When it comes to gynecological health, we still have a long way to go in ensuring women are given as much consideration as men.  As a company focused on women’s healthcare, it is not only our mission to bridge this gap, but our responsibility; and as the President of GYN Surgical Solutions at Hologic, I take that responsibility seriously. The disparities in women’s health can be found not only in the lack of advancement in treatment options, which Hologic is committed to addressing, but also in the stigma attached to even the most common health issues. Misperceptions and stigma can create a feeling of isolation and embarrassment, impeding a woman’s ability to speak up and seek care. Even today, the topic of uterine health is often viewed as taboo, but this month, we have the opportunity to change the conversation.  

July is Fibroid Awareness Month, a time to give a voice to the millions of women who suffer from fibroids in silence, empowering them to speak up and be heard. Uterine fibroids, which are defined as typically noncancerous tissue growths in the muscle walls of the uterus1, are actually very common; in fact, up to 80% of women will have fibroids by the time they are 50 years old.2,3 For many of these women, fibroids can be life-restricting and cause debilitating symptoms such as heavy bleeding, cramping, bloating, frequent urination, and trouble conceiving.2,3

Despite the prevalence of fibroids, the topic remains taboo. As a result, many women are still unaware of their treatment options, and some assume a hysterectomy is the only viable solution to alleviate symptoms.4 In a recent HealthyWomen.org survey, 63% of respondents said they were not aware of any fibroid treatments and only 21% were familiar with minimally invasive options. To help women navigate their options and feel empowered to start the conversation with their doctor, Hologic sponsors Change the Cycle, an online community where women can learn, share stories, and take control of their uterine health. 

For women who suffer from accidents resulting from heavy bleeding, a symptom of fibroids2,3, white is a color often avoided as it is associated with fear and embarrassment. Our goal is to transform this color into an emblem of strength, and this month, Change the Cycle is asking you to join the movement.  Whether you experience fibroids personally or have friends or family members who are affected, share your reason for supporting Fibroid Awareness Month on social media using #WhyIWearWhite.

At Hologic, we are deeply committed to empowering women to take control over their personal health and wellbeing, and for us this means not only providing solutions, but also equipping women with the information they need to be their own advocate. I am proud that Hologic provides treatment options for the millions of women who suffer from fibroids, and can provide a platform for women to speak up and empower themselves in the fight against this debilitating health issue. To learn more, visit www.changethecycle.com

And that is #WhyIWearWhite

Change the Cycle
REFERENCES:
  1. Mayo Clinic. Uterine fibroids: Overview. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/home/ovc-20212509. Accessed April 25, 2017
  2. National Women’s Health Resource Center. Fibroids. http://www.healthywomen.org/condition/fibroids. Accessed May 16, 2017
  3. Office of Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Uterine Fibroid Fact Sheet. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids. Accessed April 25, 2017
  4. Center for Uterine Fibroids. Surgical Treatments for Fibroids. http://www.fibroids.net/fibroids.html#hysterectomy. Accessed April 25, 2017