Endometriosis as a risk factor for ovarian cancer: an update on screening, risk reduction, treatment and prognosis

Rosie Campbell, Kirsty Milford, Benjamin Peyton‐Jones, Michael Hannemann
In: The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist · 2024 · vol. 26(4) , pp. 189–196 · doi:10.1111/tog.12948 · W4402609777
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-07 ⓘ

Endometriosis, affecting up to 10% of women, is linked to epithelial ovarian cancer through inflammation and genetic mutations, nearly doubling ovarian cancer risk, but risk reduction strategies and novel therapies show promise.

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Abstract

Key content: Endometriosis affects up to 10% of women. While many regard endometriosis as a benign (non‐cancerous) disease, there are well‐established links to epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Proposed mechanisms for malignant transformation include chronic inflammation, hyperestrogenism and oxidative stress. Mutations in the tumour suppressor gene ARID1A have also been implicated in the development of endometriosis‐associated ovarian cancer (EAOC). Endometriosis is reported to almost double a woman's background risk of ovarian cancer. Risk reduction strategies are effective in reducing the incidence of EAOC. These include tubal ligation, excision of endometriosis and combined hormonal contraception. Novel therapies targeting tumour suppressor gene mutations present in EAOC are undergoing phase I & II clinical trials. Learning objectives: To increase knowledge of the association between endometriosis and EOC. To understand the updated evidence for screening, risk and risk reduction strategies. To be informed of potential novel therapies currently in the clinical trial stage of development. Ethical issues: Increased public awareness and improved clinician knowledge may lead to more and earlier‐stage disease detection. Women are more informed, necessitating clinicians to deliver evidence‐based counselling to meet their informational needs.

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endometriosis

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