Based on PubMed | Does eating spicy food increase the risk of endometrial cancer?

Eating spicy food is not known to increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Current medical guidance highlights hormone-related factors (like excess estrogen exposure), obesity, age, and certain medications as key drivers of risk; spicy foods are not listed among established risk factors. ^{[1] [2]} Large reviews of diet and endometrial cancer also do not identify spicy foods or capsaicin as a risk factor. ^{[3] [4]}

What we know about endometrial cancer risk

• Hormone balance matters: Conditions that increase estrogen exposure without enough progesterone can raise risk, including obesity, diabetes, and irregular ovulation such as with polycystic ovary syndrome. ^{[2] [1]}
• Age and menopause: Most cases occur after age 50–60, and risk increases after menopause. ^{[5] [6]}
• Medications and treatments: Tamoxifen used for breast cancer can raise risk and should be discussed with a healthcare team. ^[1]
• Reproductive history and other factors: Earlier first periods, later menopause, never having given birth, and certain personal or family cancer histories contribute to risk. ^{[7] [5] [6]}

In these authoritative summaries, spicy foods are not included as risk factors, which suggests that regular consumption of spicy dishes is unlikely to meaningfully affect endometrial cancer risk. ^{[1] [2] [7] [6]}

Diet and endometrial cancer: what studies show

Population studies looking at overall dietary patterns have generally not found clear links between specific foods and endometrial cancer risk. ^[3] A large cohort analysis found no significant association between common dietary patterns and risk overall. ^[3] A nationwide case–control study suggested possible small benefits from higher intake of cruciferous vegetables, coffee, and legumes, and a possible small increase with higher red meat intake, but findings were not strong for most specific foods. ^[4] Notably, these studies did not implicate spicy foods as a risk factor. ^{[3] [4]}

Quick reference table

Topic	Key points	What this means for spicy food
Established risk factors	Obesity, estrogen-progesterone imbalance, age >50, tamoxifen use, certain reproductive histories	Spicy foods are not part of recognized risk factors. [1] [2] [7] [6]
Dietary patterns	No clear association overall between major dietary patterns and risk	No signal pointing to spicy foods as harmful. [3]
Specific foods	Possible small benefit from cruciferous vegetables, coffee, legumes; possible small risk with higher red meat	Spicy foods were not identified as a risk factor. [4]

Practical guidance for lowering risk

While spicy foods are unlikely to affect risk, focusing on well-supported steps may help:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body fat increases estrogen levels and is a strong, modifiable risk factor. ^{[1] [2]}
• Manage metabolic health: Address prediabetes/diabetes and irregular cycles with your clinician, as they can influence hormone balance. ^[2]
• Review medications: If you use tamoxifen, discuss personalized screening and symptom monitoring. ^[1]
• Eat a balanced diet: A pattern rich in vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and with limited processed/red meats may support overall health; studies suggest no clear overall diet–risk link, but such diets are beneficial for weight and metabolic health. ^{[3] [4]}
• Know warning signs: Any unexpected vaginal bleeding (especially after menopause) should be checked promptly. ^[8]

Bottom line

Based on current medical guidance and available dietary research, eating spicy food does not appear to increase endometrial cancer risk, whereas factors like obesity, estrogen–progesterone imbalance, age, and certain medications play a larger role. ^{[1] [2] [3]} If you enjoy spicy foods and they agree with your digestion, there is no specific reason to avoid them for endometrial cancer prevention, though it’s wise to focus on weight management, overall diet quality, and prompt evaluation of abnormal bleeding. ^{[1] [2] [3] [8]}