Examining racial disparities in endometrial cancer trends: an epidemiological study in Brazil

Introduction: Endometrial cancer (EC) has rising rates; Black women face higher mortality due to aggressive tumors, health disparities, and prevalent risk factors like obesity.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate EC incidence and mortality trends among racial groups in Brazil, focusing on clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of Black and White women. It seeks to identify differences in diagnosis and outcomes to highlight contributing factors to disparities. The primary objective is to provide insights so as to reduce racial inequities in healthcare access and treatment.

Methods: Data from the Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs), Hospital-Based Cancer Registries (HBCRs), and Mortality Information System (SIM) of Brazil were utilized. Race/skin color was classified according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) categorization. The data encompassed clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of women diagnosed and treated for EC between 2000 and 2019.

Results: From 2010 to 2015, 32,831 new cases of EC were registered in the 13 participating PBCRs, with 35.7% in Black women. The median age at diagnosis was 63 years, with Black women being diagnosed earlier (62 years) than White women (65 years). Incidence in White women gradually increases with age, while in Black women, it peaks between 60 and 64 years. Black women were diagnosed at more advanced stages and received less efficient and delayed treatment. The incidence rate was 11.8/100,000 for White women and 7.0/100,000 for Black women, with mortality rates at 3.8/100,000 for White women and 2.4/100,000 for Black women. Crude incidence rates increased by 4% annually, higher for Black women (6.7%) than for White women (3.0%). The mortality rate decreased by 1.6% annually, higher for White women (1.2%) than for Black women (0.6%).

Conclusion: The racial disparities observed in EC in Brazil underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve access to and quality of healthcare for vulnerable racial groups. A detailed understanding of these disparities is essential for developing effective strategies to ensure equitable outcomes for all women. This study highlights the importance of addressing inequalities in access to healthcare services and the quality of treatment, aiming to reduce disparities in the incidence and mortality of EC among women from different racial groups in Brazil.

Corresponding author: Jessé Lopes da Silva (e-mail: jessejeu@yahoo.com.br).