Grant: Summer Program in Aging

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in the developed world. Age and obesity are two main risk factors for endometrial cancer, along with co-existing health conditions and factors that affect hormone levels such as history of taking birth control pills or pregnancy. As women age, they experience normal changes that can also be signs of cancer. Women need to better understand their risk of gynecological cancers and recognize when they are experiencing normal reproductive aging and when they should seek medical attention. In large population and longitudinal datasets, we will use risk models to predict the incidence of endometrial cancer and its precursor lesion, endometrial hyperplasia. Identifying women who are at high-risk for cancer will allow for targeted interventions to promote prevention along with early detection. We will also improve the risk models by exploring how additional factors, such as socioeconomics, ethnicity, environmental exposures, and other health conditions contribute to endometrial cancer risk. We also aim to understand whether digital tools, used in combination with at-home molecular tests, will be accepted by women with elevated cancer risk as a way to self-monitor. To address this, 100 participants will take part in a 6-month self-tracking digital health study, providing data on risk factor questionnaires, tampon, and blood collections at two time-points for comparison. We will also explore whether women are open to following recommendations for prevention and screening from AI-based predictions. An enhanced risk model could reduce the incidence and mortality of endometrial cancer in Canada. Risk for cancer increases with age, however other risk factors can be modulated through lifestyle modification, medication, and surgical prevention. Self-tracking apps could also integrate with health care to empower women to become more aware of what to expect as they age and be proactive in their personal and medical choices.