Can Endometriosis Become Cancer?

Endometriosis affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain, fatigue, and sometimes frustration due to its mysterious nature. If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis—or know someone who has—you might have wondered about its long-term effects. One question that often pops up is, “Can endometriosis become cancer?” It’s a scary thought, and you’re not alone in asking it. Let’s dive into this topic with a clear, friendly approach, breaking down what we know, what science says, and what you can do about it. We’ll explore everything from risks and myths to practical steps, all while keeping it real and easy to understand.

What Is Endometriosis, Anyway?

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of your uterus (called the endometrium) grows outside of it—like on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even your bowel. During your menstrual cycle, this tissue acts like it’s still inside the uterus: it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. But since it has nowhere to go, it can cause inflammation, pain, and scar tissue.

Think of it like a garden growing where it shouldn’t. If you plant flowers in your yard, that’s great—but if they start sprouting in your driveway, it’s a problem. Endometriosis is that misplaced growth, and it can make everyday life tough for about 1 in 10 women and people assigned female at birth.

Quick Facts About Endometriosis

• • How Common Is It? Around 176 million people worldwide deal with it.

• • Symptoms: Painful periods, pelvic pain, fatigue, and sometimes trouble getting pregnant.

• • Diagnosis Delay: It often takes 7–12 years to get diagnosed because symptoms can mimic other conditions.

But here’s the big question: Does this condition stay a painful nuisance, or could it turn into something more serious, like cancer?

The Link Between Endometriosis and Cancer: Is There One?

Let’s get straight to it—endometriosis itself doesn’t “become” cancer. It’s not like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. However, research shows that people with endometriosis have a slightly higher risk of certain cancers, especially ovarian cancer. That doesn’t mean everyone with endo will get cancer—it’s still rare—but it’s worth understanding why this connection exists.

What Science Says

Studies suggest that endometriosis might increase your chances of developing specific types of cancer, particularly ovarian cancer. A 2021 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women with endometriosis are about 1.5 to 2 times more likely to develop ovarian cancer compared to those without it. That sounds alarming, but let’s put it in perspective: the lifetime risk of ovarian cancer for the average woman is about 1 in 78. For someone with endometriosis, it might bump up slightly, but it’s still a small number.

Other cancers linked to endometriosis include:

• • Endometrioid ovarian cancer (a subtype of ovarian cancer).

• • Clear cell ovarian cancer (another rare subtype).

• • Endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus lining, though this link is less clear).

Why the Risk?

Doctors aren’t 100% sure why this happens, but they have some ideas:

1. 1. Chronic Inflammation: Endometriosis causes ongoing inflammation, which might damage cells over time and increase cancer risk.

1. 1. Hormone Havoc: Estrogen fuels endometriosis growth, and too much estrogen without balance might encourage abnormal cell changes.

1. 1. Genetic Factors: Some people might have genes that make them prone to both endometriosis and cancer.

Orion Nightingale, a gynecologic oncologist, explains, “The inflammation from endometriosis creates a stressful environment for cells. Over years, this stress might nudge a tiny fraction of them toward becoming cancerous, but it’s not a direct transformation.”

Busting Myths: What Endometriosis Isn’t

There’s a lot of confusion out there, so let’s clear up some myths that might be rattling around in your head.

❌ Myth #1: Endometriosis Is Cancer

Nope! Endometriosis is a chronic condition, not a malignancy. It’s about misplaced tissue, not uncontrolled cell growth like cancer.

❌ Myth #2: If You Have Endo, Cancer Is Inevitable

Not true. The risk is higher, but it’s still low. Most people with endometriosis never develop cancer.

❌ Myth #3: Surgery for Endo Causes Cancer

Surgery, like a hysterectomy, treats symptoms and doesn’t cause cancer. In fact, removing affected tissue might lower certain risks.

Understanding these myths can ease your mind and help you focus on facts instead of fears.

Types of Cancer Tied to Endometriosis

Not all cancers are equally linked to endometriosis. Let’s zoom in on the ones that matter most and what makes them different.

