Make health a priority this Women’s Health Month

As part of the inflight safety announcement, passengers are reminded to put on their own oxygen mask before helping others. Though sound advice in the air, the same philosophy applies in everyday life. In order to help those around us, we must first take care of our own well-being.

Observed annually in May, Women’s Health Month is a poignant reminder to prioritize women’s well-being. The month-long observance aims to raise awareness about health issues that affect women and emphasizes the importance of early detection and preventive care.

“Women who undergo routine cancer screenings are able to detect problems earlier, when they are more treatable,” said Monica Ferguson, M.D., MSHP, who is a Providence Medical Group internal medicine physician and the regional medical director for quality and health equity in Northern California. “Other screenings, such as for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, can enable women to be proactive towards their health and prevent disease.”

Highlighting the importance of annual screenings, a research study by UC San Diego Health found that delays in routine screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase of stage IV colorectal and breast cancer diagnoses.

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. However, when detected early through mammograms and clinical breast exams, the survival rate increases dramatically.

Other health screenings include:

• Pap tests that detect cervical cancer
• Bone density tests that can identify osteoporosis
• Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer
• Blood pressure, cholesterol screening and heart health assessments to prevent and detect cardiovascular diseases

Be empowered and empower the women in your life to take proactive steps towards a healthier future. Schedule a
screening or contact a Providence physician today.