Study finds earlier endometrial cancer diagnoses among Native American and Hispanic women

Diagnosed early, before the cancer has spread beyond the uterus, the five-year survival rate for endometrial cancer is approximately 95%. However, not all cases are detected early, and cancers of the uterus are expected to claim more than 14,000 lives in the United States in 2026. The high incidence rate and late diagnoses contribute annually to more deaths than ovarian cancer.

The study also found that 45% of Native American patients and 21% of Hispanic patients in the study had diabetes. Obesity and diabetes are some of the primary drivers of the disease, and estrogen levels can affect the growth of the uterine lining.

"Adipose or fatty tissue is hormonally active and can produce estrogen, and metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes can create an environment that promotes abnormal growth in the uterine lining," said Herbst-Kralovetz. "Over time, this can drive cancer development. But we need to look beyond metabolic health alone and understand how environmental, biological and social factors intersect to drive these disparities."

The research team used the Arizona Social Vulnerability Index, which draws upon census data to measure the challenges faced by people in underserved areas. The study found that patients with cancer were more likely to live in areas with housing and transportation difficulties, and more likely to lack access to a vehicle and live in crowded housing.

Herbst-Kralovetz's lab is working to develop a simple, less invasive test that could detect endometrial cancer without the need for a tissue biopsy. Her goal is to make testing more accessible through primary care offices, particularly for women in rural and underserved communities. She hopes to see greater investment in validating these tests and in building partnerships with rural health care providers to improve access to early detection when treatment leads to cure.

To reduce endometrial cancer deaths in the coming years, Herbst-Kralovetz points to bringing earlier diagnosis closer to patients, "moving diagnostic innovation closer to primary care and underserved communities could help change the trajectory of endometrial cancer diagnoses."

Source:

University of Arizona

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