Researchers have conducted studies to determine the risk of women who have celiac disease(CD) developing certain cancers.  The results of long-terms studies revealed that women who have celiac disease may be less likely to develop certain kinds of cancer.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease (CD) is a widespread autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine. It is a genetic disease that is characterized by gluten intolerance, so one who suffers from CD must be careful to avoid wheat, rye, barley, and any other food that contains gluten.  If one who has CD ingests gluten, it can cause the body to damage the small intestine which then prevents nutrients from being absorbed properly.  This can result in malnutrition which impairs the functioning of the body and can cause other damage.

Women Who Have Celiac Disease May Have Reduced Risk of:

• Breast Cancer
• Endometrial Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is unfortunately a common cancer that develops in the breast tissue.  While some men suffer from breast cancer, it is far more common in women.  The main cause of breast cancer (about 90%) is genetic abnormalities that result from both aging and the stresses and strains which are common to all throughout life.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer:

• Gender
• Age
• Family history
• Defective genes
• Early onset of menstruation
• Late menopause
• Late childbearing

While many of these risk factors are common to women who have celiac disease, researchers believe that early menopause may be one of the reasons that women who have celiac diseasemay be less likely to develop breast cancer, and other diseases that typically affect women.