Based on the findings, it is recommended that the management of metabolic syndrome becomes a key component in the prevention and treatment of gynecological tumors. | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Women with metabolic syndrome (MetS) face a significantly increased risk of several gynecological cancers a new systematic review published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR).
The analysis, conducted by researchers from ICMR – National Institute of Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), Mumbai, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, and Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Kochi, assessed the global evidence for an association between MetS and ovarian cancer, endometrium, cervix and vagina.
Metabolic syndrome is a complex cluster of metabolic disorders that includes obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, high triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Its prevalence increases sharply with age—from about 13% among young adults (18–29 years) to nearly 50% by age 50—and is more common in women (35%) than men (26%).
What the study found
The review found that women with MetS were significantly more likely to develop several gynecological cancers. Based on case-control studies, the odds ratio (OR) for endometrial cancer was 1.99, indicating almost twice the likelihood of developing the disease in women with MetS compared with those without. For ovarian cancer, the odds were even higher (OR 3.44), suggesting a threefold increase in risk. Cervical cancer also showed increased odds (OR 1.9), while smaller but significant associations were noted for vaginal and vulvar cancers.
In cross-sectional studies, women with MetS were more than twice as likely (OR 2.64) to develop endometrial cancer. Similarly, cohort studies that follow participants over time revealed a 45% higher risk (hazard ratio, HR 1.45) of endometrial cancer, a 26% higher risk (HR 1.26) of cervical cancer, a 49% higher risk (HR 1.49) of vulvar cancer, and a 54% higher risk of Met54 compared (HR 1) in women without vaginal cancer.
Lack of data specific to India
“It was surprising that, despite the increasing burden of MetS and related NCDs in India, we found no Indian study to be included in this analysis,” said Susan Idicula-Thomas, corresponding author and ICMR-NIRRCH scientist. “This highlights a significant gap in our understanding of comorbidity risks among Indian women. Without population-specific data, it is difficult to translate these findings into actionable strategies,” she said.
Indra Kundu, a PhD student at ICMR–NIRRCH and first author of the paper, said the large differences in study design and population characteristics across the peer-reviewed literature make comparing risk estimates challenging.
Also read: Addressing the growing burden of uterine cancer with innovative approaches and personalized care
Preventive strategy
Denny John of MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences highlighted the implications for public health: “The study highlights the importance of integrating women with existing metabolic disorders such as diabetes into preventive health programs. This is essential for both primary prevention and early detection.”
Based on the findings, the authors recommend that the management of metabolic syndrome becomes a key component in the prevention and treatment of gynecological tumors. They emphasize the need for primary prevention and early detection, especially in women with full-blown metabolic conditions such as diabetes.
The researchers also called for large-scale prospective cohort studies in the Indian context.
Published – 16 Oct 2025 21:48 IST
