10th World Congress on Endometriosis, Melbourne Convention Centre Media Release, 14 March 2008

Endometriosis risk among women with moles, freckles and skin sensitivity to sun

Researchers have found that women with freckles, moles and skin that is sensitive to sun exposure have a higher risk of developing endometriosis.

The research, presented today at the 10th World Congress on Endometriosis in Melbourne, links previous studies showing that hair and skin colour, along with freckles and moles have a strong association with malignant melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer.

Earlier research has suggested that endometriosis and malignant melanoma may share some common genetic traits.

The study presented at the Melbourne congress is the first to report on a positive relationship between endometriosis in women with moles, freckles and skin that is subject to burning from the sun.

“We have also demonstrated that women with a higher number of moles or freckles, or a greater susceptibility to sunburn, have a higher risk of endometriosis,” said researcher, Marina Kvaskoff.

The study by the National Institute of Health and Medical Research in France and the Queensland Institute of Medical Research compared data on lifestyle and medical history from 97,213 French women born between 1925 and 1950.

Of these women, 4,191 had endometriosis, a disease where tissue, similar to the lining of the uterus, is found in other parts of the body, usually the abdominal cavity, often causing pain.

The onset of endometriosis occurs in some girls when they first start to menstruate. If not treated, it can damage reproductive organs and cause infertility in about 30 per cent of cases.

To date, there is no known cause or cure for the disease, but it can be managed through surgery, pain medication or hormonal treatment, or a combination of each treatment.

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Ms Kvaskoff said while the study showed a clear association between endometriosis and moles, freckles and skin sensitivity to the sun, there were no positive indicators of susceptibility to the disease among women based on hair or skin colour.

“There seem to be some common genetic links between melanoma and endometriosis, but this needs to be further investigated,” she added.

More than 950 scientists, surgeons, nurses and consumer representatives have gathered in Melbourne from 55 countries for the World Congress of Endometriosis.

The congress has been organised by the Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy Society (AGES), the premier gynaecological surgical association representing the majority of practising gynaecologists in Australia and New Zealand.

Since its inception in 1990, AGES has worked to increase awareness of endometriosis through public education, conferences, clinical training and surgical research.

Interview: Marina Kvaskoff is available for interview on 0407 145 248

For further information, please call Trevor Gill Congress Media Relations on 0418 821948.