For a long time, we thought that black women get fibroids more than any other women on the planet. A few years ago, however, we learned from a study in JAMA that Asian women of Chinese origin also have a two-to-three-fold higher risk for developing uterine fibroids compared to women of other races. Then, another study pointed out that there were differences in fibroid development rates among Asian women depending on their countries of origin—when compared to white women, diagnosis rates were 71% higher for South Asian women, 47% higher for East Asian, and 27% higher for women from Southeast Asian countries. Again, the study confirmed that Black women continue to show elevated fibroid diagnosis rates.
While we are still learning more about fibroids and their impact on women of Asian descent, we know that African American women still have some of the worst fibroid experiences. Because, while some women don’t even know they have fibroids, others experience symptoms that significantly interfere with their lives. And Black women tend to experience a higher symptom burden in addition to higher fibroid diagnosis rates.
We still don’t know why some women develop fibroids and others don’t. Still, there are a number of theories. First, because African American girls are more likely to start their period at a younger age, some people think that makes them more susceptible to fibroid development. This theory could also explain why black women develop fibroids at a younger age than women of other races. Daughters are also three times as likely to have fibroids if their mother experienced them, which just completes this vicious circle.
Recently, the Black Women's Health Study offered another theory. One interesting new idea was that black women's increased fibroid risk was linked to childhood trauma, a devastating idea to consider.
Sadly, the bad news doesn't end there. Because, when they do develop in Black women, those fibroids are likely to be large and symptomatic.
That was the case for Tanika Gray Valbrun, founder of The White Dress Project. She was 23 when she received a fibroid diagnosis, but she’d already had years of pain. Today, she continues to fight for fibroid awareness. She wants the world to take this health challenge seriously, pointing out that the WHO (World Health Organization) doesn’t even share fibroid information on its website.
This is a shocking discrepancy since the site offers extensive information on other conditions affecting women, including infertility. Valbrun says, "I just don't understand it, like, if so many Black women have fibroids, why aren't more people talking about it? Why aren't there so many walks and campaigns like there are for other medical conditions?"
Research suggests that young Black women are also at higher risk for developing Pulmonary Embolism along with fibroids. A pulmonary embolism describes a blockage in the arteries in your lungs, usually caused by a clot that broke free from other areas in your body and traveled to your lungs. This condition is a potentially fatal medical emergency, making this information very troubling.
Even worse? Lack of awareness is a problem for many black women who get fibroids and other medical conditions. Because, while African American women have higher rates of fibroid development and tend to experience more severe fibroid symptoms, they don't get help quickly. In fact, studies show that African American women reported taking an average of four years to seek fibroid treatment.
Why is that the case? Some people think it’s tied to the period stigma that’s still prevalent in many African cultures. Luckily, that’s something Nana Konamah is working to change. In 2019, she and friend Jessica Nabongo made a documentary to help women understand how fibroids can impact so many aspects of their lives. At the same time, Konamah is trying to eliminate period stigma so that women speak up about their symptoms and get diagnosed.
While early diagnosis is crucial, it's equally important to understand your fibroid treatment options. According to the most recent CDC data, 33 percent of Black women ages 48-50 had a hysterectomy. In contrast, only 3 percent of white women in that age group removed their uterus. And when it comes to younger women? The gaps are even more startling. Among women ages 33-45, 12 percent of Black women had a hysterectomy. And white women? Only 4 percent in that age group chose this invasive surgery. That's a major problem. We need to do better and help spread more fibroid knowledge, so all women know their fibroid treatment options.
Unfortunately, African American women are not only three times more likely to develop uterine fibroids but they are also more likely to have larger and more densely populated fibroid tumors, so they may have fewer treatment options. While African American women diagnosed with fibroids are twice as likely to have a hysterectomy as Caucasian women, it's important that those diagnosed with uterine fibroids are given comprehensive treatment options.
Not sure where to begin with your treatment journey? Request a consultation at one of our five convenient locations. When you come into the office, we can discuss the symptoms you're experiencing to help decide on your best approach to treatment.
Sources: CNN, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Black Women's Health Imperatives, Black Women's Health Study, CDC, Well + Good
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