Rising Endometrial Cancer Rates Among Native American and Hispanic Women: A Call for Early Detection
Endometrial cancer, the most prevalent form of uterine cancer, has seen a significant increase in incidence over the past two decades, particularly among Native American and Hispanic women. Recent findings from the University of Arizona Cancer Center highlight that these groups are being diagnosed at notably younger ages compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
According to a study published in Cancer Medicine, researchers reviewed the medical records of 261 women who underwent gynecologic surgery between 2016 and 2021 at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. Among the 168 women diagnosed with endometrial cancer, Native American patients had an average diagnosis age of 49.8 years, whereas White patients were typically diagnosed at 62 years. Similarly, Hispanic patients were diagnosed at an average age of 53.7 years, compared to 61.6 years for their non-Hispanic counterparts.
Endometrial cancer originates in the uterine lining, which undergoes hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Statistics from the American Cancer Society show that the incidence of endometrial cancer in the U.S. increased annually by 1.8% to 2.6% from 2013 to 2022. Although recent trends suggest stabilization, approximately 68,270 new cases are still expected each year.
Early detection of endometrial cancer, before it spreads beyond the uterus, results in a five-year survival rate of about 95%. Nevertheless, late diagnoses contribute to an estimated 14,000 deaths by 2026, surpassing the mortality rate of ovarian cancer.
“We need to rethink who we consider at risk for endometrial cancer,” stated Melissa Herbst-Kralovetz, the study’s lead author and a professor at the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix. “Native American and Hispanic women in our study were diagnosed significantly younger than their White and non-Hispanic counterparts,” she noted, challenging the notion that endometrial cancer primarily affects older, postmenopausal women.
A member of the BIO5 Institute, Herbst-Kralovetz directs the Translational Women’s Health Research Program. She emphasizes the need for further research to confirm these findings in larger populations.
Patricia Thompson, deputy director of the U of A Cancer Center, stressed the importance of early detection, especially among younger women and their healthcare providers. “The Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s 2026 evidence review identified delayed evaluation of abnormal bleeding in premenopausal women as an important concern,” Thompson explained, advocating for the development of affordable, accessible diagnostic tests.
The study also noted that 45% of Native American patients and 21% of Hispanic patients had diabetes, a condition linked to increased risks of endometrial cancer alongside obesity. “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. She urged a broader investigation into how various factors contribute to cancer disparities.
To address these issues, Herbst-Kralovetz’s lab is working on a non-invasive test for endometrial cancer, aiming to enhance access to early detection in primary care settings, particularly for underserved communities. She advocates for investment in these diagnostic innovations to reduce future cancer deaths.
This study was supported in part by the University Cancer Center Support Grant, P30 CA023074, and the Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention, U54CA143924, funded by the National Cancer Institute.
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