116th CONGRESS 1st Session |
Supporting the designation of July 2019 as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month.
July 12, 2019
Mr. David Scott of Georgia (for himself, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, Ms. Fudge, Ms. Blunt Rochester, and Ms. Norton) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
Supporting the designation of July 2019 as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month.
Whereas fibroids may cause significant morbidity through their presence in the uterus and pelvic cavity, causing significant pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, reproductive dysfunction, miscarriages, and even infertility;
Whereas the pain, discomfort, stress, and other physical and emotional symptoms of living with fibroids may significantly interfere with a woman’s quality of life, compromising her ability to function normally or work or care for her family, and may lead to more severe health and wellness issues;
Whereas uterine fibroids are the most prevalent medical condition affecting women, with an estimated 30 percent of women developing a uterine fibroid by age 35, and 80 percent of women developing a uterine fibroid by age 50;
Whereas the exact number of affected women is unknown, as detection and diagnosis is difficult because only 1 out of 4 women who have a uterine fibroid tumor exhibit symptoms severe enough to require treatment;
Whereas the overall incidence of uterine fibroid tumors is estimated to disproportionately and more severely impact Black and Hispanic women, resulting in an incidence rate that is 3 times greater in women with Black ancestry and 2 times greater in Hispanic women compared to Caucasian women;
Whereas a hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, is among the most common surgical treatments for uterine fibroids, and more than 200,000 hysterectomies are performed each year to treat uterine fibroids, at an estimated annual cost of more than $2 billion;
Whereas uterine fibroid tumors were estimated to cost the United States $5.9 billion to $34.4 billion annually with an estimated annual lost work cost of $1.6 billion to $17.2 billion through absenteeism and short-term disability in women ages 25 to 54; and
Whereas public awareness and education campaigns on uterine fibroids prevention, screening, and symptoms are held during the month of July each year: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved,
(1) supports the goals and ideas of Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month;
(2) recognizes the disparity in incidence rates of African-American and Hispanic uterine fibroid patients;
(3) recognizes the need for greater research, treatment, and care options regarding uterine leiomyoma; and
(4) encourages the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate awareness and educational activities.