Study Finds Higher Endometrial Cancer Rates in San Antonio
New research points to elevated endometrial cancer incidence among young women in South Texas, particularly young Hispanic women.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Cancer
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A new study finds women in a swath of South Texas, including San Antonio, have higher endometrial cancer rates than women anywhere else in Texas. The research was led by scientists at the University of Texas at San Antonio and the National Cancer Institute.
Why it matters
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, and the findings show a concentrated burden among younger women in Texas. The study did not determine why rates are higher in this region or why young Latinas are more vulnerable.
The study reports 13.9 endometrial cancer cases per 100,000 women ages 20 to 49 in Texas Public Health Region 8, compared with 9.9 per 100,000 statewide. Among young Hispanic women in that region the rate reaches 17.2 per 100,000, and the cause of the gap remains unexplained.
The players
University of Texas at San Antonio
A public research university in San Antonio whose scientists led the study on endometrial cancer rates.
National Cancer Institute
The federal agency within the National Institutes of Health that leads cancer research in the United States and co-led the study.
The details
Researchers compared endometrial cancer rates across Texas public health regions and demographic groups, finding that risk factors including obesity, diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome cut across populations. Endometrial cancer begins in the lining of the uterus and is highly survivable when caught early.
Timeline
- The study findings were published November 8, 2026.
Big Picture
The study was co-led by the National Cancer Institute, which tracks cancer incidence nationally, and it adds a regional, demographic-specific layer to that surveillance. It points to a concentrated burden in South Texas that statewide averages would otherwise obscure.
Endometrial cancer is highly survivable when caught early, and abnormal uterine bleeding is a key warning sign to raise with a doctor. Endometrial hyperplasia, a precursor that can be treated with medications, is also worth discussing for women with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome.
The takeaway
Women with obesity, diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome should discuss endometrial cancer screening and warning signs with their doctor, since early detection is highly effective. Researchers are working to identify what is driving the higher rates in this region.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Cancer news across Texas.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Texas Public Radio.
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