Raising Fibroid Awareness in July: Taking Strides Towards Health Equity

As July dawns upon us, it brings with it an opportunity to shed light on a significant health issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide—fibroids. Non-cancerous growths called fibroids develop in or around the uterus, impacting the many lives of people with uteruses and often going unnoticed until symptoms become severe. Fibroids are most common in uteruses bearers aged 30 to 40, but they can occur at any age. Fibroids occur more often in Black uterus bearers than in White uterus bearers. They also seem to occur at a younger age and grow more quickly in Black populations. July has been designated as Fibroid Awareness Month to promote early detection, treatment, and ultimately better health equity. This month serves as a crucial reminder to empower individuals with knowledge, support, and resources to tackle this health challenge together.

Fibroid Awareness: What You Need to Know

Fibroids can vary in size and number, leading to many symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and fertility issues. These symptoms can significantly disrupt a person’s daily life and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, fibroids disproportionately affect specific demographics, particularly African-American people with uteruses, who are three times more likely to develop fibroids than their Caucasian counterparts. This disparity highlights the importance of understanding fibroids’ impact on marginalized communities and taking steps to address the root causes.

Promoting Health Equity Through Awareness

Health equity refers to equal access to healthcare, resources, and information for all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or gender. Here are some suggestions of several fundamental actions that one can take during Fibroid Awareness Month and beyond:

1. Education: Raising awareness about fibroids is essential to facilitate early detection and encourage open conversations about the condition. Healthcare providers should prioritize educating patients, especially those in underserved communities, about fibroid symptoms, available treatments, and regular check-ups.
2. Screening and Diagnosis: Enhancing access to regular screenings and accurate diagnoses is crucial, particularly in communities with limited healthcare resources. By identifying fibroids early, medical professionals can tailor treatment plans to individual needs, improving outcomes and reducing the impact of fibroids on quality of life.
3. Advocacy and Support: Amplifying the voices of those affected by fibroids can help break the silence and stigma surrounding the condition. Advocacy groups and individuals can work together to call for increased funding for fibroid research, improved healthcare infrastructure, and policy changes that support comprehensive fibroid care.
4. Research and Innovation: Continued research into fibroids and their causes is vital to develop more effective treatment options and address the disparities in fibroid prevalence among different communities.

July’s recognition as Fibroid Awareness Month allows us to join hands and take significant strides toward health equity. By raising awareness, encouraging open dialogue, and advocating for accessible healthcare, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Together, we can foster a more equitable future where fibroid care is accessible to all, regardless of their background or circumstances. Let us unite to break the barriers that hinder equitable healthcare and create a healthier, more compassionate world for everyone.

Reference(s)

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2021, November 1). Uterine Fibroids | ACOG. Uterine Fibroids. Retrieved July 7, 2023, from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/uterine-fibroids

The Health Equity Tracker, established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, collects current demographic data from heavily impacted communities. It offers insights into health outcomes based on race, ethnicity, sex, and other crucial factors, aiding policymakers in identifying necessary resources and support for affected communities’ improvement. Speak up about health equity! Share your narrative and help raise awareness. We would love to hear from you!