Black women with fibroids face delay and poor care in UK |, report says health
Black women in the UK suffering from symptoms caused by fibroids face delays, poor care and dismissal by healthcare professionals according to a parliamentary report.
Published by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Black Health The report included a survey To more than 500 women about their experience with uterine fibroids, more than 70% of participants were black British.
The survey found that more than a quarter of participants (27%) did not receive any treatment after being diagnosed with fibroids, and more than 50% also had their diagnosis delayed by at least two years, while 26% of participants had lived with fibroids for more than 10 years.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. Serious cases can be linked to heavy or long menstrual periods, pain, pelvic pressure, infertility, and increased risk of miscarriage. Previous reports have suggested that black and Asian women may have an increased risk of developing more serious cases of fibroids.
The report also found that there is a lack of research dedicated to uterine fibroids overall in the UK, and found that between 2014 and 2021 there were only six research studies in the UK on the issue.
“Fibroids are a reproductive health emergency that disproportionately affects black women and is the leading cause of reproductive complications such as disturbed fertility journeys, pregnancy loss and surgical interventions,” said Professor Faye Ruddock, Chair of the African Caribbean Health Network.
“Many women experience delayed diagnosis, delays and dismissals which can cause unhealthy psychological and emotional burdens,” she added. The all-party Parliamentary Group on Black Health on Fibroids was formed through two years of advocacy led by the African Caribbean Health Network and other black-led organisations.
“There is a great need for research into genetics and life experiences. This report calls for systemic change to improve government policy, health care practices, access and outcomes for Black women.”
The report, supported by the Health Foundation, also found that black women were disproportionately exposed to hysterectomies as first-line treatment after late diagnosis, and that non-surgical options including myomectomy remain underutilized and have not been highlighted as an alternative treatment option.
Professor Rani Thakkar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said: “Fibroids affect two in three women during their lifetime, often between the ages of 30 and 50. This report rightly highlights the disproportionate impact on black women.
“The consequences of fibroids can be profound, causing pain, heavy bleeding and, in some cases, decreased fertility, all of which can severely impact a woman’s quality of life.
She added: “These health inequalities must be urgently addressed, and we are working with clinical experts and women to develop recommendations to improve screening, diagnosis and treatment of fibroids in England. With more than half a million women still waiting for gynecological care for conditions such as fibroid treatment, timely detection and intervention is crucial.”
Paulette Hamilton, MP for Birmingham Erdington and chair of the party’s Black Health group, said: “For too long, black women have suffered in silence with fibroids, their pain ignored and their care delayed. This report breaks that silence. It is a call to action for equality, dignity and justice in women’s health, and must become a clear and measurable priority within our national health strategy.”
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “Women with uterine fibroids wait too long for diagnosis and care, especially black women – and this is unacceptable. We are determined to end years of neglect in women’s health by putting equality at the heart of our reforms. This means listening to women and providing the high-quality care they deserve.
“We are also funding new research to improve outcomes for women with uterine fibroids, and our campaign to reduce waiting lists will benefit all patients, including those with gynecological conditions.”