Metabolic Syndrome Can Increase the Risk of Gynaecological Cancers in Women

Metabolic Syndrome (MeS) refers to a group of conditions affecting a person’s overall metabolism. These conditions include obesity, elevated blood pressure levels, hypertension, low HDL cholesterol levels, etc.

According to this study led by researchers at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), women diagnosed with MeS were at an increased risk of different types of gynaecological cancers, such as ovarian, cervical, vaginal, vulvar and endometrial cancers.

The Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR) published the results and other details of this study during the first week of October, warning women with metabolic issues to seek treatment for their condition as soon as possible. Researchers involved in this study found that women with MeS were three times more likely to develop ovarian cancer and two times more likely to develop uterine and endometrial cancers than healthy women. The chances of MeS triggering vaginal and vulvar cancers were not as high as the other types of gynaecological cancers.

This study is highly relevant for women's health in India, as mortality rates due to cervical cancer in women have been going up steadily in the country.

Source: Economic Times