Uterine fibroids affect 26 million women in the U.S, ranging from their teens to their early 50s. Unfortunately, 80% of Black women are diagnosed with the disease, compared to only 70% of white women. Not to mention, the disease can lead to symptoms ranging anywhere from heavy menstrual bleeding to pelvic pain.
Though, Black women on average have more severe symptoms. A 2012 study survey once revealed that Black patients reported missing work, painful intercourse, and even the development of blood clots. The list goes on and on.
While the presence of uterine fibroids is still being studied by doctors, many believe there are several causes involved. Some statistics show that Black women have lower levels of Vitamin D, which may be a contributing factor to uterine fibroids. Others include a higher rate of obesity found in Black women and the stresses of racial discrimination.
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Clearly, there are a lot of major factors that go into discovering the cause of uterine fibroids. However, there’s not enough science surrounding less severe and painful solutions, either.
Unfortunately, Black women who develop uterine fibroids are 2 to 3 times more likely than their white counterparts to undergo costly surgeries, such as a hysterectomy.
Fortunately, some organizations have taken the initiative on researching better ways to combat uterine fibroids in women. The all-Black-women-run, The White Dress Project, are just one of many nonprofits seeking to raise public awareness about uterine fibroids. More importantly, they’re researching ways to effectively combat and even prevent the chronic disease.
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The Project Promotes Uterine Fibroid Awareness Through Storytelling
It’s not every day that a nonprofit organization such as The White Dress talks about women’s health issues. Unfortunately, the conversation surrounding reproductive health rarely gets addressed in the health community. Nkem Osian, Director of Partnerships, believes much of that has to do with misinformation.
During an interview with Healthline, Osian said she wants to empower and educate women on uterine fibroids through the use of what she calls “storytelling.” Both Osian and the founder of The White Dress Project, Tanika Gray Valbrun, have shared their stories on dealing with uterine fibroids.
Furthermore, the organization provides a platform for women to share their personal experiences with managing the disease. By doing so, Osian believes they’ll provide accurate and authentic information to the public.
Additionally, Osian revealed that many of the stories she hears from women center around the lack of treatment options. It’s especially worse for Black women.
“There is an abundance of Black women who expressed to us that hysterectomy was the only option that they’ve been presented with. So that is a very prevalent challenge among that minority community as well, in self-advocacy and empowering our community to become their own advocates for their health,” she told Healthline.
Clearly, Osian believes there are less invasive solutions out there for women than just the removal of the uterus.
The more women share their stories and fuel the awareness of uterine fibroids, the more buzz it’ll create. More importantly, it could further educate the public on the nature of the chronic disease and how it affects women, especially Black women.
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They Proposed A Bill To Congress To Fund More Research
Furthermore, The White Dress Project introduced the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2021 bill in 2021 to Congress, which would hopefully raise more money to research new ways to combat uterine fibroids. The bill’s name pays homage to Stephanie Tubbs Jones, the first woman in Congress to introduce a bill on fighting off fibroids.
Furthermore, the bill would donate $150 million over the course of 5 years to the National Institutes of Health for fibroid research. Additionally, the bill would collect accurate data from communities most affected by the chronic disease.
In detail, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid will constantly update their information to reflect the affected groups. Furthermore, Osian adds that the bill will provide doctors with information that highlights Black women carrying a higher risk of developing the disease. More importantly, the Health Resources & Services Administration will provide thorough information on all available treatment options.
While this seems like a great first great step in the right direction for The White Dress Project, they plan to continue searching for more solutions. Currently, they’re requiring funding to fuel their research. The organization already has educational programs and events focused on combating uterine fibroids. It’s likely that they’ll continue to ramp up their efforts and help women everywhere. More importantly, they’ll aim to help the Black community.
