Risk factors for endometrial cancer include use of estrogen without progesterone, diabetes, hypertension, tamoxifen use and later age of menopause (after age 52). About 75% of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer have already gone through menopause.

However, one of the strongest and most common risk factors for the development of endometrial cancer is obesity. Women who are obese have higher circulating levels of estrogen, which increases their risk for endometrial cancer.

Heredity also plays a role in a small percentage of women with endometrial cancer. Some families have a high frequency of endometrial, colon and ovarian cancer. If you have relatives with endometrial, colon and ovarian cancer, you should see a genetics specialist.