Home Health Busy Life, Ignored Health: Why Women Must Prioritize Regular Check-Ups

Busy Life, Ignored Health: Why Women Must Prioritize Regular Check-Ups

From balancing careers to caring for families, women often neglect their own health, increasing the risk of serious illnesses like cancer. Insights by Dr. Akhila Bomma Reddy, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre, Talegaon

Busy woman balancing work and home responsibilities while ignoring her health and medical check-ups
Dr. Akhila Bomma Reddy, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre, Talegaon

Right from juggling careers to managing household responsibilities, a large number of women tend to ignore their health. They feel embarrassed, guilty, and anxious, avoid opening up about their health issues, and suffer in silence. Ignoring their well-being can not only raise the chances of serious health issues but also of cancer. Hence, women should focus on their health without any further delay. It is essential to schedule regular check-ups and follow-ups with the doctor to improve the quality of life.

Currently, women are trying to strike a balance between professional and personal life. They are shouldering multiple responsibilities related to work and family. However, due to the hectic schedules, health often takes a backseat. Women tend to skip regular check-ups, thinking they don’t need them, ignore symptoms, and delay consulting the doctor. But, doing so is not at all advisable for them. Women should exercise caution when it comes to their health and schedule timely appointments with the doctor. While this may seem manageable in the short term, over time it can lead to serious health issues. One of the biggest concerns is the rising risk of cancers among women, many of which can be treated successfully if detected early, and lives can be saved.

Common cancers seen in women: Breast cancer is commonly seen in women aged 25-65. The signs women shouldn’t miss are a lump, a change in breast shape, or nipple discharge. Cervical cancer is associated with infection, and symptoms may include abnormal bleeding or discharge. Even ovarian cancer is harder to detect early. But women should pay attention to signs such as bloating, pelvic pain, or feeling full quickly, which are often ignored.  Uterine (endometrial) cancer can present as irregular or post-menopausal bleeding. Hence, it will be imperative for women to schedule regular health check-ups with the doctor.

Keep in mind: Women shouldn’t dismiss warning signs such as unusual pain, bleeding, or unexplained weight loss. Go for regular screenings like mammograms, Pap smears, and pelvic exams to know your health status.  Eat a balanced diet, exercise daily, get a sound sleep at night, de-stress by doing yoga and meditation, and quit smoking and alcohol. Make time for routine health check-ups, even if you feel fine. Early detection saves lives, and every woman deserves the chance to stay healthy and strong.

Previous articleWhy Do Relationships Change After a Few Years of Marriage?
His camera is his canvas. Photojournalist Azhar Khan is best known for his travel-based stories and women-centric articles, besides his lens eyes that cover Bollywood. With over a decade in journalism, Azhar Khan's works have featured in Indian and International media including Mid-Day, HT Media Ltd, Mumbai Mirror, Chitralekha Magazine, Metro Now (Delhi), Urban Asian, Getty Images, Warner Bros. Pictures, BBC, Alamy News, Sopa Images, Pacific News Agencies, among others.