Abstract
Chronic inflammation has been implicated in a variety of cancers. In this review,
we consider associations between endometriosis and cancers both local (ovarian) and
distant (breast). We review the epidemiological data linking endometriosis to ovarian
and breast cancers. We then consider evidence for a role for sex steroid hormones
and for inflammation in the aetiology of each of these cancers. Finally, we consider
that endometriosis may promote alterations in sex steroid hormones and inflammatory
mediators. A possible explanation for the association between endometriosis and these
reproductive cancers may then be local and systemic enhancement of aberrant inflammatory
and hormonal mediators. If this hypothesis is true, endometriosis may need to be considered
as a risk factor for ovarian and breast cancers, triggering increasingly intensive
surveillance. Moreover, treatments for endometriosis may require consideration of
the impact on long-term cancer risk.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
January 12,
2006
Received:
January 11,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
