Research shows that when women take care of themselves, the health of their families improves. But as the primary caregivers for their children, spouses and parents, women too often neglect their own health care needs while tending to the priorities of others.
Smart Business spoke to Linda Chung, M.D., obstetrician/gynecologist at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, and Jane Kakkis, M.D., medical director of breast surgery at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center, to learn more.
Do certain diseases affect men and women differently?
While heart disease is the leading cause of death for males and females, underdiagnosis and subtle, often silent, symptoms result in more women than men dying from the disease. For women, symptoms may include nausea or dizziness; uncomfortable pressure or tightness; squeezing, fullness or heaviness in the chest that does not go away in a few minutes; cold sweats or pounding heart; pain radiating up the shoulders and neck or down the arms or back; difficulty breathing; and/or shortness of breath. Men say they feel crushing chest pain, like an elephant sitting on their chest. Activities as simple as lunchtime walking routines, desk exercises and replacing unhealthy snacks and sweets with vegetables and fruit can help reduce the risk.
Has there been progress in breast cancer?
Thanks to education and awareness, coupled with early detection and better treatment, breast cancer survival rates have improved 2 percent annually over the last decade. Like other chronic diseases, it’s important to practice prevention by exercising, controlling your weight and limiting alcohol intake. Informing your doctor of family history, and having yearly mammograms and clinical breast exams are key to early detection. Although controversial, we believe there is a benefit for women to examine their breasts every month.
The MemorialCare Breast Centers are nationally recognized for their comprehensive approach to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Each center uses the latest technology and techniques to aid in early detection and deliver the most advanced and coordinated treatment options.
What about female cancers?
Women are at risk for gynecological cancers that attack the tissues and organs of the reproductive system, and include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers. While the symptoms vary by the type of cancer, they may include pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, persistent abdominal swelling or bloating, ongoing bowel changes, like constipation and diarrhea, and unintended weight loss or gain.
Risks can be reduced by getting regular pap smears, avoiding smoking and limiting exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus that in some cases, when it is left undetected or untreated, may progress into cervical cancer.
