Cancer will impact one in three women in her lifetime. While breast cancer has the highest awareness of all cancers, many other forms are equally prevalent in women. Whether a patient, survivor, caretaker, or friend, it’s important to understand the diversity of cancer issues impacting women’s health.
International Women’s Day is a global movement celebrating women’s achievements and focusing on important topics, like women’s health. To honor this day, we asked physicians across Texas Oncology’s network to share ways women of all ages can take control of their health.
Women need to put themselves first and take the time to care for their health. This includes annual physical exams with their internist and seeing their gynecologist. It is a time to discuss all aspects of health: physical and emotional. Women are the natural caregivers of our families and of society. Only by taking care of ourselves first, are we able to take care of others.”
Gurjyot “Gury” K. Doshi, M.D., Texas Oncology–Bellville, Houston Memorial City, and Katy
Women’s health care should extend beyond just reproductive health. I would use this day as a reminder to all women to make the time to care for yourself and get your cancer screenings. In addition to mammograms, women still need a gynecologic exam and screening for cervical cancer.”
Angela S. Kueck, M.D., FACOG, FACS, Texas Oncology–Horizon Circle and Austin North
The obesity epidemic should be getting more attention than it currently does … In my lifetime, I’ve seen a dramatic increase in obesity-related uterine cancer in my patient population. Most women aren’t aware of the relationship between obesity and uterine cancer, but it increases the likelihood of developing uterine cancer, as well as the risk of recurrence and death.”
Carolyn M. Matthews, M.D., Texas Oncology–Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center Gynecologic Oncology, Midland Allison Cancer Center, and Paris
Make sure you know your family history of cancer and share it with your physician. If your family has multiple family members with cancer, it might signal that you have an increased risk of cancer that deserves special consideration, in terms of cancer screening.”
Paula D. Ryan, M.D., Ph.D., Texas Oncology–The Woodlands
Early detection is the key to cure. That is why we stress to women the critical importance of a colonoscopy, pap smear, and mammogram. It is of utmost importance that women understand that screening procedures are not just ‘another test.’ Early detection of cancer allows for less morbid treatment, improved survival, decreased chance of recurrence, and improved outcomes overall.”
Rachel A. Weinheimer, M.D., Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Amarillo