Uterine fibroids affect millions of women, yet too many patients remain undiagnosed, undertreated or unaware of their options.
Fibroids can cause chronic pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia and significant disruption to quality of life. These impacts are especially pronounced among Black women, who are more likely to develop fibroids, experience severe symptoms and undergo invasive procedures. Despite this, many patients normalize their symptoms or are told that surgery is their only path forward.
However, minimally invasive treatments such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) provide an effective alternative to surgery. Performed by interventional radiologists, UFE shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood supply and offers meaningful benefits:
Importantly, UFE and other less-invasive treatments are now covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans, removing a critical barrier to access.
Lawmakers in New Jersey have introduced legislation that would call for the state Department of Health to develop a $5 million grant program to fuel fibroids research and to fund a statewide public awareness campaign. Assemblymember Kenyatta Stewart and Sen. Benjie Wimberly are sponsoring the measures in the Assembly and the Senate.
As clinicians, we must take a more proactive role in leading the conversation with patients on uterine fibroid detection and treatment. The RHEC’s fibroid embolization work group has partnered with medical schools in urban communities in six states to train students on community outreach on fibroids and treatment options.
There are several resources that can support these discussions including:
Additionally, The Fibroid Relief Empowerment Effort (FREE) Project, led by RHEC in partnership with the Society of Interventional Radiology and ACR, is a national initiative focused on reducing disparities in uterine fibroid care by increasing awareness of UFE. Recognizing that Black women are disproportionately affected by fibroids and often face barriers to information, trust, and access to care, the FREE Project uses a community-centered outreach model that engages medical students, radiology residents, and interventional radiologists as educators and advocates. Through health fairs, wellness events and community summits in cities across the country, the program provides culturally responsive education and QR-coded resources that connect individuals directly to UFE programs and care pathways. By fostering trusted community engagement and strengthening partnerships between patients, gynecologists, and interventional radiologists, the FREE Project is advancing health equity and expanding access to informed fibroid treatment decisions nationwide. If you’re interested in learning more and getting involved, please contact info@radhealthequity.org.
This Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month, let’s lead the charge by empowering patients to make informed decisions that align with their health goals, including fertility preservation and faster recovery.
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