Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is a common type of cancer that affects women.

According to the American Cancer Society, around 61,880 new cases of uterine cancer will be diagnosed in 2021, and around 12,160 women will die from the disease.

There are various risk factors associated with uterine cancer, including age, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances.

However, recent studies have also shown that there is a link between uterine cancer risk and abdominal circumference. Let’s explore this link in more detail.

What is Abdominal Circumference?

Abdominal circumference refers to the measurement of the waistline, which is usually taken at the level of the belly button.

This measurement is used as an indicator of the amount of visceral fat, which is the fat stored in and around the abdominal organs. Visceral fat is considered to be more harmful than subcutaneous fat, which is the fat located directly beneath the skin, as it can increase the risk of various health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

The Link between Abdominal Circumference and Uterine Cancer

A study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention found that women with larger abdominal circumferences had a higher risk of developing uterine cancer than those with smaller abdominal circumferences.

The study involved over 5,000 women who were followed for an average of 15 years.

The researchers found that for every 5 cm increase in abdominal circumference, there was a 10% increase in the risk of developing uterine cancer.

This link remained even after accounting for other risk factors, such as age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use.

Another study published in the journal Gynecologic Oncology found similar results. The study involved over 600 women with uterine cancer and over 700 women without the disease.

The researchers found that women with a waist circumference of 35 inches or more had a 60% higher risk of developing uterine cancer than those with a waist circumference of less than 35 inches.

Why Does Abdominal Circumference Increase Uterine Cancer Risk?

The exact mechanism behind the link between abdominal circumference and uterine cancer is not yet fully understood. However, it is believed that visceral fat may play a role.

Visceral fat produces various hormones, such as estrogen, that can promote the growth of uterine cancer cells.

High levels of estrogen have been associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer, as they can cause the uterine lining to thicken, which can lead to the development of cancerous cells.

In addition, visceral fat can also cause inflammation, which can lead to DNA damage and increase the risk of cancer.

Reducing Abdominal Circumference to Lower Uterine Cancer Risk

The good news is that reducing abdominal circumference can help lower the risk of uterine cancer. Here are some tips to help reduce abdominal circumference:.

1. Engage in Regular Exercise

Regular exercise can help burn visceral fat and reduce abdominal circumference. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, most days of the week.

2. Follow a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can also help reduce visceral fat and lower uterine cancer risk. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, and avoid processed and high-sugar foods.

3. Reduce Stress

Chronic stress can cause the body to produce cortisol, which can increase visceral fat production. Try to engage in stress-relieving activities, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing, to help lower cortisol levels.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of visceral fat accumulation. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help reduce abdominal circumference.

Conclusion

Abdominal circumference has been linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer. The link is believed to be due to visceral fat, which can produce hormones that promote the growth of uterine cancer cells and cause inflammation.

However, reducing abdominal circumference through regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress reduction, and adequate sleep can help lower the risk of uterine cancer.