Women with endometriosis are four times more likely to develop a fatal cancer.

A recent study has revealed that women with endometriosis have a significantly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those without the condition. This news may be alarming for the one in nine Australian women who suffer from this chronic illness, as they already face a range of debilitating symptoms such as pain, nausea, and fertility issues.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing inflammation and scarring. To better understand the link between endometriosis and ovarian cancer, medical researchers from the University of Utah studied the medical records of almost half a million women over a period of 20 years.

Their findings showed that women with a diagnosis of endometriosis are 4.2 times more likely to develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime. For those with more severe sub-types of endometriosis, such as ovarian endometriomas and deep infiltrating endometriosis, the risk is even higher at 9.7 times.

Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecological cancer, often because it is not diagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage. Less than half of women with ovarian cancer live beyond five years from the time of diagnosis. However, the survival rate increases significantly if the cancer is caught early, while it is still confined to the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

The hope is that these findings will lead to more targeted cancer screening and prevention programs for women with endometriosis, particularly those with the most at-risk subtypes. Associate Professor Karen Schliep, who led the study, emphasized the importance of this research in identifying a high-risk population for ovarian cancer. While the excess risk may seem relatively small, with only 10-20 additional cases for every 10,000 women, it is still significant and warrants further attention.

The study, published in the JAMA Network, highlights the need for more awareness and support for women with endometriosis. With early detection and targeted prevention, the survival rate for ovarian cancer can improve significantly, giving hope to those who suffer from this chronic illness.

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