Ovarian Cancer: The Main Concern

Ovarian cancer is the biggest focus when we talk about endometriosis and cancer. Two specific types pop up more often:

• • Endometrioid Ovarian Cancer: Makes up about 10–20% of ovarian cancers in endo patients. It grows slowly and mimics endometrial tissue.

• • Clear Cell Ovarian Cancer: Rarer (5–10% of cases), but trickier to treat because it’s less responsive to chemo.

A 2023 study from the British Journal of Cancer found that endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers often start in “endometriomas”—cysts filled with old blood (sometimes called “chocolate cysts”). These cysts don’t always turn cancerous, but they’re a spot to watch.

Endometrial Cancer: A Weaker Link

Endometrial cancer affects the uterus lining. While endometriosis involves similar tissue, the connection isn’t as strong. Some studies suggest a slight risk increase, especially if you’ve had years of untreated endometriosis, but it’s not a major worry for most.

Other Cancers: Rare or Unrelated?

There’s no solid evidence tying endometriosis to breast, cervical, or colon cancer. If you’ve heard rumors about those, they’re likely just that—rumors.

Table: Cancer Risks at a Glance

Cancer Type	Risk Increase with Endo	Notes
Ovarian (Endometrioid)	1.5–2x higher	Slow-growing, tied to endometriomas
Ovarian (Clear Cell)	2–3x higher	Rare, harder to treat
Endometrial	Slightly higher	Less clear link, needs more research
Breast/Cervical	No proven link	Not associated with endo

Who’s at Higher Risk?

Not everyone with endometriosis faces the same odds. Certain factors might bump up your risk of cancer a bit more.

Risk Factors to Watch

• • Age: Cancer risk rises as you get older, especially after 40.

• • Endometriomas: Having these ovarian cysts increases the odds slightly.

• • Family History: If ovarian or endometrial cancer runs in your family, your risk might be higher.

• • Severe Endo: Deep infiltrating endometriosis (Stage IV) might carry a bigger risk than milder cases.

✔️ What You Can Do

• • Talk to Your Doctor: Share your family history and symptoms.

• • Monitor Cysts: Regular ultrasounds can track endometriomas.

• • Stay Proactive: Don’t ignore new or worsening pain.

Ophelia, a women’s health researcher, says, “It’s not about living in fear—it’s about knowing your body. If you’ve got endometriosis and a strong family history of cancer, that’s a signal to stay extra vigilant.”

How Endometriosis Can Mimic Cancer

Here’s where it gets tricky: endometriosis symptoms can look a lot like cancer symptoms. This overlap can freak you out, but it’s usually just endo doing its thing.

Similar Symptoms

• • Pelvic Pain: Both can cause chronic discomfort.

• • Bleeding: Irregular or heavy bleeding might happen in either case.

• • Bloating: Endo’s “endo belly” can feel like abdominal swelling from cancer.

How Doctors Tell the Difference

• • Imaging: Ultrasounds or MRIs can spot endometriomas vs. tumors.

• • CA-125 Test: This blood test checks for a cancer marker, but it’s not perfect—endo can raise it too.

• • Biopsy: The gold standard. If something looks suspicious, a tissue sample settles it.

Real-Life Example

Imagine Sarah, 32, who’s had endometriosis for years. She notices sharper pelvic pain and bloating that won’t quit. She panics, thinking it’s cancer. Her doctor runs tests—an ultrasound shows an endometrioma, and her CA-125 is up, but a biopsy confirms it’s just endo. Phew! This happens more often than you’d think.

Can Treatment Lower the Risk?

Good news: managing endometriosis might also reduce any cancer risk. Let’s break down how treatments can help—or what to watch out for.

Hormonal Treatments

Stuff like birth control pills or hormone therapy (like GnRH agonists) can slow endo growth by calming hormone swings. Less growth might mean less inflammation and a lower chance of cell changes over time.

• • Pro: Reduces symptoms and possibly risk.

