Uterine Cancer Risk Factors
There is no way to know for sure if you will get uterine cancer. Some women get it without being at high risk. However, several factors may increase the chance that you will get uterine cancer, including if you—
- Are older than 50.
- Are obese (have a high amount of extra body fat).
- Take estrogen by itself (without also taking the other female hormone, progesterone) for birth control or to replace hormones during menopause.
- Have had trouble getting pregnant, or have had fewer than fi ve periods in a year before starting menopause.
- Take Tamoxifen, a drug used to treat certain types of breast cancer.
- Have people in your family who have had uterine, colon, or ovarian cancer.
If one or more of these things is true for you, it does not mean you will get uterine cancer. But you should speak with your doctor to see if he or she recommends more frequent exams.
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
4770 Buford Hwy NE
MS K-64
Atlanta, GA 30341 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
24 Hours/Every Day - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
