University of Northampton explores link between endometriosis and ovarian cancer
Research aims to enhance diagnosis and treatment options for women's health
A new study at the University of Northampton is investigating possible connections between endometriosis and ovarian cancer to improve understanding and treatment.
Led by Senior Lecturer in Immunology, Danielle Jex, the research focuses on how endometriosis – a condition affecting around one in 10 women – may influence how some ovarian cancers develop.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body, causing pain and sometimes infertility. Diagnosis can often take years.
Jex said the condition is still widely misunderstood.
“Many people wait a long time for answers. We want to better understand how it develops and how it may interact with other serious diseases like ovarian cancer,” she said.
Research suggests people with endometriosis are more likely to develop certain types of ovarian cancer, although overall risk remains low.
The team is using lab-grown models to study whether signals from endometriosis cells could help cancer cells grow or avoid the immune system.
“If we can better understand those links, it could open up new ways to target treatments in the future.” Jex added.
The project is still in its early stages, with initial findings expected later this year.
The university says the work aims to raise awareness of women’s health issues and address gaps in research and funding in this area.