• • Con: Doesn’t “cure” endo or guarantee zero risk.

Surgery

Laparoscopy removes endo tissue, while a hysterectomy takes out the uterus (and sometimes ovaries). A 2022 study in Gynecologic Oncology suggests that removing endometriomas might lower ovarian cancer risk in high-risk cases.

• • Pro: Cuts down inflammation and removes problem spots.

• • Con: Big surgery isn’t for everyone, and it ends fertility.

Lifestyle Tweaks

No magic pill prevents cancer, but some habits might help:

• • Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Think berries, nuts, and fish.

• • Exercise: Keeps hormones in check and boosts overall health.

• • Avoid Toxins: Limit exposure to chemicals like BPA (found in some plastics).

Steps to Lower Risk

1. 1. Get Regular Checkups: Catch changes early.

1. 1. Ask About Surgery: If endo’s severe, discuss options.

1. 1. Balance Hormones: Talk to your doctor about meds or diet.

Latest Research: What’s New in 2025?

Science keeps moving, and 2025 has brought fresh insights into endometriosis and cancer. Here’s what’s hot off the press.

Genetic Clues

A study from Nature Genetics (January 2025) identified specific gene mutations that might link endometriosis to ovarian cancer. These genes control cell repair, and when they glitch, the risk ticks up. This could lead to new screening tests down the road.

Endometriomas Under the Microscope

Researchers at the University of California found that endometriomas have “pre-cancerous” changes in about 1% of cases. That’s tiny, but it’s a clue about where to focus prevention efforts.

Targeted Therapies

Clinical trials are testing drugs that block inflammation pathways in endometriosis. Early results (March 2025, Lancet Oncology) suggest they might also lower cancer risk—stay tuned!

Caspian Sterling, an endometriosis specialist, notes, “We’re on the cusp of personalized medicine for endo. In a few years, we might predict your cancer risk with a simple blood test.”

Practical Tips: What You Can Do Right Now

Worried about cancer? You don’t have to sit and stress. Here’s how to take charge of your health today.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1. Track Symptoms: Write down pain, bleeding, or anything new. Apps like Clue or Flo make it easy.

1. 1. See Your Gyno Yearly: Routine exams spot trouble early.

1. 1. Ask About Tests: If you’ve got endometriomas or a family history, request an ultrasound or CA-125.

1. 1. Build a Team: Find a doctor who gets endometriosis—bonus if they know cancer risks too.

1. 1. Stay Informed: Read up on endo (like this article!) to ask smart questions.

✔️ Do This

• • Eat a rainbow of fruits and veggies.

• • Move your body 30 minutes most days.

• • Sleep well—stress messes with hormones.

❌ Don’t Do This

• • Ignore sudden changes in symptoms.

• • Skip checkups because “it’s probably fine.”

• • Rely on Dr. Google alone—talk to a real doc.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• • “Do my endometriomas need watching?”

• • “Should I get genetic testing?”

• • “What’s my personal cancer risk?”

Living with Endometriosis Without Fear

Here’s the bottom line: endometriosis can be a pain (literally), but it’s not a death sentence. The cancer risk is real but small, and you’ve got tools to manage it. Picture it like driving a car—there’s always a chance of a crash, but seatbelts, good brakes, and paying attention keep you safe. With endometriosis, regular care and smart choices are your safety gear.

A Day in the Life

Meet Jamie, 28. She’s had endometriosis since her teens. She gets yearly ultrasounds, takes birth control to ease symptoms, and eats a veggie-packed diet. She knows about the cancer link but doesn’t let it rule her life. “I focus on feeling good today,” she says. “The rest? I’ll handle it if it comes.”

You can do that too—live well now while keeping an eye on tomorrow.

Let’s Talk: Your Thoughts Matter

What’s on your mind after reading this? Have you dealt with endometriosis or worried about cancer? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your story or questions. Want more tips? Tell me what you’re curious about, and I’ll dig into it for you. Let’s keep this conversation going—because you’re not alone in this!