Women’s Care: What are the Top 5 Common Health Concerns in Women?

Women play a significant contribution to the well-being of society. We are in 2022; still, women empowerment is a dream for many countries. By the term women empowerment, we not only mean their right to influence social change but the right to good healthcare too. Women themselves should understand that access to healthcare is their significant right which they should not underestimate at any cost.

From 1987 when International women’s Health day was celebrated for the first time to 2022, we have come a long way. But women’s health is one of the major concerns till now. So, on this International Women’s Health Day, let’s learn about the common health concerns in women.

This blog comprises the top 5 common health concerns in women. Read further to learn more about the topic.

1. Cancer

Cancer is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. The most prevalent cancers in women are breast, lung, cervical, ovarian and skin cancer. A WHO report mentioned that around one-third of cancer deaths are due to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake and lack of physical activity. Hence, many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively. In its study, the WHO also mentions that cancer-causing infections such as human papillomavirus(HPV) are responsible for approximately 30% of cancer cases in low-and-lower-middle-income countries.

2. Reproductive and Maternal Health

Reproductive health and maternal health are serious subjects that often get negligence. According to a report, almost 2,95,000 women died due to childbirth complications. Its reasons might be a lack of awareness & necessary health facilities and improper care during their pregnancies, leading to further complications. It is essential to admit that only a healthy and disease-free woman can contribute to society’s well-being and should take the initiative to prevent the illness.

3. Mental Health

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide & is one of the primary contributors to the overall global burden of disease among males and females. According to a report by WHO, 7,00,000 people die due to depression every year. In fact, this study by the World Health Organization also mentioned that women have higher suffering from depression than men. Its reasons might be a family history of depression, ongoing psychological or social stress, use of certain medications and sexual or physical abuse.

4. Non-communicable diseases

Non-communicable diseases are medical conditions that infectious agents do not cause. These are chronic diseases of long duration, generally slow progression, and result from genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. These are considered one of the major challenges for public health in the 21st century, and women are equally affected by them. According to the National Health Portal of India, non-communicable diseases kill approximately 41 million people worldwide every year.

However, due to the global discouragement of women’s health, many emphasize women in terms of their reproductive capacity, a persisting myth reflecting gender bias that shifts the focus away from NCDs, violence and other injuries. Helping girls and women adopt healthy lifestyles in the early stages is the key to a long and healthy life.

5. Violence against Women (Domestic Violence)

Violence against women or domestic violence is a significant issue among women that society often neglects. According to the report by WHO, about 1 in 3 women worldwide have been subjected to either physical or sexual violence by their partners or non-partner in their lifetime. Violence can negatively affect women’s physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health and may increase the risk of acquiring HIV in some settings. Still, violence against women is preventable if the victim raises her voice and takes necessary action against it. Health workers need to be alert to violence to help prevent it and provide support to people who experience it.

A Message for Women- How to take charge of health?

• Work in partnership with your doctors by finding out your family medical history
• Educate yourselves on health issues
• Pay attention to your body and well-being

Final Words-

From 1987 to 2022, we have come a long way. If we do not take any action now, we may lose our command for good health. International Women’s Health Day is the perfect day to acknowledge all the common health concerns in women and spread awareness about improving their health.

So, take care of women’s health wisely. To better their health, women should work in partnership with their doctors, educate themselves and other women about various health issues and pay attention to their bodies and well-being. And most importantly, they should raise their voices against any odds and mishappenings in their personal, professional or social life.