Women tend to be the coordinators and decisionmakers for their entire family’s healthcare. The United States Department of Labor found women make approximately 80% of the health care decisions for their families. And when someone in the family is ill, the women are usually the caregivers.
The time, organization and stress of these responsibilities can be taxing, and women may put their own health needs on the back burner while taking care of everyone else. For example, a survey found that women were roughly 35% more likely to skip their own health care, for a variety of reasons. And that can have consequences, as health screenings and disease prevention help women stay healthy, keep chronic conditions in check and avoid illness.
The state of women’s health
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, several chronic conditions are more prevalent in women than in men, including:
- Arthritis: a nearly 8% disparity in diagnoses
- Obesity: a 1.8% disparity in diagnoses
- Asthma: a 5.7% disparity in diagnoses
Several additional rising health concerns affect women in the U.S.
Breast Cancer
The incidence of breast cancer is rising by about one percent each year for all women. However, the increase is higher in women under age 50. Some factors that increase the risk of getting breast cancer before age 50 include excess weight, having a first child after age 30, or never having children.
Often, there are no symptoms before a woman receives a breast cancer diagnosis. This is why it’s so important to keep up with proper screenings for early detection. Finding cancer in its early stages before it spreads offers the best chance for successful treatment.
Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer cases are rising by about 3% per year among both men and women under age 50. Since early detection is crucial for better treatment outcomes, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its guidelines to recommend colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45. Previously, it was age 50.
Cardiovascular Disease
Roughly six in every 10 women in the U.S. are projected to have at least one type of cardiovascular disease by 2050. A study from the American Heart Association projects a meaningful increase among women for heart disease, stroke, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, are all increasing.
According to the report, if current trends continue, by 2050 roughly 60% of women will have high blood pressure and more than 60% of women will have obesity.
Prevention – the key word for managing women’s health
Women can help to manage or even prevent some health conditions by staying current on health screenings and maintaining habits like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and sleeping between seven and eight hours per night. Not only do healthy habits like these help prolong a person’s lifespan, they help keep individuals from paying for expensive care.
For example, new guidelines have lowered the age for initial cholesterol screening from 40 to 30. This helps to identify an individual’s risk earlier so they can incorporate lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay development of heart disease.
Women should make sure to stay up to date on their annual health exams – including necessary health screenings – and talk with their primary care providers about prevention plans customized to their needs.
Amy Milewski is vice president of clinical partnerships and associate chief medical officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For more health tips and information visit bcbsm.mibluedaily.com.
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