The Link Between Uterine Fibroids & Ovarian Cancer

Uterine fibroids are tumors that grow inside the uterus. They affect up to 80 percent of women of reproductive age.

Most of the time fibroids are not harmful – the chances of them being cancerous are rare. However, symptoms should be taken seriously to rule out other conditions.

Symptoms of uterine fibroids are similar to those of ovarian cancer. Learn the difference between the two and the importance of getting screened.

How Do Uterine Fibroids Relate to Ovarian Cancer?

The uterus is a reproductive organ also known as the womb. On either side of the uterus are the ovaries. Problems with either organ can cause abnormal gynecological symptoms. It’s hard to make sense of unusual symptoms on your own, so see a doctor to get checked out.

The main symptoms of fibroids are pain and abnormal bleeding. They usually grow as a small single tumor, but there can be several in the uterus at once.

Uterine fibroids are almost always benign – less than one in 1000 is cancerous. Fibroids do not cause uterine cancer. However, recent research suggests women with uterine fibroids are at an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The link may be high amounts of estrogen exposure.

Increased estrogen exposure raises the risk of fibroids. The hormone encourages fibroid growth. When women go through menopause, estrogen levels drop. At this time, fibroids typically shrink or stop forming. High estrogen is also linked to ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of reproductive cancers. It is often not caught until later stages because it is hard to catch. In the advanced stage, the cancer is more likely to spread to other organs. Early detection is key.

How Are the Symptoms Different?

Uterine fibroids are most common among women in their 40s or 50s. Nearly 80 percent of ovarian cancers are diagnosed in women over 50. Fibroids and ovarian cancer share some of the same symptoms.

Women with fibroids often have the following symptoms:

Abdominal discomfort or fullness
Pelvic pain
Lower back pain
Difficulty peeing or a frequent need to pee
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
Heavy or prolonged periods
Bleeding outside of menstrual periods

The most common ovarian cancer symptoms are:

Bloating
Belly pain
Quickly feeling full when eating
A frequent or urgent need to pee

Some women with ovarian cancer get swollen abdomens with weight loss. Track any changes to your appetite, energy levels, mood, or menstrual period. These clues help your doctor know which condition could be causing symptoms.

What are the Risk Factors?

A recent study showed women with fibroids had a higher risk of ovarian cancer. A hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, decreased the risk.

If you have a family history of fibroids, you may be at increased risk. Other risk factors are:

Obesity
High blood pressure
A diet high in red meat or ham

The risk factors for ovarian cancer are:

Being over 40
Overweight or obesity
Hormone replacement therapy
Family history of cancer
Having children after 35 or never carrying a baby to term

Risks for Other Cancers if You Have Fibroids

If you have fibroids, talk to your doctor about getting screened for other types of cancer. A history of uterine fibroids may increase the risk of breast cancer .

Testing For Fibroids & Ovarian Cancer

Your doctor can usually feel a fibroid during a pelvic exam. There may need to be additional testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs are used to see fibroids. Doctors may also do surgery to get a closer look. The common procedures are called hysteroscopy or laparoscopy.

How to Prevent Uterine Fibroids and Ovarian Cancer

See a doctor if you have any of the symptoms of fibroids or ovarian cancer. Fibroids are usually noncancerous, but they shouldn’t be ignored. Monitor your symptoms and know your risks of serious illnesses like ovarian cancer.

Early detection of ovarian cancer saves lives. Talk to your doctor about getting screened today.

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