In late June 2025, a study from Columbia University, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention (July 1, 2025), warns that uterine cancer cases in the U.S. could rise by more than 50% by 2050, with a disproportionate burden on African American women. The number of new diagnoses is projected to increase from 56.8 per 100,000 in 2018 to 86.9 by 2050 among Black women. For white women, the increase is more moderate, from 57.7 to 74.2.

Even more concerning is the projected mortality: the death rate from uterine cancer among African American women could reach 27.9 per 100,000, nearly three times the 11.2 per 100,000 estimated for white women. Currently, mortality from this disease is already twice as high among Black women (abcnews.go.com).

Why this alarming outlook?

Delayed diagnosis and more aggressive forms: African American women tend to be diagnosed later, at more advanced stages, and with more aggressive subtypes of the disease.

Rising obesity and fewer hysterectomies: Obesity, a key risk factor, continues to rise, while hysterectomies which eliminate the risk are becoming less common.

Exposure to toxic chemicals: Additional research, including reports from ABC News, points to frequent use of products containing formaldehyde, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors common in hair relaxers used by African American women as potential contributors to increased risk.

The Columbia model underscores one key message: without intervention, incidence and mortality will continue to rise. But there is hope introducing an effective screening program starting at age 55 could significantly reduce both figures. Currently, no mass screening test exists, although emerging techniques like liquid biopsy to detect precancerous changes are under development.

What can be done now?

Promote anti-obesity campaigns and facilitate access to innovative treatments (such as GLP-1 drugs) to reduce risk factors.

Develop and validate accessible screening systems.

Eliminate health disparities by improving access to early care, ensuring standardized treatment, and reducing diagnostic and treatment delays.

This silent crisis demands urgent action. In 2025, uterine cancer is no longer “rare”—it now threatens both vulnerable women and the entire healthcare system if we fail to act.