Preventing Hysterectomy Among African-American Women

National forum on reducing the prevalence of uterine fibroids among African-American women

The Wholistic Health & Healing Association conducted a two-day forum in Sacramento, Calif., in April 2000 on uterine fibroids and African-American women.

Uterine fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomy among women in the United States. Studies have suggested that African-American women are disproportionately affected, accounting for as much as 60 percent of diagnosed cases.

The Wholistic Health & Healing Association, Roseville, Calif. is a nonprofit organization that promotes health and healthy lifestyles among African-American women in the Sacramento area.

Key Results:

  • The forum, held April 28–29 2000 at the Sam Pannell Community Resource Center, was intended to be a national conference, but its 260 attendees came mostly from the Sacramento and San Francisco/Oakland, Calif., areas. An information packet was sent to all attendees. Presentations covered:
    • The causes of uterine fibroids.
    • Integrative medical approaches.
    • Prevention, reduction, and elimination of uterine fibroids.
    • Methods for preventing uterine fibroids in African-American women.
  • Following the presentations, the attendees broke into discussion groups led by community leaders to address such topics as:
    • Community-based options for information distribution.
    • Physiological, environmental.
    • Psycho-spiritual causes of fibroids.
    • Options for integrative healing.
  • The program concluded with a summary by panel members, a question-and-answer session, and an overview of future steps.

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