As many as 25 million women in India suffer from endometriosis, a painful condition affecting the female reproductive system. It is a disease in which tissues similar to those present inside the uterus grow outside it. Since it is similar to the endometrium, which forms the lining of the uterus, it breaks and bleeds during the normal menstrual cycle. The disease is characterized by severe pelvic pain during pain and even infertility in some cases. Not just that, studies have suggested that endometriosis increases the risk of ovarian cancer, which is the seventh biggest cause of death and morbidity among women worldwide. The reason, however, has seemed unclear. Now a new study has found a genetic link between the two conditions.
About The Study
The study was done by researchers at the University of Queensland. They combined datasets of genomes of 15,000 women suffering from endometriosis and 25,000 from ovarian cancer. It was to determine the overlapping risks between the two diseases. Here is what it found:
(Photo Credit: INTIMINA)
- Dr. Sally Mortlock and Professor Grant Montgomery from the University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience inferred that certain genetic markers that predispose certain individuals to endometriosis also increase their risk of certain ovarian cancer subtypes.
- The diseases are genetically linked, they said. However, the risk of ovarian cancer due to endometriosis doesn’t increase considerably.
- Data-wise, they found that one in 72 women are at risk of developing ovarian cancer once in their lifetime. Having endometriosis increases this risk to one in 55. “The overall risk is still very low,” they said.
- Apart from figuring out the risk, the researchers also pondered over the possible medication to treat both conditions. They identified drug targets to treat both ovarian cancer and endometriosis.
More About Endometriosis And Ovarian Cancer
(Photo Credit: University of Rochester)
As you already know, endometriosis is a disease in which tissues similar to those inside the uterus grow outside. If suffering from it, the patient experiences the following symptoms:
- Severe pelvic pain during periods, which can extend beyond menstruation
- Pain during sex
- Pain while urinating or during bowel movements. It is generally experienced during periods.
- Excessive bleeding during periods. You might also bleed in the middle of your menstrual cycle.
- In some cases, endometriosis can even lead to infertility.
- Other symptoms include nausea, bloating, diarrhea, constipation during periods.
If you experience any of these, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
As the name suggests, ovarian cancer is caused by a cancerous growth in the uterus. Endometriosis increases your risk for it. You might experience the following symptoms when suffering from ovarian cancer:
- Bloating or abdominal swelling
- Discomfort in the pelvic region
- Back pain
- Frequent urination
- Quickly feeling full after eating
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Also read: 5 Tips To Reduce The Risk Of Ovarian Cancer
If you experience any of these, consult your doctor as soon as possible. Both endometriosis and ovarian cancer are threatening diseases that can have a major impact on your health. Hence, do not ignore their symptoms and consult your doctor as soon as you experience these. Going for regular health checks can also rule out the risks of any serious health issues.