Reproductive and menstrual factors and the risk of endometrial cancer

Aim of study: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the association of menstrual and reproductive factors with the risk of endometrial cancer. Material and methods: The data were obtained in a hospital-based case control study of 129 women with histologically confirmed endometrial cancer (cases) and 139 women who were admitted for gynaecological, non-neoplastic conditions (controls). Results: The use of oral contraceptives in the past and hormone replacement therapy was significantly more frequent in women without cancer, which suggests the protective role of these factors. We observed no significant differences between the groups in age at first birth, years of menstruation, length and regularity of menstrual cycle, number of miscarriages, or age at menopause. The mean menarchal age was significantly higher in women with cancer than in controls (13.7 vs. 13.3 years; p<0.05). Conclusions: Factors not associated with reproduction and menstruation, including arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity, occurred significantly more often in women with cancer.