Black women in the United States continue to face alarming disparities in ovarian cancer outcomes, and new trends suggest the gap may be widening. According to CK Wang, MD, chief medical officer of COTA, Black women are disproportionately diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian and breast cancers. This disparity is exacerbated by systemic barriers to care and a lack of effective screening tools.
“There is no good screening tool” for ovarian cancer, Dr. Wang explained, noting that vague symptoms often delay diagnosis. Without early detection, Black women—already more likely to be diagnosed at later stages—face even greater risks. The shortage of gynecologic oncologists compounds the problem. With only 1300 to 1500 specialists nationwide, many women, especially in rural areas, lack access to the standard of care.
The situation is further strained by a sharp decline in ob-gyn residency applications since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Dr. Wang warned that this trend could shift the burden of cancer detection to primary care providers and treatment to general oncologists, who may not have the specialized training required for optimal outcomes. “Without access to that definitive care or standard of care,” he said, “everything else subsequent to that, in terms of outcomes, will be less than ideal.”
As access barriers grow and specialist shortages deepen, the disparities in ovarian cancer care for Black women may only become more severe.
See “Racial Disparities in Ovarian Cancer Could Increase as Trends Point to Access Barriers” (May 16, 2025)