Stop ignoring your health, lady

In the process of looking after their families, women often neglect their own health concerns. This can prove disastrous in the long run, caution experts...
Delayed detection is the main reason for death due to an illness
Women usually give secondary importance to health. For them, family comes first. However, they forget that unless they are fit, their family will not be healthy. It is essential for women to think about themselves and give priority to their health. I have seen a number of cases in which early detection of cancer has saved lives. Delayed detection is one of the main reasons for death due to an illness. Educating women on the benefits of regular screening is essential. I would advise women to go for regular health check-ups.
Seven years ago, I noticed a lump in my breast. After consultation with the doctor, the lump was removed with surgery and I got to know that it was a cancerous growth. My doctor then advised me to go for chemotherapy and radiation. This is normal protocol to lead a safer life after the removal of cancerous tumours. I did not feel the pain during surgery as I had detected the lump early. Moreover, I was just 39 years old and otherwise in good health. Now, I go to schools and colleges to spread awareness on breast cancer. With our fast-paced lifestyle and change in food habits, it has become all the more important to be conscious about our health.
— Seema Dhillon, cancer survivor & activist
Urinary infections can be caused due to gynaecological problems
Women are more prone to urological problems because the urethra is short. In addition, they overlook urinary problems making them prone to nephritis or even kidney failure. Passing urine at regular intervals and not storing it for long is an important precaution women need to take. Urinary infections can be caused due to gynaecological problems as well. Women also need to investigate health concerns that crop up because of menopause. They may have to undergo hormone replacement therapy to restore the level of estrogen that gets reduced after menopause. Estrogen is essential for the elasticity of the urethra.
— Dr Arun Jamkar, dean, BJ Medical College & Sassoon General Hospital
An active lifestyle and good eating habits are essential
Obesity brings many problems in its wake. During adolescence, girls undergo many hormonal and behavioural changes due to the onset of menstruation. This may lead to sudden changes in their weight as well. Moreover, obesity can be genetic or even due to unhealthy eating habits. In the reproductive stage, women have to be more conscious about their health and being overweight can cause problems during delivery. After menopause, the change in hormone levels can lead to other health issues. However, at this stage, obesity becomes only a bariatric problem that needs to be addressed differently. An active lifestyle and good eating habits with regular exercise can help keep obesity at bay.
— Dr Shrihari Dhorepatil, obesity surgeon & founder, Obesity Surgery Society Of India

Cervical cancer can be detected in the pre-cancerial stage
Cervical cancer is easy to detect with regular screening. Women who are past their reproductive age must get the Pap smear test done once in three years. Though cervical cancer is more prevalent in the low-income group, women from all strata of society should get themselves screened. The cervical cancer vaccine helps to fight against the virus that leads to this cancer.
The basic problem in India is the lack of awareness among women. Regular check-ups are essential for prevention and early detection. Cervical cancer can be detected in the pre-cancerial stage because of which the pain of chemotherapy can also be avoided.
People have a notion that if something is detected, they would have to undergo surgery and painful treatment. However, they do not understand that in the pre-cancerial stage, surgery can be minimal and chemotherapy and radiation can be avoided completely. The government must make women in rural and semi-urban areas more aware about the need to go for tests.
— Dr CB Koppiker, founder, Prashanti Cancer Care Mission
& chief oncologist, Jehangir Hospital

Women must not wait for any symptoms to undergo screening
After turning 30, women should go for routine check-ups every three years. A gynaecological examination and breast self-examination palpation techniques can help identify any abnormality. These are specifically for women who have menstrual complaints, vaginal discharge, family history of cancer or even early delivery. The Pap smear test, colposcopy of the cervix and breast self-examination are essential for early diagnosis and can also help in prevention of cancer. Women must not wait for symptoms to undergo these tests, which are essentially for cancer screening. They are just like the blood sugar or haemoglobin tests. Women usually avoid taking any tests. There is a solution for this, but the government will have to play its part. It can make these tests and regular health check-ups compulsory when women go for the renewal of their licences or government documents.
The vaccines for cancer or rubella should be made mandatory and must be administered to girls taking admission to college. This could prevent problems that may arise in the future.
— Dr Meenakshi Deshpande, gynaecologist, Vatsalya Hospital

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