Early Menopause and Increased Cancer Risk

A new study by the University of Utah Health has uncovered significant findings regarding the relationship between early menopause and cancer risk. Women who experience menopause before the age of 40 are at a heightened risk for several types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer.

Key Findings of the Study

The research, conducted over a period from 1995 to 2021, involved 613 women with primary ovarian insufficiency and 165 women who began menopause early. The data were sourced from two major healthcare systems in Utah, which cover 85% of the state's population, and included genealogy information from the Utah Population Database and cancer data from the Utah Cancer Registry.

Increased Cancer Risks:

• Breast Cancer: Women who start menopause early are twice as likely to develop breast cancer.

• Ovarian Cancer: The risk of ovarian cancer is four times higher for women who begin menopause before the age of 40.

• Other Cancers: Early menopause can also indicate an increased risk of colon cancer and has implications for prostate cancer risk in relatives.

Implications for Women and Healthcare Providers

Corrine Welt, one of the study's authors, emphasized the importance of regular screenings for women who experience early menopause, particularly if they have a family history of cancer. "Women who have infertility from low egg numbers or experience early menopause should make sure they are regularly screened for breast cancer, especially if they have family members with cancer," Welt advises.

Healthcare providers in general medicine, gynecology, and fertility treatment should be vigilant about the increased cancer risks associated with early menopause. This awareness is crucial for early detection and prevention strategies.

Current Landscape of Menopause and Cancer

In the UK, approximately 13 million women are currently going through menopause, with many experiencing severe symptoms such as heart palpitations, hot flushes, headaches, vaginal pain, anxiety, and depression. Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women in the UK, with one in seven women developing the disease at some point in their lives. Annually, breast cancer claims around 11,500 women's lives in the UK.

Recommendations for Women

Given the findings of this study, organizations like Breast Cancer Now urge women to perform self-examinations of their breasts for cancer every six weeks. Early diagnosis is critical for improving survival rates and reducing mortality from breast cancer.

Conclusion

The University of Utah Health's study highlights the critical need for heightened awareness and proactive screening for women who experience early menopause. These women are at a significantly increased risk for several types of cancer, particularly breast and ovarian cancer. Both women and healthcare providers must be vigilant in monitoring and managing these risks to ensure early detection and effective treatment.