When we talk about women’s health, most people think of breast and reproductive health, but the reality is there are other big health issues that need to be on our radars.
In fact, when it comes to looking after ourselves there are four major players that we’re seeing within the medical world; mental health, bowel health, cardiovascular health and skin health.
Here I breakdown for you exactly what those health issues are, the stats around them, and how we can be combating them both personally and in-step with professional advice.
Mental health
It’s the 21st century, so by now we should all know that mental health deserves as much attention as physical health.
That being said, it can be far too easy to let your mental health take a backseat once your schedule fills up and free time is hard to come by. But if the stats are anything to go by (which they are) mental health needs to be a priority.
Let’s take a look at the data, as well as the healthy habits you can implement to keep your mental health in check.
The stats
- 1/6 women will develop depression in their lifetime and 1/3 will develop anxiety
- Women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD
- 1/6 women will experience postnatal depression/ anxiety in the first 12 months after they’ve given birth
What to do
- Don’t underestimate simple lifestyle measures that can make a big difference to mental health: exercise has proven benefits to prevent and treat depression and anxiety; any movement is good and it should ideally be something that you enjoy and can work into a daily habit.
- Moderation of caffeine, alcohol and other drugs can also help.
- See your GP if you are concerned about your mood, or if someone else has raised concerns for you.
- Mental health screening (with EPDS) should be part of routine pregnancy and postnatal care.
Bowel health
You might not hear about it as often as breast or skin cancer, but the stats show that bowel cancer should be on your radar.
It’s the second most common and third most deadly cancer in women. Although, it is highly treatable and in most cases can be cured if detected early, which is why it’s so important to undertake regular screenings.
The stats
- Bowel cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in women (after breast cancer) and the third most deadly cancer in women
- 1/15 Australian women will develop bowel cancer in their lifetime
- Each year 12% of women diagnosed with bowel cancer are under 50 years old
What to do
- Bowel cancer screening with stool testing (Faecal Occult Blood Test or FOBT) – this is posted to Australians but can also be arranged through your GP. The recommendation is for screening every 2 years from 45 years old; the starting age was recently brought down from 50 due to increased incidence of bowel cancer in younger people.
- It’s important to know that bowel cancer screening is only appropriate if you have no symptoms- it’s designed to pick up early signs of cancer before it’s symptomatic.
- If you have any of the symptoms listed below, then more definitive testing is usually required such as colonoscopy.
- If you have a family history of bowel cancer then ask your GP about how this changes screening advice – colonoscopy might be recommended in addition to the FOBT screening.
- See your GP ASAP if you notice blood in your poo, a recent persistent change in bowel habits, abdominal pain or swelling, a change in shape of poo or a new lump in your anus or rectum.
Cardiovascular health
Bolstering your cardiovascular health is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease – which is the biggest killer of Australian women and is largely influenced by lifestyle factors.
The solution to improving your cardiovascular health isn’t as simple as adding an extra cardio workout to your weekly routine though.
Heart health is typically indicative of overall lifestyle and regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels could be necessary to stay on top of it.
The stats
- Heart disease is the number one killer of Australian women and it kills 3 times more women than breast cancer
- A history of gestational diabetes or pre eclampsia in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of heart disease later in life
- Symptoms of heart attack can be different in women to the “classical” symptoms that men more commonly experience – women are more likely to experience pain in the neck, back or jaw (rather than chest); it may be associated with nausea/ vomiting, sweatiness and shortness of breath
- Women are more likely to have a delayed or missed diagnosis as a result
What to do
- Talk to your GP about monitoring your blood pressure, blood sugars and cholesterol levels as these are all linked with heart disease.
- If you have a family history of heart disease, referral to a cardiologist for screening may be appropriate.
- Seek urgent medical attention if you are experiencing the symptoms above; in particular if they occur with exercise or are ongoing.
Skin health
A health issue that is far more prevalent in Australia than anywhere else in the world, skin cancer is one of the most common cancer among Australian women – particularly young women.
Here, the answer is really quite simple. Wear some sun screen with high SPF protection and stay on top of any strange moles or lesions that appear.
The stats
- Melanoma is the most common cancer in 20-39 year old Australians and the 3rd most common cancer in women overall.
- Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world and 1 Australian dies of melanoma every 6 hours.
What to do
- Protect that skin! Wear daily SPF protection on your face, neck, chest and hands. Wear a hat and protective clothing and if possible, stay out of direct sunlight if possible in the hottest part of the day.
- Monitor your own skin regularly and see a GP ASAP if you notice a new or changing skin lesion.
- Ask your GP about how often you should be getting a full body screening skin check – it will depend on your skin type and other risk factors.
Dr Eliza Hannam is a GP Lactation consultant and Possums NDC. Hannam believes in holistic care when it comes to health. She is particularly interested in lactation and breastfeeding support, women and children’s health and infant sleep support.
