Dr Richardson on Escalating Rates of Uterine Cancer Among Asian Americans

Michael Richardson, MD, resident, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health, discusses the escalating incidence of uterine cancer among Asian Americans.

Cancer is the leading cause of death among Asian Americans, Richardson begins, adding that across all racial and ethnic subgroups, the rates of uterine cancer have continued to rise. Moreover, Richardson notes that the Asian Americans comprise is a heterogenous subgroup of patients, prompting investigators to dive deeper into rates of uterine cancer among this population.

Findings presented at the 2024 SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer showed that the incidence of Asian American patients diagnosed with endometroid histology increased by 50% from 2001 to 2017 compared with 4% among White patients. Additionally, the incidence of non-endometroid histology during the same time period increased by 90% among Asian Americans vs 47% for the White population.

Furthermore, Richardson notes that the study revealed a notable dissociation between uterine cancer incidence and obesity rates among Asian Americans. Contrary to prevailing assumptions, no discernible correlation was identified between uterine cancer incidence—specifically low-grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma—and obesity rates within this demographic. This highlights the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and other factors contributing to the pathogenesis of uterine cancer among Asian Americans.

The escalating incidence of uterine cancer, particularly among Asian American subgroups, underscores the imperative for tailored screening, prevention, and treatment strategies, Richardson continues. Recognizing the heterogeneity within the Asian American population is crucial for optimizing clinical management and improving outcomes in uterine cancer, he adds.

Further research endeavors are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving the disparate incidence patterns observed among Asian American subgroups and to refine risk stratification strategies for this population. By addressing these nuances, health care providers can better personalize care and mitigate the burden of uterine cancer within the Asian American community, Richardson concludes.