Death Rates For Uterine Cancer Continue To Rise In The U.S.

It’s the most diagnosed gynecologic in the United States.

Despite advances in cancer research and treatments, death rates for uterine cancer continue to rise. And black women are more likely to die from the disease.

“She was the most outgoing, caring person in the world,” Brenton Webb, the son of a uterine cancer victim, said.

In September of 2020, at the age of 63, Cherlynn Webb was diagnosed with uterine cancer but was told the disease was caught early. 

“We thought that it wasn’t going to be that bad,” Brenton said.

But during treatment, Brenton says things went downhill as there were therapeutic complications. Less than a year later, Cherlynn died. 

“For us…it crushed us,” Brenton said.

Black women are more than twice as likely to die from uterine cancer compared to other racial groups, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center are trying to figure out why.

“Uterine cancer is the only cancer over the last four decades that has actually had decreasing survival rates,” said Dr. Casey Cosgrove of the Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Cosgrove and his team are hoping to develop targeted treatment to improve survival. 

However, he said women should be aware of the signs that include abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain or discomfort, vaginal discharge, changes in bladder, abdominal bloating or fullness and a persistent cough.

All these symptoms should prompt a talk with your doctor. 

Webb’s family is now working to make sure everyone is aware of this disease and its disparities.

“There is no better way to honor her than to help others,” Brenton said.