Dr Diaz on the Importance of Early Recognition for Optimal Uterine Cancer Management

“Awareness drives early recognition of symptoms and hopefully timely referrals for patients who can get access to treatment for these cancers, particularly uterine cancer, where we’ve had an increase in the incidence and, unfortunately, mortality here in the United States.”

John P. Diaz, MD, FACOG, FACS, a professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; as well as chief of gynecologic oncology, director of robotic surgery, and director of clinical research in gynecologic oncology at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, discussed the importance of early recognition and treatment optimization for patients with uterine cancer in the context of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed annually in September.

Rising gynecologic cancer incidence and mortality rates in the United States—particularly among African American women, who experience disproportionately worse outcomes compared with other patient demographics—underscore the need for greater awareness of gynecologic cancers and associated genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome, Diaz began. According to Diaz, increased awareness offers an opportunity to drive timely diagnosis, improve access to treatment, and enhance preventive strategies for patients at risk.

Advances in surgical techniques have significantly reshaped the management of uterine cancer over the past decade, he stated. Diaz highlighted the widespread adoption of sentinel lymph node mapping, which has replaced routine lymphadenectomy in most patients. Whereas traditional lymphadenectomy provided no benefit to approximately 95% of patients due to the absence of nodal involvement, sentinel lymph node mapping allows for tailored evaluation with reduced morbidity, he explained. The implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols has further advanced perioperative care, enabling many patients to return home the same day following surgery, he noted. Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical approaches have also reduced wound complications historically associated with open procedures, particularly in patients with obesity—a well-established risk factor for uterine cancer, he reported. These innovations collectively support faster recovery and earlier initiation of adjuvant therapy when indicated, he emphasized.