Understanding endometriosis in Black women
Official title: Risk factors for and consequences of endometriosis among Black women
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11143044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research aims to better understand why endometriosis affects Black women differently and what health challenges they face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 23, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $211,660 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD115018-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143044 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant for Black women who have or are at risk for endometriosis, or those interested in contributing to health equity research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black women or those without endometriosis may not directly benefit from the specific findings of this particular research.
What this research studies
Endometriosis is a common condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain and other health issues. While many women experience endometriosis, Black women are often diagnosed less frequently, which may be due to differences in healthcare access or how their symptoms appear. This project will look into factors that might increase the chance of developing endometriosis in Black women and explore its long-term health effects. By filling this knowledge gap, we hope to improve diagnosis and care for Black women with endometriosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier diagnosis, better understanding of health risks, and improved care strategies specifically for Black women with endometriosis.
How similar studies have gone: There has been very little prior research specifically on endometriosis risk factors and consequences among Black women, making this a novel and much-needed area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, Holly Ruth — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Harris, Holly Ruth
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.