Coffee Lowers Risk Of Endometrial Cancer

Previous studies have boasted the benefits of drinking coffee. Now, recent findings published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention show how drinking four cups or more of this caffeinated beverage can help lower the risk of endometrial cancer by up to 18 percent in women. 

For the study, researchers evaluated the dietary habits in over 2,800 women diagnosed with the health problem. They found that women who drank up to four cups of coffee on a daily basis decreased their risk of endometrial cancer by up to 18 percent compared to those who did not drink any or less.

Eighty-four foods and nutrients were also tested for benefit. "For most other dietary factors, there was no consistent association with endometrial cancer risk," Melissa Merritt, lead study author and a research fellow in cancer epidemiology at Imperial College London, said in a news release.

Statistics show that an estimated 55,000 women may contract the disease this year, which could be fatal in more severe instances. The findings are based on prior research that shows how coffee may be beneficial for decreasing the risk of the health problem.

"We were not surprised by the results that a high versus low intake of coffee was associated with a reduced risk for endometrial cancer, because they were consistent with what has been observed in previous studies," Merritt added. "We used similar methods to investigate the association between coffee intake and endometrial cancer as previous studies. This is important so we can compare results across different studies."

However researchers noted that a link between coffee and a lowered risk of endometrial cancer did not necessarily offer a cause and effect relationship. Furthermore, the study did not differentiate between regular and decaf.

Some studies have even suggested an increased risk of health problems when drinking coffee. For instance, excessive amounts of caffeine have also been linked to hyperactivity, insomnia, depression and an increased risk of stomach issues, in some cases. 

Though no specific cause has been linked to endometrial cancer, researchers have recognized certain risks that increase the likelihood of the health problem, including hormonal imbalances as well as diabetes and obesity.

A healthy diet and exercise can help to lower the risk of this health issue as well as others. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you or a loved one is dealing with.