New Analysis Clarifies Cancer Risk in Women With Endometriosis

Misinformation and incomplete explanations have left many women with unnecessary fear about cancer risk. The Institute’s newly published article provides clear, evidence-based context to help patients understand what medical research actually shows—separating relative risk from absolute risk and focusing on what truly matters for informed decision-making.

A large U.S. population-based study found that women with endometriosis have an approximately 4.2-fold increased relative risk of ovarian cancer compared with women without the condition. However, the Institute emphasizes a critical and often overlooked distinction: the absolute lifetime risk remains low. Most studies estimate the lifetime risk of ovarian cancer in women with endometriosis to be up to 2%, compared with roughly 1.4% in the general population.

Importantly, research shows that this association is not uniform across all ovarian cancers. The increased risk is most strongly linked to rare subtypes, particularly clear cell and endometrioid ovarian carcinomas. These distinctions are central to understanding risk accurately and avoiding unnecessary alarm.

The guidance is curated under the leadership of Steven Vasilev, Director of the Lotus Endometriosis Institute, who is board-certified in Gynecologic Oncology in addition to advanced minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and integrative medicine. As a gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Vasilev has specialized training in the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of gynecologic cancers—expertise that is uniquely relevant when discussing the nuanced relationship between endometriosis and malignancy.

The Lotus Endometriosis Institute practices Quaternary Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Care, representing the highest level of specialization in medicine. Quaternary care goes beyond standard surgical treatment, integrating master-level excision surgery, long-term health management, risk awareness, and research-driven education. This model ensures that patients receive not only technically advanced care, but also clarity, perspective, and evidence-based guidance across all aspects of their health.

A central message of the Institute’s guidance is that increased relative risk does not equate to high absolute risk. Understanding this distinction allows patients to engage in rational health planning rather than fear-driven decisions. The Institute’s mission is to replace confusion with clarity and empower patients through accurate information grounded in medical science.

Women diagnosed with endometriosis—or those experiencing symptoms and seeking reliable answers—can read the full research-backed article at:

https://lotusendo.com/posts/does-endometriosis-cause-cancer-what-research-really-shows

To learn more about the Lotus Endometriosis Institute and its approach to advanced, integrative, and research-driven care, visit:

https://lotusendo.com

Lotus Endometriosis Institute

154 Traffic Way
Arroyo Grande
CA
93420
United States