Ultrasounds may not be entirely reliable when it comes to detecting endometrial cancer in Black women, according to a new study.
Conducted by researchers from institutions such as the University of Washington, the study compared protocol for transvaginal ultrasounds with the information of 1,500 Black women who had hysterectomies at 10 hospitals.
Believed to be 99% to 100%, this specific type of ultrasound measures the endometrium which is the inner wall in the uterus.
According to standards, any endometrium thinner than 4 millimeters is considered normal while anything over is alarming and can mean endometrial cancer is present.
In the latest study, however, researchers found almost 10% of the Black women analyzed who were already diagnosed with endometrial cancer had an inner wall that was thinner than 4 millimeters. Almost 12% of the cancers were estimated to have been undiagnosed when measured at 5 millimeters.
Reasons for the increased difficulty for diagnosis using the ultrasound include less visibility for the cancer and non-cancerous fibroids which can make it harder to view the images.
According to the researchers, better protocols need to be implemented when diagnosing Black women with this specific type of cancer.
“This is just not acceptable,” said lead researcher and gynecologist Dr. Kemi Doll. “What we found in real-world clinical scenarios is that it’s just not accurate enough to be safely employed as a strategy among Black people. Whereas a tissue biopsy is conclusive.”
The study’s latest findings come amidst an increased report of fatality amongst Black women with endometrial cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, as of 2024, overall, there are an estimated 67,880 new cases of cancer in the uterus, including both endometrial cancers and uterine sarcomas. With the expected incidence rates for cancer expected to grow anywhere from 2% to 3% for BIPOC women each year, Black women have been found to be more likely to pass away from it.
Overall, Black women have a death rate from endometrial cancer that’s two times more than that of white women, even though they have similar rates of diagnosis.
Contributors to this higher rate include delays in diagnosis and, therefore, in treatment.
“These populations have been subject to racial discrimination for hundreds of years. The resulting inequality in wealth has resulted in less access to fresh food, safe places to live and exercise, and receipt of high-quality cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment,” said author Rebecca Sigel. “Segregationist and discriminatory policies in criminal justice, housing, education, and employment continue to alter the balance of prosperity even today.”
