Time to Act on Women’s Health: Turning Commitment Into Impact

Women's health is intricately linked to the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which include conditions such as Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases. These ailments are leading causes of mortality and morbidity among women worldwide. The risk factors for NCDs, such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful use of alcohol, often intersect with gender-specific factors, including reproductive health issues, hormonal changes, and access to healthcare.

While thinking about women's health, there's a lot to consider. CVDs and cancer are among the top health risks, and little is done to holistically understand their manifestation and complications during survival from these incidents. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, accounting for 1 in 4 annual cancer cases worldwide and being the most common cancer in women in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region, with an estimated incidence of 576,300 in 2020.

CVDs are the leading cause of death in women in Europe and worldwide. Heart attacks in women, which account for one-third of all female deaths globally, have worse outcomes and higher mortality than in men. Women face unique health challenges that can influence the development and progression of NCDs. For instance, CVDs manifest differently in women, often leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment.

Addressing NCDs in women necessitates a comprehensive approach that includes promoting healthy lifestyles, ensuring early detection through regular screenings, and providing equitable access to healthcare services. Public health initiatives must consider the social determinants of health, such as education, income, and social support, which disproportionately affect women. By prioritizing women's health in NCD prevention and control efforts, we can improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for women globally.