Empowering Health in Women

March 8, International Women’s Day, a time to reflect on progress and changes made by ordinary women and celebrate their courage and determination to fight against all the odds of the society and becoming an extraordinary role model.

This determination and courage can also be clearly seen in Women in the Medical field. With the history of domination by men in the field of medicine, especially physicians and surgeons, current stats show the growing percentage of women in this field. Women make up almost half of the current medical fields, despite all the difficulties such as Gender discrimination and blatant sexism.

While celebrating the empowerment and emergence of Women in every field, let us also create awareness of cancer in women. While taking care and nurturing their family and growing in their professionalism, women, often seems to avoid their health and overlook the symptoms. Hence, it is necessary to create cancer awareness among women.

Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Lung Cancer, and Ovarian Cancer are the most common type of cancer in women. Knowing and understanding their symptoms can greatly help for the early detection or even to prevent them.

Breast Cancer: It is the most common type of cancer and can occur at any stage. It is advised to see a doctor directly if you feel or notice any changes like lump or pain.

Cervical Cancer- Every woman who is sexually active, is at risk of developing this cancer as it occurs due to human papillomavirus passed during sex. Regular Pap tests can find changes in the cervix that can be treated before they become cancer.

Lung Cancer- It accounts for almost 25% of the death of female cancer deaths. Smoking increases the death percentage by 30-40%, but passive smokers are also at high risk to develop this cancer. Though breast cancer is more common, lung cancer is more likely responsible for more deaths as people avoid the symptoms if they don’t smoke.

Ovarian cancer- it is more like to occur in older women. Women with infertility, who never had children, have children after 30, increases the risk of occurrence. There are no exact tests to find ovarian cancer, but if you feel symptoms like abdominal swelling and pain, digestive problems and feeling of urinate all the times, it is advised to see a doctor.

With the 2019 theme “Think equal, build smart, and innovate for change”, let’s celebrate women's achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality and also lead a healthier and longer life to protect our loved ones.