Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risks Rises with Early Menopause, Study

By Adebowale Bello, Freelance Health Writer  Medical review and editorial support provided by the DLHA Team.

A black woman wearing a pink tank top with attached breast cancer icon

New research study has shown that early menopause increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers two and four times respectively compared to women who experience menopause when due. The risk for these cancers also extend to second degree relatives of women who had early menopause.

As a woman matures, she goes through various stages in life and they come with unique experiences. One of such stages is menopause which signifies the end of a woman's reproductive years.

This natural process occurs gradually and most women may experience menopause when they are between 45 - 55 years old. However, some women may experience primary ovarian insufficiency - menopause before age 40.

In the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, Corrine Welt, M.D., Chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes at the University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City, Utah highlighted her team's new research study which showed that early menopause increases the risk of breast and ovarian 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.”

The study tracked 778 women experiencing early menopause across 26 years and aimed to find out if there was a link between this condition and reproductive or hormone-related cancers.

Compared to women who experience menopause when due, it was discovered that women who experienced early menopause were two times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer and that risk increased to four times for ovarian cancer.

The research team further traced the genealogical records of the women, examining their medical history and they noticed that the relatives of these women also had a higher risk for ovarian and breast cancers.

Second-degree relatives, such as aunts, nieces and grandmothers of women who experienced early menopause have a 50% higher risk of ovarian cancer and a 30% risk of breast cancer.

The increased risks are not limited to the female side of the family, male relatives - uncles, grandfathers and first cousins also have a 60% chance of prostate cancer.

Regarding screening frequency, Welt said, “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.”

This study raises awareness among doctors and gynaecologists about the role that early menopause may play in certain cancers such as breast cancer.

Source: Endocrine Society Newsroom

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Published: June 12, 2024

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