A recent study published in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, has uncovered concerning gaps in knowledge about endometrial cancer symptoms and significant racial disparities in care. The research found that 37% of women do not recognize postmenopausal bleeding as an early symptom of endometrial cancer, with less than half of participants reporting counseling on this issue from healthcare professionals.
The study highlights a critical need for improved education among both patients and clinicians, especially given the rising incidence and mortality rates of uterine cancer. Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society, emphasized the importance of this finding, stating, “This is especially important given that the incidence and mortality rates of uterine cancer continue to increase and are notably highest in women of color.”
The research also revealed significant racial disparities in endometrial cancer care. While race was not associated with willingness to seek care, Black patients faced reduced odds of receiving guideline-concordant evaluation compared to White patients. Additionally, Black patients experienced longer pretreatment delays and increased wait times for surgery.
These disparities underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address racial inequities in endometrial cancer care. Improving awareness of early symptoms among patients and healthcare providers could be a crucial step in reducing these disparities and improving outcomes for all women, particularly those from minority communities.
As uterine cancer rates continue to rise across all racial and ethnic groups, with an annual increase of approximately 2%, addressing these knowledge gaps and care disparities becomes increasingly vital for women’s health.
See “Knowledge about early endometrial cancer symptoms lacking” (August 9, 2024)
