African American Women and Fibroids
Though it is estimated that 70 to 80 percent of all women will develop fibroids in their lifetime, for African American women, their chances are even higher.
Multiple studies have found that African and African American women are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop fibroids than white women.
In fact, some estimates state that at least 25% of African-American women will suffer from fibroids by the age of 25, and 80% of them will have them by age 50.
Furthermore, as a result of the prevalence of fibroids in African-American women, they are also 2 to 3 times more likely to undergo surgery such as a hysterectomy.
Although research has not been able to pinpoint a singular cause of this disparity, they have found several elements that could contribute to it.
Some studies have shown that, just like with all women diagnosed with fibroids, there could be a genetic component that increases the likelihood of fibroids in African-American women.
While another study found that environmental factors can increase the prevalence of fibroids in African-American women such as an increase in stress, a history of abuse, dietary issues, and lifestyle.
Unfortunately, many women suffer from the symptoms of fibroids for a long time before getting treatment, which means many who live with a chronic fibroid condition are undiagnosed.
No one deserves to experience the painful symptoms of fibroids, and the sooner they are diagnosed, the easier and less invasive is the treatment.
For more information on the racial disparity that exists in the development of fibroids, please check out the following link.
