AJR232

A Joint Resolution designating July of each year as “Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month.”

Whereas, Uterine fibroids are a common type of noncancerous tumor that can grow in and on uteruses; and

Whereas, It is estimated that 20 percent to 50 percent of women of reproductive age currently have uterine fibroids, and up to 77 percent of women will develop fibroids before menopause; and

Whereas, In the United States, an estimated 26,000,000 women between the ages of 15 and 50 have uterine fibroids, and approximately 15,000,000 of these individuals experience symptoms; and

Whereas, Most women will experience uterine fibroids by the age of 50, yet few data exists describing the overall patient experience with fibroids; and

Whereas, Not all fibroids cause symptoms, but when they do, symptoms can include heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, fatigue, back pain, frequent urination, bowel dysfunction, pain during sex, infertility, and pregnancy complications and loss; and

Whereas, People with uterine fibroids are much more likely to miscarry during early pregnancy than people without them; and

Whereas, The pain, discomfort, stress, and other physical and emotional symptoms of living with fibroids may significantly interfere with quality of life for the diagnosed individual, compromising their ability to function normally or work or care for their family, and may lead to more severe health and wellness issues; and

Whereas, Small fibroids often do not need treatment, but larger fibroids can be treated with medications or surgery; and

Whereas, Many people with fibroids are likely undiagnosed; and

Whereas, Patients wait on average 3.6 years before seeking treatment, and over 40 percent of patients see two or more health care providers prior to receiving a diagnosis, underscoring the need for improved awareness and education; and

Whereas, People of color are more likely to develop uterine fibroids. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of Black women and about 70 percent of White women develop fibroids by the time they reach menopause. Black individuals with fibroids have also been shown to have more severe symptoms and develop early-onset uterine fibroids that develop into larger tumors; and

Whereas, Current research and available data do not provide adequate information on the prevalence and incidence of fibroids in Asian, Hispanic, and Black individuals; and

Whereas, According to the Evidence Report Summary on the Management of Uterine Fibroids, as compiled by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality of the Department of Health and Human Services, there is a remarkable lack of high-quality evidence supporting the effectiveness of most interventions for symptomatic fibroids; and

Whereas, Most medical options for managing fibroid symptoms regulate or suppress menstruation and prevent pregnancy. There is a need for minimally invasive, fertility-friendly therapies, as well as biomarkers, imaging assessments, or risk-based algorithms that can help predict patient response to therapy; and

Whereas, The presence of symptomatic uterine fibroids is the most common reason for hysterectomies, accounting for 39 percent of hysterectomies annually in the United States. Approximately 42 per 1,000 women are hospitalized annually because of uterine fibroids, but Black patients have higher rates of hospitalization, hysterectomies, and myomectomies compared to White women; and

Whereas, Uterine fibroids are the leading cause of hospitalization related to a gynecological disorder; and

Whereas, Despite their prevalence among women nationwide, as shown by national data, state-level research on uterine fibroids is limited, resulting in a lack of specific data pertaining to uterine fibroids for women in New Jersey; and

Whereas, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School is improving the quality of life for New Jerseyans diagnosed with uterine fibroids, by offering Uterine Fibroid Embolization, a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery that provides a safe and effective treatment solution; and

Whereas, It is appropriate for the State of New Jersey to improve public awareness and understanding of this underdiagnosed health issue that affects many women across the State, encourage support for those individuals who have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, and to promote more initiatives at the State, local, and national levels to enhance research into diagnosing and treating this disease; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The month of July of each year shall be designated as “Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month” to increase awareness of this condition, its impact on the residents of this State, and to promote further research into effective diagnostic mechanisms and treatments.

2. The Governor is respectively requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing July of each year as “Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month” in New Jersey, and call upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This resolution designates July of each year as “Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month” in New Jersey to improve public awareness and understanding of this underdiagnosed health disease, encourage support for those diagnosed with uterine fibroids, and to promote more initiatives at the State, local, and national levels to enhance research into effective diagnosis and treatments of this disease.

Uterine fibroids are a common type of noncancerous tumor that can grow in and on uteruses. It is estimated that 20 percent to 50 percent of women of reproductive age currently have uterine fibroids, and up to 77 percent of women will develop fibroids before menopause. Most women will experience uterine fibroids by the age of 50, yet few data exists describing the overall patient experience with fibroids. Not all fibroids cause symptoms, but when they do, symptoms can include heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, fatigue, back pain, frequent urination, bowel dysfunction, pain during sex, infertility, and pregnancy complications and loss.

The pain, discomfort, stress, and other physical and emotional symptoms of living with fibroids may significantly interfere with quality of life for the diagnosed individual, compromising their ability to function normally or work or care for their family, and may lead to more severe health and wellness issues. Many people with fibroids are likely undiagnosed. Patients wait on average 3.6 years before seeking treatment, and over 40 percent of patients see two or more health care providers prior to receiving a diagnosis, underscoring the need for improved awareness and education. People of color are more likely to develop uterine fibroids.

According to the Evidence Report Summary on the Management of Uterine Fibroids, as compiled by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality of the Department of Health and Human Services, there is a remarkable lack of high-quality evidence supporting the effectiveness of most interventions for symptomatic fibroids. Most medical options for managing fibroid symptoms regulate or suppress menstruation and prevent pregnancy. There is a need for minimally invasive, fertility-friendly therapies, as well as biomarkers, imaging assessments, or risk-based algorithms that can help predict patient response to therapy. Despite the prevalence of uterine fibroids among women nationwide, as shown by national data, state-level research on uterine fibroids is limited, resulting in a lack of specific data pertaining to uterine fibroids for women in New Jersey.

Recognizing July of each year as “Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month” in New Jersey will help increase awareness of uterine fibroids, its impact on the residents of this State, and promote further research into effective diagnostic mechanisms and treatments.