Black women in the UK who have symptoms caused by fibroids are facing delays, poor care and dismissal from health professionals, according to a parliament report.
Published by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Black Health, the report included a survey Over 500 women spoke about their experiences of fibroids, with over 70% of respondents being Black British.
The survey found that more than a quarter (27%) of respondents were not offered any treatment after being diagnosed with fibroids, and more than 50% also experienced a delay in diagnosis of at least two years, while 26% of respondents had lived with fibroids for more than 10 years.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. Severe cases may be associated with very heavy or prolonged periods, pain, pelvic pressure, infertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. Previous reports have suggested that black and Asian women may have increased risk of more serious cases of fibroids.
The report also found that there is a general lack of dedicated research into uterine fibroids in the UK, with only six studies on the subject conducted in the UK between 2014 and 2021.
“Fibroids are a reproductive health emergency that disproportionately affects black women and are a leading cause of reproductive complications such as reproductive failure, pregnancy loss and surgery,” said Professor Fay Ruddock, Caribbean and Africa Chair. Health Net.
She added: “Many women face late diagnosis, delays and dismissal, which can cause unhealthy psychological and emotional burdens. “The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Black Fibroids Health was formed following two years of advocacy work led by the Caribbean and African Health Network and other black-led organisations.
“There is a great need for research on genetics and lived experiences. This report calls for systemic changes to improve public policy, health care practices, access and outcomes for Black women.”
The report, supported by the Health Foundation, also found that black women are disproportionately offered hysterectomy as first-line treatment after a late diagnosis, and that non-surgical options, including myomectomy, are still underutilized and not highlighted as an alternative treatment option.
Professor Rani Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said: “Fibroids affect around two thirds of women in their lifetime, most often between the ages of 30 and 50. This report rightly highlights the disproportionate impact on black women.
“The consequences of fibroids can be serious, causing pain, heavy bleeding and, in some cases, reduced fertility, all of which can profoundly impact a woman's quality of life.
She added: “These health inequalities need to be addressed urgently and we are working with clinical experts and women to develop recommendations to improve fibroid screening, diagnosis and treatment in England. With more than half a million women still waiting for gynecological care for conditions such as fibroid treatment, early detection and intervention is critical.”
Paulette Hamilton, MP for Birmingham Erdington and chair of the all-party group on black health, said: “For too long, black women have suffered in silence with fibroids, their pain ignored and treatment delayed. This report breaks that silence. It is a call to action for equality, dignity and equity in women's health and must be a clear and measurable priority in our national health strategy.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “Women with fibroids are waiting too long for diagnosis and care, especially black women – this is unacceptable. We are committed to ending decades of neglect of women's health by putting equality at the heart of our reforms. This means listening to women and giving them the high-quality care they deserve.
“We are also funding new research to improve outcomes for women with uterine fibroids, and our commitment to reducing waiting lists will benefit all patients, including those with gynecological conditions.”
