Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Programs – Endometrial Cancer

Recognizing the emerging need for new investments to investigate the changing profile of endometrial cancer, as well as the persistently high mortality disparity in black women, the Committee recommends the funds provided in the peer-reviewed cancer research program are directed to be used to also conduct research on endometrial cancer.

Dear Chairman Visclosky and Ranking Member Calvert:

As you work to develop the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Defense Appropriation bill, we write to request inclusion of the attached report language to ensure that endometrial cancer is added to the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program as a research priority through report language accompanying the Fiscal Year 2021 Defense Appropriations bill.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer, and the 4th most common malignancy among women in the United States. Its incidence in the United States has risen from 40,000 to over 60,000 new cases in the last 10 years; meanwhile, investments in research into endometrial cancer has stagnated. Alarmingly, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2020 there will be approximately 65,620 new cases of endometrial cancer (this includes endometrial cancers and uterine sarcomas) and approximately 12,590 women will die from this disease.

Further, ACS statistics reveal that survival rates for endometrial cancer have remained stagnant while other cancers have shown reductions in the number of deaths. While the age‐adjusted incidence of endometrial cancer is 31% lower among black patients, the age‐adjusted mortality among black women is 84% higher than white women. We are confident that you also find this stark disparity unacceptable; this is why we are requesting inclusion of the attached report language.

As the over 213,00 women who are U.S. military active duty personnel account for about 16 percent of the total force, we believe this is not a cancer that can be ignored. Further, black women now constitute nearly one third of all women in the U.S. armed forces.   We owe it to these women to pursue critical research that will produce scientific advancements and understanding about endometrial cancer and facilitate strategies to address the rise in incidence and the disparities in treatment and mortality.

In closing, we want to thank you for your past support of the Department of Defense (DoD) Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP), which supports research across the full range of science and medicine, with an underlying goal of enhancing the health, care, and well-being of military service members, Veterans, retirees, and their family members. It is our hope that adding endometrial cancer to the list of research priorities under the DoD PRMRP will renew and strengthen the research effort on this devastating disease.  

Thank you for your consideration of this request, and your continued support of PRMRP.  

Sincerely,


Encl: Text of proposed report language