Protective Factors

Pregnancy - Being pregnant and giving birth reduce the risk of endometrial cancer by around 30 per cent for the first birth and by about 25 per cent for each successive birth. Older age at the birth of the last baby has also been shown to reduce risk.

The Pill - The use of a combination contraceptive pill is associated with a decreased risk of developing endometrial cancer, ranging from a 50 percent decrease after 4 years of use to a 72 per cent decrease after 12 or more years.

Diet and Lifestyle - Women who maintain diets that are low in saturated fats, high in fruits and vegetables, and rich in soy products may reduce their risk of developing endometrial cancer. Women who exercise regularly may also reduce their risk of developing uterine cancer.

Breastfeeding - Women who breastfeed may reduce their risk of developing cancer of the womb.

HRT - There is a decreased risk associated with use of continuous combined HRT (which contains an oestrogen and a progestogen together to prevent vaginal bleeding). However, this type of HRT probably increases the risk of breast cancer more than other types of HRT. Other types of HRT also increase the risk of endometrial cancer.