Associations of novel adiposity indices with gynecological cancer risk among adult women: Evidence from NHANES 2011 to 2018

Central adiposity is a major metabolic risk factor, but its relationship with gynecological cancers (GCs) remains incompletely understood. This study investigated the associations of Body Roundness Index (BRI) and A Body Shape Index (ABSI) with gynecological cancers among U.S. women. Data from 8116 women aged ≥ 20 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011 to 2018 were analyzed. BRI and ABSI were derived from standardized anthropometric measurements. GC status was based on self-reported physician diagnosis of cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancer. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for covariates. Women with GC (n = 194) had significantly higher mean BRI and ABSI values than non-GC participants. Each one-unit increase in BRI was associated with a 14% higher odds of GC (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03–1.31, P = .019). Compared to the lowest quartile, women in the highest BRI quartile had 1.71-fold greater odds of GC (95% CI: 1.11–2.62). For ABSI, women in the top quartile had 1.53-fold higher odds (95% CI: 1.01–2.32). Associations were strongest among overweight women and those not using female hormones. Higher BRI and ABSI, reflecting central adiposity, were independently associated with increased odds of gynecological cancer in U.S. women. These indices may serve as practical markers for identifying women at elevated cancer risk.