Gynaecological oncology mnemonic

Risk factors for endometrial cancer

The mnemonic

Unopposed oestrogen

What each word stands for

  • ObesityPeripheral conversion of androgens to oestrogen
  • NulliparityFewer protective progesterone phases
  • Late menopauseLonger oestrogen exposure
  • TamoxifenPartial oestrogen agonist on endometrium
  • PCOS and diabetesAnovulation, hyperinsulinaemia

Why it matters clinically

Postmenopausal bleeding in such a woman needs endometrial assessment.

Where it stops being reliable

A grouping of risks, not a screening rule. Lynch syndrome is a separate genetic risk.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Gynaecological oncology mnemonic?

Unopposed oestrogen. It helps you recall: Risk factors for endometrial cancer.

What does "Obesity" stand for?

Peripheral conversion of androgens to oestrogen

What does "Nulliparity" stand for?

Fewer protective progesterone phases

What does "Late menopause" stand for?

Longer oestrogen exposure

What are all the parts of the Unopposed oestrogen mnemonic?

Obesity: Peripheral conversion of androgens to oestrogen; Nulliparity: Fewer protective progesterone phases; Late menopause: Longer oestrogen exposure; Tamoxifen: Partial oestrogen agonist on endometrium; PCOS and diabetes: Anovulation, hyperinsulinaemia.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Gynaecological oncology in OBG.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

A grouping of risks, not a screening rule. Lynch syndrome is a separate genetic risk.

How is this useful clinically?

Postmenopausal bleeding in such a woman needs endometrial assessment.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a OBG question about Gynaecological oncology.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.