A new study has recently revealed that a common algorithm that is used to detect endometrial cancer in Black women is not reliable. This study has also suggested that a tissue biopsy can accurately detect this cancer in them. Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer among Black women in the United States. It increases the risk of death as it is diagnosed at later stages. It causes pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding and difficulty urinating. A transvaginal ultrasound provides a more detailed view of a woman’s pelvic organs as compared to a pelvic ultrasound alone. It is a diagnostic imaging technique that is used in this study. Â
This study was recently published in JAMA Oncology. In this study, researchers used the ultrasound data of 1500 Black women. These women underwent hysterectomy at 10 health centers. Hysterectomy is a surgery that is used to remove the uterus. Â
When researchers observed the collected data, they found that thinner endometrium did not guarantee no risk of cancer. Only 10% of women with endometrial cancer had endometrial thickness. It was below a common cut-off point of 4 mm. This shows this test can not accurately detect endometrial cancer.Â
One of the reputed doctors criticized the accuracy of a test for detecting endometrial cancer. He said this test is supposed to be 99% to 100% accurate. But it is not suitable for Black women as it is not accurate enough. She also said that they can not consider this test as an effective strategy. Â
This study clearly shows that ultrasound tests do not detect endometrial cancer accurately. They are less accurate for Black women as compared to white women. Ultrasound shows a normal thickness of the endometrium even if they have cancer. Hence Black women may be more likely to have false negative results. Experts need to find some effective tests that can accurately detect the risk of endometrial cancer to reduce its risk. Â
