Can PCOS cause cancer? Everything you need to know

In a nutshell:

Women with polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of developing certain cancers, including endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancers, though the risk remains very low. Attending all your medical appointments is essential so doctors can monitor your health and manage your PCOS.

Having polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS) increases your risk of developing endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancers. While this may sound scary, you must remember that your overall risk of developing these cancers is low.

Scientists are still investigating to figure out why PCOS is associated with an increased risk of cancer. PCOS doesn’t cause cancers, but the underlying bodily processes that cause PCOS may also cause cancer. More research is needed to understand the link between these conditions better.

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What is PCOS?

PCOS is a common endocrine condition thought to affect around 13% of women of reproductive age. Symptoms include:

• Missing or irregular periods
• Weight gain
• Hair growth on the face and body
• Hair thinning on the scalp
• Severe acne
• Difficulty getting pregnant

Many women don’t realize they have PCOS until they attend a fertility clinic after struggling to get pregnant.

Can PCOS turn into cancer?

No, PCOS won’t turn into cancer. Though women with PCOS have an increased risk of certain cancers, this isn’t thought to be a result of PCOS. Instead, it is likely the underlying issues causing PCOS, which also causes cancers. This is why it’s vital to seek medical treatment from your doctor if you think you may have PCOS. The sooner you get your symptoms under control, the better you will feel.

PCOS and ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries. Women over 50 are most at risk of ovarian cancer. You can get ovarian cancer even if you’ve had your ovaries removed because it can also affect the fallopian tubes and the lining inside your tummy.

Ovarian cancer symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Unintentional weight loss
• Cramping
• A feeling of pressure in the pelvic area
• Back pain
• Fatigue
• Peeing more than usual
• Pain during sex
• Reduced appetite
• Abnormal discharge or bleeding

Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late, so it’s essential to be aware of them so you can spot them early. The earlier you find cancer, the more treatable it is.  

Does PCOS cause ovarian cancer?

PCOS does not directly cause ovarian cancer, though untreated polycystic ovary syndrome could increase your risk of ovarian cancer. It’s essential to complete any PCOS treatment recommended by your doctor to balance your hormones and manage the condition. Your doctor may prescribe a hormonal contraceptive, for example, to treat the hormonal imbalance associated with PCOS.

Please note that your overall risk of developing ovarian cancer remains very low, but it is important to be aware of the symptoms.

PCOS and endometrial cancer

A 2023 research review published in Cureus found that women with PCOS have a significantly higher risk of developing endometrial cancer than those without PCOS. However, the studies into this are limited, and it may be that lifestyle factors and genetics play a part in increasing the risk.

One of the major symptoms of PCOS is irregular or missed periods. Missed cycles are known as anovulation, where ovulation fails to occur. Chronic anovulation can lead to an irregular thickening in the lining of the uterus (endometrium), this is a precancerous condition known as endometrium hyperplasia, which can, in some cases, lead to endometrial cancer.

PCOS and pancreatic cancer

A 2022 study published in JAMA Oncology found that women with PCOS had almost double the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. This was unrelated to BMI or associated Type 2 diabetes, and researchers assumed unknown metabolic derangements were to blame. More research is necessary to understand the PCOS cancer risk and why it exists.

While PCOS increases the risk, your risk of developing pancreatic cancer is still very low. However, pancreatic cancer is a serious condition, so it’s crucial to be aware of the signs, which include:

• Jaundice
• Darker pee or paler poo than usual
• Loss of appetite
• Losing weight without trying
• Fatigue
• Fever or chills

Pancreatic cancer can affect your digestive system, leading to other symptoms, including:

• Feeling or being sick
• Bloating
• Pain at the top part of your tummy or your back, which may feel better when you lean forward
• Constipation, diarrhea, or other changes in your poo

PCOS and breast cancer

The science is mixed on whether women with PCOS have an increased risk of breast cancer. Previous studies gave contradictory results, but a 2023 study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found that women with PCOS had a higher risk of developing breast cancer post-menopause. More research is needed to find the connection between these conditions.

Does PCOS cause cancer?

While women with PCOS have an increased risk of certain cancers, it’s not as simple as saying that PCOS causes cancer. Scientists have identified that women with PCOS may be more at risk of some cancers, but they haven’t yet figured out why. We need more research studies to figure out why women with PCOS are more likely to get cancer.

PCOS is a metabolic disorder, and it may be underlying metabolic dysfunction, putting women at risk of cancer. PCOS is also associated with chronic inflammation, which is a known risk for cancer. More work is needed to pinpoint the exact reason behind the increased cancer risk.

While it may not be nice to hear you have an increased risk of cancer, you should bear in mind that the overall risk remains very low. Your doctor will monitor you for signs of cancer to ensure early detection, so you must attend all of your screenings and appointments. It also helps to educate yourself about the symptoms of the cancers above so that you can seek early help if you notice any signs.

Managing PCOS

Managing your PCOS could reduce stress on your body and help you to enjoy a healthy life. Your doctor may prescribe a range of treatment options to manage your PCOS, including:

Birth control

If you’re not trying to conceive, you can use birth control to regulate your hormones. Hormonal imbalance can take its toll on the body, so birth control is an effective treatment option for women with PCOS. A 2017 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that the contraceptive pill can reduce your risk of both ovarian and endometrial cancer.

Weight loss

Weight gain is a common symptom of PCOS, so your doctor will support you in losing weight. Many women with PCOS struggle to lose excess weight, but it can be done. Obesity increases your risk of endometrial, ovarian,  uterine, and breast cancer, so it’s vital to keep your weight in the healthy range. If you’re struggling to lose weight, consult your doctor for advice.

Medication

Your doctor might prescribe medicine to manage your PCOS. Metformin is a commonly used medicine for women with PCOS. It’s also used to treat various cancers, including ovarian and endometrial cancer. Speak to your doctor about which medication is right for you.

Summary

PCOS doesn’t cause cancer, but there is a link between PCOS and several cancers, including ovarian, endometrial, uterine, and breast cancers. It can be scary to hear you have an increased risk of cancer, but don’t panic; your overall risk for these cancers remains low.

Managing PCOS can help to keep your body healthy. Though scientists don’t yet know why women with PCOS are more likely to get cancer, there are a number of popular theories. Some believe the hormonal imbalance of PCOS could be to blame, so it’s vital to seek treatment to manage your hormones. Others think it could be down to chronic inflammation and that eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help to manage symptoms.

The good news is that your doctor will monitor you for signs of disease. Educate yourself about the early symptoms of these cancers so you can look out for any changes. If you notice anything, visit your doctor as soon as possible.