05 The need for open dialogue on women’s health

tality rates can be attributed to early detection through screening increased awareness and advancements in treatment options However the decline in mortality rates has slightly decelerated in recent years

Oncogenes tumour suppressor genes and DNA repair genes are the most common types of cancer-related genes Consequently, cancer may have a genetic and hereditary component Women who inherit certain gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 are at a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer Reproductive history also plays a role as early onset of menstruation before the age of 12 and later onset of menopause after the age of 55 expose women to hormones for longer periods, increasing their susceptibility to breast cancer

NO doubt women are among the most delicate and fragile creations of the Almighty Regrettably, this delicate creation is plagued by significant health issues It is disconcerting to observe our reluctance to openly discuss these major health concerns affecting women

Despite living in an era characterized by technological advancements and modernity we continue to exhibit behaviour akin to that of uneducated individuals To delve into the matter at hand, the major health issues faced by women include breast cancer, depression, infertility heart problems osteoporosis and many others The lack of confidence and awareness hinders women from seeking appropriate medical assistance

As previously mentioned breast cancer stands out as one of the primary health issues that continues to escalate day by day Cancer is generally characterized by uncontrolled growth of certain cells within the body, which then spread rapidly to other areas Breast cancer specifically refers to the uncontrollable growth of cells within the breast It is worth noting that breast cancer encompasses various types depending on which cells in the breast undergo cancerous transformation and cause complications Breast cancer can originate from different regions within the breast Primarily, breast cancer affects middle-aged and older women, with the median age of diagnosis being 62 This implies that half of the women diagnosed with breast cancer are 62 years of age or younger

The occurrence of breast cancer among teenagers is exceedingly rare while it is more prevalent among older individuals Regrettably, breast cancer stands as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, surpassed only by lung cancer The likelihood of a woman succumbing to breast cancer is approximately 1 in 39 (around 2 5 percent) worldwide However breast cancer mortality rates have steadily decreased since 1989 experiencing an overall decline of 43 percent until 2020 Unfortunately in 2023 breast cancer rates have shown a resurgence The reduction in mor-

A healthy diet stands as the most effective preventive measure against breast cancer It is crucial to maintain a balanced diet that fulfills the body’s nutritional requirements Additionally avoiding radiation and chemical exposure is another preventive measure Many women unknowingly subject themselves to various chemicals and treatments in pursuit of beauty, often oblivious to the potential harm caused by these substances, ultimately leading to adverse health effects It is imperative to enhance awareness about breast cancer among women instilling confidence and eliminating any reluctance or hesitance that may hinder effective communication It is worth mentioning that the World Health Organization commemorates the International Day against Breast Cancer on October 19, aiming to raise awareness and facilitate women’s access to timely and effective screening, diagnosis, and treatment

Ever yone must adopt a stress-free routine and maintain a healthy diet to safeguard against various diseases that weaken the body. The government must initiate comprehensive awareness programmes on womenÊs health issues. In this era of modernization and technology, it is crucial to raise awareness among our youth and nation to eliminate health problems from our countr y