Which of the following is a risk factor for endometrial cancer?

• A. Obesity
• B. Underweight
• C. Regular exercise
• D. Late menopause

Answer: (A)

Estrogen exposure without opposition drives risk for endometrial cancer. Obesity increases that exposure because fat tissue contains aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogen. After menopause, adipose becomes a major source of circulating estrogen, and this unopposed estrogen stimulates ongoing endometrial proliferation. Over time, this can lead to malignant transformation of the endometrium. Obesity is also tied to insulin resistance and inflammatory factors that can further promote cancer risk.

Being underweight typically lowers estrogen levels and isn’t a risk factor. Regular exercise tends to reduce risk by improving weight and hormonal balance. Late menopause does raise risk due to longer lifetime estrogen exposure, but the strongest factor in this list is obesity.