Study Links Early Menopause to Elevated Breast and Possible Ovarian Cancer Risk

Some women who experience menopause early-before age 40-have an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, according to research being presented Monday at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting.

Breast and ovarian cancers are two of the most significant health concerns affecting women globally. Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue, primarily in the ducts or lobules, and is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with risk factors including genetics, lifestyle choices, and hormonal influences. Ovarian cancer, although less common, is particularly deadly due to its late diagnosis. It begins in the ovaries, which are responsible for producing eggs and hormones and can spread quickly to other parts of the body.

Recent studies have highlighted that early menopause may increase the risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancers, underscoring the need for awareness and early detection strategies.

Researchers started with the hypothesis that women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and their family members might be predisposed to reproductive or hormone-related cancers. POI occurs when a woman's ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40.

The study involved 613 women with POI and 165 women who experienced early menopause. Researchers reviewed medical records from 1995 to 2021 and used the Population Database to trace genealogy and cancer diagnoses among these women and their relatives. They focused on diagnoses of breast, ovarian, endometrial, and colon cancer.

The results revealed that women with early menopause had a twofold increased risk for breast cancer and an almost fourfold increased (borderline) risk for ovarian cancer. Additionally, the risk of breast cancer was 1.3 times higher and colon cancer 1.5 times higher in second-degree relatives.

“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. Doctors who practice general medicine, gynaecology and fertility treatment should be aware that early menopause increases risk for a number of diseases, and they should now be aware that breast cancer may be one of these diseases to watch for,” said Corrine Welt, chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes at the University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City.

Reference: Corrine Welt, M.D. et al.; Early menopause linked to greater risk for breast, and possibly ovarian cancer; THE ENDOCRINE SOCIETY; MEETING: ENDO 2024