Uterine Cancer Prevention

The uterus is part of the female reproductive system responsible for carrying the growing fetus, and uterine cancer is the most common type of invasive cancer affecting the system. The most common type of uterine cancer is endometrial, cancer of the uterine lining, while leiomyosarcoma is more rare and affects the smooth uterine muscle. It is a cancer that typically affects women after menopause, and though some measures can be taken to decrease a woman's risk for developing this disease, certain risk factors, such as genetics, cannot be controlled.

Use Combined Therapy

• Many women use estrogen replacement therapy to aid in the reduction of menopausal symptoms; however, this type of therapy tends to increase the risk of developing uterine cancer. To prevent or decrease this risk, adding progestin to the treatment, making it a combined hormone therapy, may lessen the risk of developing uterine cancer.

Use Oral Contraceptives

• The use of oral contraceptives has been linked with a decrease in the development of uterine cancer among women who may otherwise have been at risk. According to the National Cancer Institute, the risk can be lowered by as much as 50 percent after four years of use, and 72 percent after 12 years of use. It is believed that the benefits of use continue years after the use of contraceptives has ended.

Change in Diet

• Women who are obese have an increased risk of developing uterine cancer. The National Cancer Institute recommends that women eat a diet low in saturated fats, rich in soy products and high in fruits and vegetables. This may reduce women's risk because it can help them lose fat and shed pounds. Exercising may also help reduce the risk of developing uterine cancer. It should be noted that while obesity is a known risk factor, it is not definitely known if losing weight will prevent the disease.