- Insufficient sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) reduces testosterone’s effects
- Excess prolactin, which allows for milk production during or after pregnancy.
Does PCOS Cause Cancer?
Can polycystic ovaries cause ovarian cancer? Yes, to some extent it may lead to cancer due to the syndrome formation in the ovaries.
Hormone levels have a significant impact on cancer risk. Women with PCOS and other factors that raise estrogen levels.
Obesity, diabetes, and taking certain medications increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer compared to those who do not have these conditions.
RELATED: Will a Hysterectomy Cure PCOS?
PCOS and Uterine Cancer
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects people with ovaries.
Endometrial cancer, sometimes called uterine cancer, develops in the lining of the uterus and is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system.
The majority of these cases are adenocarcinomas—the most common form of endometrial cancer. Most sufferers are post-menopausal women with a mean age of 60-65 years. However, 25% of all cases occur in women under the age of 50.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for uterine cancer include:
- Early Menarche (Onset of Period)
- Late Menopause
- Nulliparity (Never Completed a Pregnancy Beyond 20 Weeks)
- Family History of Colon, Uterine, Or Ovarian Cancer
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
Read more about POCS: What Is PCOS and How to Identify Your PCOS Type?
Can PCOS Cause Tumors?
Can polycystic ovary syndrome cause cancer? Certainly, PCOS increases the risk of some types of cancer.
For example, some studies have found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may be more likely to develop endometrial cancer (pronounced en-doh-MEE-tree-uhm).
It is higher than for women who do not have PCOS. Polycystic ovary syndrome, which affects the uterine lining, can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer if not treated.
Endometriosis increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer by causing abnormal uterine cell growth in or on the ovaries.
How To Treat Inflammatory PCOS?
There are a few things that you can adopt to lessen the PCOS. The most vital factor is to have a healthy diet.
A well-balanced diet high in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants is recommended. Rather than eliminating entire food groups, focus on eating foods that will nourish your body. With that said some inflammatory foods you may want to avoid are:
- Refined carbohydrates
- Handled meats
- Alcohol
- Drinks and snacks.
- Foods containing preservatives
- Dairy products
At Primary Care of Kansas, you can get comprehensive women’s health services for POCS, Osteoporosis, Autoimmune diseases, and many more.
Can PCOS Cause Cancer– Find the Facts
Yes, PCOS can cause cancer. PCOS can cause two types of cysts in your ovaries: functional and pathological. Functional cysts develop during the menstrual cycle and are rarely cancerous or cause symptoms.
They typically go away without treatment. Pathological cysts are much rarer and have a slightly higher risk of developing cancer.
- Those who have PCOS or suspect they have PCOS should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
- If not treated, hormone levels will continue to be abnormal, affecting the entire body and increasing the risk of cancer.
- overweight due to PCOS.
- Obesity is an identified risk factor for endometrial cancer, as it raises estrogen levels.
Ovarian Cancer Vs PCOS
| Ovarian Cancer | PCOS |
| Ovarian cancer starts in a woman’s ovaries. It can be asymptomatic initially but may cause symptoms like bloating, weight loss, pelvic cramping, and more. | PCOS results in cysts on the ovaries, causing enlargement and the formation of multiple tiny cysts. Women with PCOS may experience irregular or very light periods. |
| Untreated ovarian cancer can be fatal | PCOS cysts are not fatal, although they can be frustrating to live with |
| Older age, family history of ovarian cancer, obesity, hormone replacement therapy after menopause, nulliparity | Hormone imbalances (e.g., excess testosterone, LH, prolactin), menstrual changes, weight gain |
| Most common type is epithelial ovarian cancer | Irregular periods, weight gain |
Does PCOS Cause Ovarian Cancer?
Does PCOS lead to ovarian cancer? Yes, it is critical to screen all women with PCOS, including those who are considered too young to develop endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. Women with PCOS are also two to three times more likely to develop ovarian cancer.
PCOS has been linked to several cancers, the most common of which is uterine (endometrial) cancer, followed by ovarian and breast cancer.
According to the researchers, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are no more likely to develop ovarian cancer than those without the common hormonal condition.
A Note from Primary Cate of Kansas
Can PCOS cause cancer? Yes, PCOS may lead to cancer according to modern research.
PCOS is a common female disorder associated with significant reproductive and nonreproductive morbidity, as described here.
Women’s health care relies heavily on perception and preventative therapies. Diet, exercise, and oral contraception are all viable PCOS prevention strategies.
Women with PCOS should receive regular screenings for hypertension, abnormal lipid profiles, insulin resistance, and reproductive disorders such as cancer.
FAQs
Can I live a long life with PCOS?
The study, which included nearly 10,000 women with PCOS and matched controls from Finland, found that women with PCOS died one year earlier than their age-matched counterparts, primarily from circulatory system diseases, cancer, and diabetes.
What are the 4 stages of PCOS?
There are four types of PCOS.
- Insulin resistance in PCOS. According to the nutritionist, this happens in 70% of cases.
- Adrenal PCOS. This occurs during a highly stressful period.
- Inflammatory PCOS. This type of PCOS results from chronic inflammation.
- Post-Pill PCOS.
What are the complications of PCOS?
Women with PCOS are more likely to develop serious health issues. These include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart and blood vessel problems, and uterine cancer.
Does PCOS get worse with age?
Women with PCOS have different reproductive hormones after menopause. Hirsutism symptoms, such as excessive hair growth and balding, worsen with age.
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