Being overweight nearly doubles your risk of uterine cancer

Women who are overweight over their lifetimes have an almost doubled risk of developing uterine cancer, new research shows, according to a study published today in the journal BMC Medicine** by Cancer Research UK

The University of Bristol study is the first to find that for every 5-unit increase in BMI, a woman's risk of developing endometrial cancer nearly doubles (88% increase)

The international study looked at genetic samples from about 120,000 women from Australia, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States, of whom about 13,000 had uterine cancer

The researchers looked at 14 signature markers that may be associated with obesity and uterine cancer

Uterine cancer is one of the cancer types most closely associated with obesity

In the UK, being overweight or obese is the second leading preventable cause of cancer

Emma Hazelwood, lead author of the paper, said: "This study is an interesting first step towards uncovering exactly how genetic analysis contributes to obesity-related cancer and what can be done to address it.

Dr Julie Sharp, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: "Cancer UK has been exploring the link between obesity and cancer for many years.

"More research is needed to investigate exactly which treatments and drugs can be used to manage cancer risk in people who are battling obesity

Kath's story

When Kath first started bleeding in 2013, she thought it was due to menopause

In January 2014, Kath visited her GP and was referred to the Royal Bolton Hospital for a biopsy

"When you hear the word cancer, your brain spins out of control and I'm thinking: 'Can I live to see my grandchildren grow up?'" Carter said

"I don't know what's going on, I'm feeling very sick

Luckily, Kath's cancer was caught at a probable early stage, which meant she could have life-saving surgery to remove her ovaries and cervix

But her journey didn't end there

"After treatment is over, I want to make some changes," Kath said

"We don't know what caused my cancer, but I must admit, I was a few pounds overweight
.
So now I exercise, eat better, and be healthier
.
I also want to be a role model for my family
.
"

Kath participates in CRUK's Race for Life every year to raise funds and raise awareness of cancer
.

"Reading the text people carry on their backs about why they run made me realize how important that is," Kath said
.

"My daughter's notes read: 'Run for mom who beat uterine cancer!'"

"The rise in uterine cancer rates is worrying, and while weight isn't the only risk factor, I want to encourage other women to live healthy lives so that fewer women experience what I have
.

"I hope my story will help others change their lives
.
"