Empowering Women’s Health

By HELSA ANN GEORGE

MSC CLINICAL PSYCHO ONCOLOGIST – INTERN AT CHRIST UNIVERSITY BENGALURU

As we commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8th, it serves as a reminder to delve into the various facets of women’s well-being, with a particular focus on their health. Amidst the myriad of health concerns confronting women globally, breast cancer becomes one of the most prevalent and potentially devastating conditions. However, amidst these challenges, there exists a beacon of hope and empowerment through proactive screening initiatives and regular gynaecological check-ups.

Breast cancer is a disease that spares no demographic; it can affect women of all ages, backgrounds, and social strata. According to recent statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of breast cancer continues to escalate, with an estimated 2.3 million women diagnosed in 2020 alone, resulting in 685,000 tragic fatalities.

Alarmingly, this places breast cancer at the forefront as the world’s most prevalent cancer, sparing not even men, who comprise a small fraction—approximately 0.5-1%—of reported cases. The treatment regimen for male breast cancer cases follows the same principles as that for women (WHO, 2023).

The prognosis for breast cancer significantly improves with early detection, underscoring the critical importance of proactive health measures such as routine screenings. A recent study focusing on “Attitudes towards Breast Cancer Screening in Middle-Aged Women: A study in India” sheds light on the nuanced experiences and perspectives of women in this demographic concerning breast cancer screening, revealing insights that underscore the urgency of proactive interventions.

The study sheds light on significance of early detection in combatting breast cancer. Regular screening( every 6 months), particularly among women aged 40 to 60+, substantially enhances the likelihood of detecting cancer at its early stage when treatment efficacy is maximized.

However, the research also unveils the diverse barriers impeding women from undergoing screening, elucidating key themes underlying these challenges. Psychological and emotional barriers emerge as one of prominent themes, reflecting deep-seated fears and apprehensions surrounding breast cancer screening, often aggravated by emotional distress or reluctance to confront potential health issues.

Similarly, lack of awareness regarding the screening process, with prevailing misconceptions, perpetuates ignorance until symptoms manifest or as familial patterns emerge. Moreover, the crucial role of family support surfaces as a pivotal factor in motivating women to undergo screening, emphasizing the familial encouragement irrespective of gender.

Financial constraints also pose a barriers, underscoring the urgency of raising awareness among support networks to alleviate financial burdens and promote proactive health-seeking behaviours. Furthermore, the study underscores the instrumental role of healthcare providers, particularly gynaecologists and primary care physicians, in psycho-educating patients regarding breast cancer screening.

By addressing emotional concerns and clarifying the screening process, medical professionals play a vital role in fostering a supportive environment conducive to proactive health behaviours. Therefore, these findings underscore the multifaceted nature of breast cancer screening attitudes and advocate for a holistic approach to enhance screening behaviours.

By combining awareness, education, emotional support, and community involvement, we can dismantle barriers and empower women to prioritize their health. This International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to women’s health by advocating for regular screenings, fostering open communication with healthcare providers, and empowering women to take charge of their well-being.

Together, we can champion early detection and pave the path towards improved breast cancer outcomes, saving lives and fostering a healthier future for women worldwide.

References

World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2023, July 12). Breast cancer. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20there%20were%202.3,the%20world’s%20most%20prevalent%20cancer.