Behind the Numbers: What Drives Racial Disparities in Uterine Cancer Outcomes
Poster #: 161
Session/Time: B
Author:
Vonda Michelle McKeithan, BS, MPH
Mentor:
Catherine Derber, MD, FACP
Research Type: Public Health
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Stage at diagnosis is the strongest predictor of uterine cancer survival, yet racial disparities in early detection may contribute to the widening mortality gap between Black and White women. Understanding these disparities is critical as uterine cancer deaths among Black women have reached nearly twice the rate of other racial groups. This study examines racial and ethnic differences in stage at diagnosis for uterine cancer among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic women using national surveillance data.
METHODS:
We analyzed Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End
RESULTS:
(SEER) Research Data (2010-2020) for female patients diagnosed with uterine cancer. Cases with known race/ethnicity and summary stage were included. Stage was categorized as early (in situ/localized) versus advanced (regional/distant). Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (OR) for advanced-stage presentation, adjusting for age, year of diagnosis, and histologic subtype.
RESULTS:
Preliminary analysis revealed significant racial disparities in stage at diagnosis across all groups. Black women presented with advanced-stage disease at substantially higher rates than White and Hispanic women. Adjusted logistic regression demonstrated that Black women had significantly greater odds of advanced-stage diagnosis compared to White women, with Hispanic women showing intermediate risk. These disparities persisted after controlling for age, year of diagnosis, and histologic factors, indicating systemic barriers to early detection.
CONCLUSION:
Substantial racial disparities persist in uterine cancer stage at diagnosis, with Black women facing a significantly higher likelihood of advanced disease even after accounting for age and tumor characteristics. These diagnostic delays likely contribute to the pronounced survival disparities observed nationally. Targeted interventions are urgently needed to eliminate barriers to early detection among Black women, including expanded access to gynecologic care, culturally responsive screening programs, and healthcare system reforms to reduce diagnostic delays.
Stage at diagnosis is the strongest predictor of uterine cancer survival, yet racial disparities in early detection may contribute to the widening mortality gap between Black and White women. Understanding these disparities is critical as uterine cancer deaths among Black women have reached nearly twice the rate of other racial groups. This study examines racial and ethnic differences in stage at diagnosis for uterine cancer among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic women using national surveillance data.
METHODS:
We analyzed Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End
RESULTS:
(SEER) Research Data (2010-2020) for female patients diagnosed with uterine cancer. Cases with known race/ethnicity and summary stage were included. Stage was categorized as early (in situ/localized) versus advanced (regional/distant). Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (OR) for advanced-stage presentation, adjusting for age, year of diagnosis, and histologic subtype.
RESULTS:
Preliminary analysis revealed significant racial disparities in stage at diagnosis across all groups. Black women presented with advanced-stage disease at substantially higher rates than White and Hispanic women. Adjusted logistic regression demonstrated that Black women had significantly greater odds of advanced-stage diagnosis compared to White women, with Hispanic women showing intermediate risk. These disparities persisted after controlling for age, year of diagnosis, and histologic factors, indicating systemic barriers to early detection.
CONCLUSION:
Substantial racial disparities persist in uterine cancer stage at diagnosis, with Black women facing a significantly higher likelihood of advanced disease even after accounting for age and tumor characteristics. These diagnostic delays likely contribute to the pronounced survival disparities observed nationally. Targeted interventions are urgently needed to eliminate barriers to early detection among Black women, including expanded access to gynecologic care, culturally responsive screening programs, and healthcare system reforms to reduce diagnostic delays.