Fibroids 101: What Black Women Should Be Aware Of

Fibroids affect nearly 80% of women by age 50, with Black women being up to three times more susceptible and often experiencing them earlier. These benign tumors can vary in size from a small blueberry to a sizable watermelon, as highlighted in the recent Word in Black video. In 2014, actress Lupita Nyong’o was diagnosed with fibroids, coinciding with her Academy Award triumph. She has joined forces with six Black congresswomen to advocate for enhanced funding for research and early detection. Senator Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland emphasized the importance of increasing financial resources for this cause on her Instagram.Fibroids can lead to challenges like weight gain, heavy menstrual flow, and infertility, although some women remain asymptomatic. Dr. Faith Ohuoba, an OBGYN, identifies stress, processed diets, and obesity as growth factors. She encourages a holistic view of health. Advocates, including Nyong’o, are pushing for less invasive treatment methods, highlighting the crucial need for awareness and education surrounding this condition.