The Influence of Lifestyle Risk Factors on the Occurrence of Gynecological Cancers: A Review of the Evidence and Opportunities for Prevention and Management

Over one million gynecologic cancers have been diagnosed in women worldwide. The five main types of gynecologic cancer are: uterine, ovarian, cervical, vulvar and vaginal. This review describes the current evidence regarding modifiable lifestyle factors and risk of gynecologic cancer, with a focus on the three most prevalent gynecologic cancers: uterine, ovarian, and cervical, which are included among the top seven causes of cancer deaths among women. This review primarily considers more recent evidence (since 2004) regarding the prominent lifestyle factors of obesity, physical activity, diet and smoking and provides a discussion of opportunities for prevention and management of gynecologic cancer. Although smoking and obesity emerged as the strongest risk factors, further research in the form of high quality prospective studies and randomized trials is needed to confirm the results for several risk factors, especially diet and physical activity, and for various populations and subgroups. Women should be educated on how modifiable lifestyle factors may reduce their risk of gynecological cancer. Clinicians should also be made aware of how they can assist patients in implementing behaviors in order to reduce their risk and for survivors to better manage their disease.