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Hereditary Endometrial Cancer Risk

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Endometrial Cancer > Cancer Risks

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Endometrial Cancer Risk

Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium). 

Who is at risk for endometrial cancer?

The risk for endometrial cancer varies based on multiple factors, including:

  • age
  • presence of an
  • personal and family history of cancer
  • other risk factors:

Is endometrial cancer hereditary?

About 5-15% of people with endometrial cancer have an linked to cancer risk. Genetic counseling and testing can help people learn if they are at high risk for endometrial cancer. Inherited mutations in the genes listed below increase the risk for endometrial cancer and can cause cancer to run in families.

Genes Linked to Endometrial Cancer Risk

*Uterine serous carcinoma is a rare type of endometrial cancer that has been linked to BRCA1 and and BRCA2 mutations. Because this cancer type is rare even in mutation carriers, the overall risk for endometrial cancer with BRCA1 and BRCA2 is not considered high. Researchers continue to study the link between inherited mutations and endometrial cancer.


What else affects endometrial cancer risk?

Diet, weight, exercise, hormone exposure, and medications like tamoxifen can affect endometrial cancer risk in the general population and in people at high risk for cancer. Researchers are studying how much these factors influence risk in people with inherited mutations.

Learn about endometrial cancer risk management and treatment

Learn about Risk Management Options

National expert guidelines for endometrial cancer risk management vary based on gene mutation and other factors that affect risk. Click on the button below to learn more about these guidelines.

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Learn about Treatment Options

People diagnosed with endometrial cancer may have different treatment options based on and genetic and results. Click on the button below to learn more about these treatment options.

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Last updated September 05, 2024