Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Gynecological Cancer Screening, Treatment, and Survival

Abstract

Differences in cancer screening and treatment have been associated with race and ethnic classifi cation. Several disparities have been identifi ed in gynecologic cancer screening and therapy, most often affecting black and Hispanic women. The causes of health disparities are multifactorial and involve systemic, provider, and patient factors, including cultural attitudes, socioeconomic status, education level, and geographic barriers. This chap- ter documents the disparities in gynecologic cancer screening, treatment, and survival for women with cancers of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, vagina, and vulva. Each disease site has specifi c areas where minimizing differ- ences in access to care can potentially minimize the disparate health out- comes seen among specifi c racial and ethnic groups.