The GRACE Center
Gynecologic Research And Cancer Equity
UW Medicine Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
It’s widely recognized that healthcare outcomes vary widely across race and gender. And Black women do not receive the same kind of high-quality reproductive care that many other women receive. This can mean delayed diagnoses, decreased quality of life, and, particularly for post-menopausal Black people, thousands of preventable deaths of endometrial cancer each year.
At The GRACE Center, we believe we can do better. As a multi-disciplinary team with academic and community members, we employ a multi-level strategy to use both research and community engagement to create better health and healthcare systems for Black women facing endometrial cancer.
An Introduction to Endometrial Cancer
What Is It?
Endometrial cancer is a cancer of the inner lining of the uterus, or womb. It is often simply called 'uterine cancer', and is distinct from cervical cancer or ovarian cancer. Anyone with female reproductive organs is at risk for endometrial cancer.
The Stats
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the US - 4x more common than cervical cancer and 2x more common than ovarian. US Black women have a 90+% higher mortality than US White women due to delayed diagnoses, aggressive cancer types, and inequalities in our healthcare system.
The People
Endometrial cancer affects all kinds of people. ECANA, the Endometrial Cancer Action Network for African-Americans is a group of survivors, researchers, and advocates who work together to promote community, education, and research progress.