The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has awarded funds for two new Specialized Centers for Research on Health Disparities in Uterine Leiomyoma, representing a $15 million investment designed to advance the study of uterine fibroids. The Office of Research on Women's Health contributed funds toward the project. 

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in or on the wall of the uterus. They may cause pain or abnormal bleeding and may make it difficult to achieve or maintain a pregnancy. Roughly 70% of White women and 80% to 90% of Black women will get uterine fibroids in their lifetime. Compared to White women, Black women are more likely to experience a higher number of fibroids and increased pain, symptoms, growth, and recurrence.