Alarming trends and disparities in high-risk endometrial cancer
Cortney Eakin, Tiffany Lai, Joshua G. Cohen
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the most recent publications highlighting the trends and disparities among patients diagnosed with high-risk endometrial cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: Endometrial cancer mortality continues to rise, driven by the increasing incidence of high-risk histologic subtypes that accounts for a disproportionate number of endometrial cancer deaths. The lack of progress made in endometrial cancer treatment, particularly of high-risk histologic subtypes, disproportionately affects black women who are more likely to be diagnosed with these aggressive tumor types. Even when accounting for high-risk histology, various factors across the spectrum of care may influence the survival disparities between black and white women, including timely access to guideline-concordant care, clinical trial enrollment, and systemic racism that impacts cancer outcomes. SUMMARY: In this review, we highlight the disproportionate impact of worsening endometrial cancer mortality and healthcare inequalities contributing to the endometrial cancer survival disparity between black and white women.