Metabolic Syndrome Linked to Increased Risk of Gynaecological Cancers

Strategic Insights -

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 studies found a significant association between metabolic syndrome and an increased risk of gynaecological cancers among women. The study, published in The Indian Journal of Medical Research, analyzed data from case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies, and found that women with metabolic syndrome were at a higher risk of developing uterine/endometrial cancer. The findings suggest that women with metabolic syndrome should be monitored closely for signs of gynaecological cancer.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 25 studies published in English, which were identified through a search strategy across PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus.
  • The studies analyzed were conducted between the earliest available indexing date up to September 12-14, 2023.
  • Critical appraisal was conducted using JBI checklists for case-control and cohort studies and AXIS checklist for cross-sectional studies.
  • Data extraction was conducted for information pertaining to study design, participant demographics, definition of metabolic syndrome, reported summary measures, and type of gynaecological cancer.
  • Random effects models were employed separately for each study design, reported summary measures, and the type of gynaecological cancers.
  • The findings of the study suggest that women with metabolic syndrome are associated with increased risk of gynaecological cancers regardless of study design, type of gynaecological cancer, and definitions of metabolic syndrome.

Statistics:

  • 25 studies were identified for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis.
  • 1.99 odds ratio (OR) indicates a significant association between metabolic syndrome and uterine/endometrial cancer.
  • 197-210 pages of the Indian Journal of Medical Research, 2025;162(2) report the study's findings.
  • The study included data from case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies.
  • 641 participants were included in the study.
  • The analysis was conducted using Random effects models.

Sources:

  • The Indian Journal of Medical Research. (2025). Risk of gynaecologic cancers in women with metabolic syndrome: A systematic review & meta-analysis. Vol. 162, Issue 2, pp. 197-210.
  • Department of Allied Health Sciences. (2023). Background & objectives Metabolic syndrome may be associated with the risk of gynaecological cancers. This systematic review aims to evaluate the risk of gynaecological cancers among women with metabolic syndrome.
  • Denny John, Indra Kundu, Iqra Ansari, Keechilat Pavithran, and Susan Idicula-Thomas. (2025). Researchers from Department of Allied Health Sciences Describe Findings in Metabolic Syndrome (Risk of gynaecologic cancers in women with metabolic syndrome: A systematic review & meta-analysis). OBGYN & Reproduction Week. October 27, 2025; p 907.