It doubles the risk.
A recent study has highlighted an increased breast cancer risk for women who experience early menopause. Specifically, women who enter menopause before the age of 46 are nearly twice as likely to develop breast cancer compared to their peers.
The research focused on women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), a condition marked by the early loss of ovarian function and eggs, leading to premature menopause. Dr. Corrine Welt, an endocrinologist at the University of Utah School of Medicine, noted that POI is linked to several health issues, including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests these women should also be monitored for cancer risk throughout their lives.
POI often has a genetic component, with up to 43% of cases being hereditary. Previous research has also hinted that the genetics associated with POI may play a role in cancer development. To investigate this, researchers analyzed medical records from two health systems covering 85% of Utah’s population, cross-referencing POI cases with the Utah Cancer Registry.
From 1995 to 2021, the study identified 613 women with POI and 165 with early menopause. Among these, early menopause was linked to a nearly doubled incidence of breast cancer compared to the general population. Additionally, relatives of these women showed increased cancer risks: second-degree relatives (like aunts and uncles) had a 30% higher risk of breast cancer and a 50% increased risk of colon cancer. Broader relatives (including first-, second-, and third-degree) had a 30% to 60% increased risk of prostate cancer.
Further investigation into the DNA of six women with POI revealed unusual variations in genes responsible for cell health. These genetic defects could impair ovarian function and elevate cancer risk. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend enhanced cancer screening for women with POI or early menopause and suggest that their relatives might benefit from both cancer and infertility testing.
Discussion about this post