Understanding why uterine fibroids are more common in Black women than in White women
Official title: Examination of factors influencing the racial disparity in fibroid incidence
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11158884 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why Black women are more likely to develop uterine fibroids than White women, and it aims to find out what factors might be causing this difference by analyzing data from two large groups of women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $703,809 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113709-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11158884 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Black and White women who are part of the Black Women’s Health Study or the Nurses’ Health Study II.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black or White women may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors contributing to the higher incidence of uterine fibroids in Black women compared to White women. By analyzing data from two large cohorts, the Black Women’s Health Study and the Nurses’ Health Study II, the study aims to identify both established and novel risk factors that may explain this disparity. The research will utilize advanced epidemiologic methods to evaluate the impact of various influences, including potential roles of structural racism. Participants will be women from these cohorts, providing a comprehensive view of the issue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of uterine fibroids, particularly for Black women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown disparities in health outcomes based on race, but this specific investigation into fibroid incidence is novel.
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
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.