New Delhi: Experts stated on Monday that obesity, diabetes, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are major factors contributing to the increase in gynaecological cancers like endometrial, ovarian, and uterine cancers in India. This rise, particularly alarming among younger women, highlights the need for greater awareness and early screening.

There has been a notable increase in endometrial cancer cases—traditionally seen in post-menopausal women—now affecting women as young as their early 30s.

“As obesity rates climb and more women delay childbearing or remain childless, they face prolonged exposure to oestrogen, a known risk factor for endometrial cancer. Conversely, progesterone, produced during pregnancy, provides a protective effect against this cancer,” Dr Vandana Jain, Sr. Consultant and Chief of Gynae Oncology Services, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC), told IANS.

“Women with conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), who often do not ovulate regularly, also find themselves at heightened risk,” Jain added.

Statistics show that 1 in 100 women are diagnosed with either uterine or ovarian cancer. However, there has been a noticeable increase in the incidence of these cancers in recent times.

“Obesity, diabetes, and PCOS have all been scientifically proven to be the reasons for the rise in the incidence of cancer of the uterus and ovary, albeit indirectly,” Dr. Sai Lakshmi Daayana, Senior Consultant - Surgical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, Hyderabad, told IANS.

Ovarian cancer ranks as the third most common cancer among women in India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the age-adjusted incidence rate of ovarian cancer is approximately 6.8 per 100,000 women. Daayana noted that in most ovarian cancer cases, no specific cause can be identified, with the majority of affected patients being over the age of 50.

“However, it has been established that women who seek fertility treatment are at an increased risk of developing cancers of the ovary many years down the line. Previously, infertility was seen in about 1:10 couples. This number has now risen to 1:3 capsules. PCOS also contributes to a majority of female infertility,” the expert said.

The doctor further explained that uterine cancer is becoming more common in two specific groups. In women aged 50 and above, who have reached menopause, this increase is largely attributed to the rising rates of diabetes and obesity, according to Daayana.
The other group experiencing a significant rise in uterine cancer cases is women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

“Unfortunately this group is much younger, a majority are in their late 20s or 30s, and most of them have yet to conceive. These women face menstrual issues such as scanty and infrequent periods, diabetes-like metabolic profile, and weight gain -- all three being causative factors for cancer of the uterus,” Daayana told IANS.

Emphasizing the significance of a healthy lifestyle, the experts advocated for long-term lifestyle modifications combined with appropriate medication.
cancergynaecological cancerwomen healthdr vandana jainrajiv gandhi cancer institute and research centredr sai lakshmi daayanaapollo cancer centreendometrial canceruterine cancerovarian cancer

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