An association between PCOS and hormone-sensitive malignancies in
women (endometrial, breast, and ovarian cancers) has been suggested. It is imperative
to have robust evidence on this issue to develop preventive strategies for the same. The
literature available to date suggests a definite association between endometrial cancer
and PCOS with a 3-to-4-fold increased risk. There is enough literature to suggest that
there is no clear association between breast cancer and PCOS. However, the data
regarding the relationship between PCOS and ovarian cancer is controversial, and more
studies are needed to establish a causal association. It is important to note that the
association of PCOS with these gynecological cancers is further complicated by the
confounding factors and the common treatment modalities that a woman receives for
PCOS during her reproductive years for symptom alleviation.
Keywords: Breast cancer, Endometrial cancer, Ovarian cancer.
