Up to 80% of women develop fibroids of some size in their womb by age 50. Black women are up to three times more likely to have them and often at a younger age.
The non-cancerous tumors can range from as small as a blueberry to as large as a watermelon, as seen in the Word In Black video story above.
Actor Lupita Nyong’o was diagnosed with the condition in 2014, the same year she won her Academy Award. She is now partnering with six black congresswomen to fight for more research funding and increased early detection.
“We are really calling on many of our agencies — NIH in particular and others — to increase the amount of funding available in states to study and eventually also to treat fibroids,” Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., said on her Instagram account.
Fibroids can cause symptoms like weight gain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility. However, some women do not experience symptoms.
“Fibroids can grow with increasing stress, processed foods, [and] obesity,” explains Dr. Faith Ohuoba, an OBGYN with an upcoming book about what she calls the fibroid crisis. She says women should think of the condition as a red flag to make healthier choices.
“You have to think about some of these diseases from a holistic perspective,” she adds.
Advocates like Nyong’o are urging researchers to develop more minimally invasive treatments. Some current treatments are not covered by insurance. Doctors may recommend a hysterectomy or another surgery to remove the fibroids. Nyong’o had 30 fibroids removed. But they can grow back.
“The real issue is awareness and education and having these real conversations… Women deserve better at this point,” says Ohuoba.