Peritoneal cancer is a form of cancer found in the peritoneum, a thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers the organs within it. Because peritoneal cancer is most often diagnosed in its later stages, it’s important to know about your individual risk factors and any lifestyle changes that can reduce or mitigate your risk of developing this cancer.
Primary peritoneal cancer is most often diagnosed in females assigned at birth who are over the age of 60, while secondary peritoneal cancer affects both sexes and is the more common form of peritoneal cancer.
In some cases, peritoneal cancer is discovered during surgery to remove tumors located elsewhere in the abdomen. Because the symptoms are common with other conditions, diagnosis of peritoneal cancer can be difficult and often doesn’t occur until its in advanced stages.
The peritoneal cancer experts at the OSUCCC – James are constantly working to diagnose cancer earlier, leading to more effective treatment and better outcomes. While it’s unknown what causes peritoneal cancer exactly, certain risk factors could increase your risk, and you should discuss them with your doctor.
Peritoneal cancer risk factors
Primary peritoneal cancer, most often found in females assigned at birth who are age 60 and older, is less common than secondary (metastasized) peritoneal cancer. Because of its common and often mild symptoms, primary peritoneal cancer is rarely diagnosed until it has spread elsewhere in the abdominal cavity or to other parts of the body.
Risk factors for developing primary peritoneal cancer may include:
- Endometriosis: a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows beyond the uterus, which can cause pain and infertility.
- Family history: speak with your doctor if there’s a history of peritoneal, ovarian or other gastrointestinal cancers in your family.
- Age: your risk of developing peritoneal cancer increases with age and most cases are found in biological females over the age of 60.
- Obesity: being overweight can increase your risk of primary peritoneal cancer.
- Genetic mutations: Mutation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (genes that suppress tumors in the human body and are associated with increased risks of breast and ovarian cancer) in women, BAP1 mutations (associated with development of mesothelioma of the pleura or peritoneum).
Can peritoneal cancer be prevented?
While we don’t know what causes either primary or secondary peritoneal cancer or how it can be prevented, there are a few lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk.
- Diet: Eating a diet that includes healthy amounts of fruits and vegetables can be helpful. Limit consumption of red meats and processed foods.
- Tobacco use: Stop smoking. Not smoking tobacco or quitting smoking tobacco can help reduce your risk of peritoneal cancer.
Peritoneal metastases risk factors
When peritoneal cancer has spread to the peritoneum from other parts of the body (including nearby or distant organs), it is determined to have metastasized. This is secondary peritoneal cancer and is diagnosed in both men and women, often in its more advanced stages.
It’s rare for cancers to originate in the peritoneum, but the peritoneum and other areas of the abdomen can be impacted by cancer that has metastasized.
Those at risk of peritoneal metastases may have other gastrointestinal (GI) cancers in the stomach, colon, rectum or pancreas. Peritoneal metastases can impact kidney function, cause ascites (fluid buildup) in the abdomen and blockages of the GI tract.
Peritoneal carcinomatosis risk factors
Peritoneal carcinomatosis (a condition where cancerous cells from other types of cancerous tumors) occurs when tumors from other areas of the abdomen spread to the peritoneum. This results in other tumors developing on the peritoneum (membrane) that surrounds your abdomen and the organs within it, and typically indicates that cancer has reached an advanced stage.
Primary peritoneal carcinomatosis most frequently occurs in females assigned at birth and those with a family history of ovarian or peritoneal cancers. Other risk factors include gastrointestinal cancers (colon, rectum, stomach, pancreatic) that spread to the peritoneum, endometriosis and mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
If you have received a peritoneal cancer diagnosis, the team at the OSUCCC – James is here to help. To make a confidential appointment, you can reach The James Line toll free at 800-293-5066.
Related Resources
Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinical Research
Peritoneal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Individualized Peritoneal Cancer Treatments Increase Options for Patients