Endometrial cancer: diet and lifestyle associated with lower incidence, with limited evidence

An overview of 21 reviews

The researchers brought together 21 systematic reviews examining diet quality and lifestyle. Nine focused on diet and twelve on lifestyle-related exposures or interventions. Some included meta-analyses, which statistically pool the results of several studies.

The scope extended beyond cancer occurrence: the authors also examined mortality, survival, recurrence, quality of life and cardiometabolic events. The available dossier contains only the PubMed abstract, not the full text.

Favorable associations, not proven protection

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with 29% lower odds of endometrial cancer, with an odds ratio of 0.71 and a 95% confidence interval of 0.51 to 0.98. Odds are a statistical measure distinct from risk: this finding does not mean that each person reduces their probability of cancer by 29%.

By contrast, Western dietary patterns were associated with 20% higher odds. The authors classify both associations as level IV in their grading framework, among the suggestive evidence.

Indices combining a healthy diet and lifestyle were also associated with lower incidence, with a hazard ratio of 0.54. This association was classified as level III, but results varied substantially between studies. The abstract provides no absolute risk figures that would allow these numbers to be translated into cases prevented.

After diagnosis, benefits remain uncertain

Lifestyle interventions showed no statistically significant association with quality of life over follow-up periods ranging from nine weeks to twelve months. This finding does not prove an absence of benefit, but neither does it establish one.

Data on recurrence, survival, mortality and cardiometabolic events remained limited. An association with lower incidence therefore cannot be extrapolated to the effectiveness of an intervention after diagnosis.

What we can take away

This overview supports a possible role for diet and lifestyle, not a promise of prevention. It does not support recommending a diet as a treatment for endometrial cancer.