Rare Uterine Cancer Death Rate Increases, Especially In Black Women

A rare uterine cancer is driving an increase in the U.S. death rate, especially in Black women. In the past eight years, deaths from the aggressive type rose 2.7% per year. However, the deaths for the less aggressive kind were stable. The death rate among Black women was two times higher overall and among other racial groups.

The aggressive kind of uterine cancer is called Type 2 endometrial cancer and is more difficult to treat. It accounts for 20% of cases and 45% of deaths. “For most cancers, there have been improvements over the last 20 years. It’s alarming that we haven’t had the same success with uterine cancer,” said Dr. Pamela Soliman of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, who was not involved in the study.

“This allows us to focus our efforts on specific areas that could potentially have a bigger impact on mortality,” Soliman said.

Uterine Cancer Percentages

It is predicted that an estimated 65950 new cases of uterine cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year and 12550 women are expected to die from it. Researchers found overall uterine cancer death rates increased by 1.8% per year from 2010 to 2017. The annual rates increased by 3.5% among Black women.

One warning sign of is irregular bleeding, but there is no recommended screening test. Other symptoms include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Frequent urination
• Pain in the abdomen
• Mass (lump or growth) in the vagina
• Constant feeling of fullness

Unfortunately, there is no clear indication for the more aggressive kind. As of now, researchers believe there might be something in Black women that is more common and causing the increase.