New research reveals that women of color with endometrial cancer are more likely to face delays in receiving surgical treatment—delays that could worsen outcomes and deepen existing health disparities. The study, which analyzed data from over 33,000 women in California, found that only about two-thirds of patients received surgery within six weeks of diagnosis, a benchmark associated with better survival.
Among women with type I endometrial cancer, American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic/Latina, and Asian or Pacific Islander women all had significantly higher odds of treatment delays compared to White women. For type II cancers, which are more aggressive, Black and Hispanic/Latina women were again more likely to experience delays.
Even after adjusting for factors like insurance, cancer stage, and neighborhood income, these disparities persisted. Black women, in particular, had the highest odds of delayed surgery across both cancer types. “These differences were partially explained by sociodemographic and clinical factors but persisted after adjustment,” the authors wrote, pointing to structural racism, provider bias, and barriers to specialist care as likely contributors.
The study also found that women who were uninsured or publicly insured, and those living in lower-income neighborhoods, were more likely to face delays. Surprisingly, patients treated at National Cancer Institute-designated centers were more likely to experience delays, a finding the authors say needs further investigation.
The researchers call for national benchmarks and targeted interventions to ensure timely, equitable cancer care for all women.
See “Racial/ethnic disparities in time from diagnosis to surgical treatment for type I and type II endometrial carcinomas” (July 2025)
