Endometrial Cancer
What is Endometrial Cancer?
Endometrial cancer (also called endometrial carcinoma) starts in the cells of the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium). This is the most common type of uterine cancer.
Early signs include of Endometrial cancer include:
-Pain in the pelvic area
-Abdominal, vaginal bleeding, significant changes in the menstrual cycle
-Vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause
Black Women and Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer has been increasingly recognized for its disproportionate impact on Black women. Research indicates that these women are often diagnosed at later stages of the disease compared to their white counterparts. This delay in diagnosis is influenced by a myriad of factors, including socioeconomic barriers, limited access to healthcare, and systemic biases within the medical community.
As a result, Black women face not only the physical challenges of a more advanced cancer but also heightened emotional and psychological strains. The later-stage diagnosis often correlates with more aggressive forms of the disease, leading to a lower survival rate and a greater need for intensive treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. The journey through treatment can be filled with overwhelming stress, financial burden, and the fear of illness, impacting not only the women affected but also their families and communities.
