Lay summary
New Zealand uterine cancer rates are increasing, particularly among Pacific women and, to a lesser extent, Māori women. Delayed diagnosis of uterine cancer leads to worse outcomes. This mixed methods study will explore, using Kaupapa Māori and Talanoa methodologies, the knowledge gap for: 1) Māori and Pacific women’s pre-diagnostic experiences, including risk factor and symptom awareness; and, 2) symptom misattribution/downplaying by General Practitioners. Individual interviews will be undertaken with Māori and Pacific women diagnosed with uterine cancer as well as General Practitioners, with thematic analysis undertaken for the three groups. Additionally, a quantitative survey of Māori, Pacific and non-Māori/non-Pacific women without uterine cancer will examine general awareness of relevant risk factors and symptoms. This study will identify potential contributors to delayed diagnosis of uterine cancer that can inform development of targeted interventions to reduce diagnostic delay and improve equity of uterine cancer outcomes for Māori and Pacific women.