HEALTHY REASONING: FIBROIDS – High Rates In Black Women

By Allan Jones
Pride Health Columnist

Fibroids are growth or tumors in the wall of the uterus or womb. They are usually non-cancerous (benign), however about 0.5% of women have fibroids which are cancerous (malignant). Fibroids can cause significant discomfort to women, and is more common in Black women and women of colour, compared to White women. Fibroids can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grapefruit. In some cases they can even become larger.

About 20% to 80% of women develop fibroids by the time they reach age 50. In Black women, at around age 30 approximately 30% of women will have fibroids, and at age 45 about 45% will have fibroids. It has been found that the darker the skin colour, the more prone a woman will be to developing fibroids. Many women have fibroids and do not know, because they are too small to cause a problem.

It is not known what causes fibroids. Researchers think more than one factor can play a role. It is known that hormonal levels play a role, primarily estrogen and progesterone. Also, genetics play a big role, and it is well documented that fibroids runs in families.

Here are some key fibroids facts. Black women are more likely to develop fibroids, and it runs in families, so if a woman has a sister, mother or grandmother who have, or had fibroids, then there is a greater possibility that the woman will also develop fibroids. The risk is three times greater than if you did not have a family member with the condition. As a woman gets older the risk of fibroids increases. It is not commonly found in women below 25 years of age, and the start of menopause, fibroids usually shrink. Eating red meat is linked with a higher risk of fibroids. The recommendation is to eat more green vegetables and eliminate red meat from your diet. Women, who are overweight, have a two to three times greater than average risk of developing fibroids.

Here are some of the things a woman with fibroids has to deal with. Pain in the pelvis; excessive bleeding during long periods, pressure in the pelvic area, which can cause a woman to go to the bathroom more often to urinate, constipation, enlargement of the lower abdomen, painful sex, complications during pregnancy and labour, and lower back pain.

Once a woman starts having symptoms associated with fibroids, it is a sign that treatment should be considered. There are two main approaches for treating fibroids; one approach is called “medical” and the other “surgical”.

In the “medical” approach the doctor may suggest taking medication. The approach is to use medication to control pain, replace lost iron, shrink the fibroids and reduce blood loss.

In the “surgical” approach, there is a conservative and final method. The conservative method is used for younger people who want to preserve their uterus and plan to have children. The fibroids are removed and the uterus left in place. The final method involves removing the entire uterus or womb.

In treatments where the fibroids are removed and the uterus is left in place, the fibroids can come back, and when they come back, they are usually more aggressive. This is so especially in younger women, who produce high volumes of hormones.

Fibroids are a reality for many Black women, and fibroids can cause great discomfort.

Happily, these discomforts can be eliminated or lessened by the woman making a decision to do something about it.

Allan Jones is a Health Promoter and Broadcaster. He can be reached at ajones@jjmedical.ca.