Top 5 Women’s Health Issues You Need to Know About

Cancer

Breast cancer gets a lot of attention from pink ribbons, fundraising races, and Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. After skin cancer, it’s the most common type of cancer in women. However, breast cancer isn’t your only risk. Colorectal cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer are also prevalent in women. Most types of cancer don’t cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages, so having routine screenings such as mammograms, Pap smears, and colonoscopies are critical to early diagnosis and treatment. Talk to your Maiden Lane Medical healthcare provider about how frequently you should have cancer screenings. 

Stroke

Women are not only more likely than men to experience a stroke, but they’re more likely to die from a stroke. While many of the risk factors for stroke are the same in men and women, you face additional risk factors as a woman, including:

• Pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester and postpartum
• If you had preeclampsia during pregnancy
• Use birth control pills
• Have hormone replacement therapy
• Experience migraines with aura
• Have atrial fibrillation

You can reduce your risk of stroke by staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining healthy body weight. If you have health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes, make sure to work with your healthcare provider to control your disease and protect your health.