Survival rates for endometrial (uterine cancer) in the United States have improved over the past decade, but those gains have not been shared equally across racial and ethnic groups. New findings presented at the 2025 Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting show that Black and Hispanic patients continue to face significantly higher risks of death, even as new treatments extend survival overall. Researchers analyzed data from more than 141,000 uterine cancer cases recorded in the SEER database between 2010 and 2021. During that period, five-year survival among patients with metastatic disease rose from 17.8% to 25.6%, a change attributed in…
Author: Disparity Matters
A recent study highlights persistent racial disparities in cancer survival rates, revealing that Black patients continue to experience higher mortality rates than their White counterparts for several types of cancer. Researchers project that in 2025, 37,000 Black men and 36,240 Black women will die of cancer. Despite an overall decline in cancer mortality rates for Black patients, they still face significantly higher death rates for certain cancers.The study, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, used data from U.S. databases to identify trends in cancer incidence and mortality among Black patients. It projects that 129,080 Black men and 119,390…
Five years after the initial COVID-19 lockdowns, Minnesota continues to grapple with persistent racial health disparities that were exacerbated by the pandemic. A recent report from the Minnesota Department of Health reveals that these inequities remain deeply entrenched, particularly affecting Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities.The data shows that BIPOC Minnesotans still face higher rates of chronic diseases, limited access to healthcare, and poorer health outcomes compared to their white counterparts. For instance, the diabetes rate among Black Minnesotans is nearly double that of white residents, a gap that has remained largely unchanged since the pandemic’s onset.COVID-19 vaccination…
Food insecurity is a significant social determinant of health, and its impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is profound. A study published in JAMA Cardiology reveals that individuals experiencing food insecurity are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular conditions. The study, which analyzed data from the CARDIA study, found that 15% of participants reported food insecurity at baseline, with a notable prevalence among Black individuals and those with lower education levels. The study tracked 3,616 adults with preexisting cardiovascular conditions over two decades, noting 255 cardiovascular events. Those experiencing food insecurity had a higher incidence of these events, with…
Americans borrowed a staggering $74 billion in 2024 to cover medical costs, according to a survey by West Health and Gallup. This financial strain disproportionately affects minority communities, with Black and Hispanic adults significantly more likely to report borrowing money for medical expenses than their White counterparts. Specifically, 23% of Black adults and 16% of Hispanic adults borrowed money, compared to just 9% of White adults.The survey, which included 3,583 U.S. adults, reveals that younger adults, women, and racial minorities are particularly vulnerable to medical debt. Nearly one in five adults aged 18-29 borrowed money to pay for healthcare, and…
A recent study highlighted by The New York Times reveals that abortion bans in the United States have led to a significant increase in births, particularly among minority communities. The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found that states with complete or six-week abortion bans saw an estimated 1.01 additional births per 1,000 reproductive-aged females. This translates to approximately 22,180 excess births, with the most substantial impact observed among racially minoritized individuals, those without a college degree, Medicaid beneficiaries, unmarried individuals, younger individuals, and residents of southern states. Dr. Suzanne Bell, one of the study’s authors, emphasized the unequal…
Provides health screenings, education, and resources to reduce health disparities in the Black community
Expands access to comprehensive health services, improving care for underserved populations with chronic conditions
A recent study led by Telisa Spikes at Emory University reveals a significant link between childhood trauma and heart health in Black women. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the research highlights how early-life stressors contribute to greater arterial stiffening, a condition that can lead to heart failure and stroke. Spikes, an assistant professor at Emory’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, utilized data from the Morehouse-Emory Cardiovascular Center for Health Equity (MECA) to explore these associations.The study focused on over 400 Black adults in Atlanta, examining their self-reported childhood trauma and vascular health markers. Findings showed…
A recent study led by University College London (UCL) researchers reveals that social disadvantage can accelerate aging and increase disease risk. The study, published in Nature Medicine, highlights that people with favorable socioeconomic conditions, such as high incomes or education levels, face a reduced risk of age-related diseases and show fewer signs of biological aging compared to their less advantaged peers.The researchers found that individuals with more social advantages had fewer proteins in their blood linked to the aging process, including those connected to inflammation and the immune system. Professor Mika Kivimaki, the lead author, stated, “This study provides strong…