Women with metabolic syndrome face higher risk of gynaecological cancers, finds study

By Admin

17 Oct, 2025

A new systematic review published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR) has revealed that women suffering from metabolic syndrome (MetS) face a significantly higher risk of developing several types of gynaecological cancers. Conducted by researchers from the ICMR–National Institute of Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), Mumbai, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, and Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Kochi, the study examined global evidence linking MetS with cancers of the ovary, endometrium, cervix, vagina, and vulva.

Understanding Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a complex combination of metabolic disorders, including obesity, hypertension, hyperglycaemia, high triglycerides, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Its prevalence rises steeply with age   from about 13% among young adults (18–29 years) to nearly 50% by age 50   and it is more common in women (35%) than men (26%).

Increased Cancer Risk Across Study Types

The review found that women with MetS are at a significantly elevated risk of developing various gynaecological cancers. Case-control studies showed that women with MetS had nearly double the odds (OR 1.99) of developing endometrial cancer and over three times the odds (OR 3.44) for ovarian cancer. Cervical cancer also presented increased odds (OR 1.9), with smaller but significant links to vaginal and vulvar cancers.

In cross-sectional studies, women with MetS had more than twice the risk (OR 2.64) of endometrial cancer. Cohort studies, which follow participants over time, further highlighted a 45% higher risk (HR 1.45) of endometrial cancer, 26% higher (HR 1.26) for cervical cancer, 49% higher (HR 1.49) for vulvar cancer, and 54% higher (HR 1.54) for vaginal cancer compared to women without MetS.

India’s Data Gap

“It was surprising to note that despite the growing burden of MetS and associated non-communicable diseases in India, we did not find any Indian study that could be included in this analysis,” said Susan Idicula-Thomas, corresponding author and scientist at ICMR–NIRRCH. “This underscores a significant gap in our understanding of comorbidity risks among Indian women. Without population-specific data, it becomes difficult to translate these insights into actionable strategies.”

Indra Kundu, PhD scholar at ICMR–NIRRCH and first author of the paper, added that differences in study design and population characteristics across the reviewed literature made comparing risk estimates a challenge.

Importance of Preventive Strategies

Highlighting the public health implications, Denny John from M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences stated, “The study underscores the importance of integrating women with existing metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, into preventive health programmes. This is crucial for both primary prevention and early detection.”

The authors recommend that effective management of metabolic syndrome should be a central part of preventing and treating gynaecological cancers. Strengthening early detection and preventive care, particularly for women with established metabolic conditions like diabetes, is essential.

The Road Ahead

The researchers call for large-scale, prospective cohort studies in the Indian context to better understand and address the relationship between metabolic syndrome and gynaecological cancer risks among Indian women. Such studies would enable health authorities to design population-specific interventions that could significantly improve women’s health outcomes in the long term.

In conclusion, the findings serve as a crucial reminder that managing metabolic health is not just about preventing cardiovascular diseases or diabetes it is equally vital for reducing the risk of life-threatening gynaecological cancers.