Top Women’s Health Risks

Women’s Wellness: Know Your Risks

When it comes to your health, knowing your risk of developing diseases and conditions is important. In light of World Health Day, here are some of the top health risks that affect women and identify their warning signs.

Heart Disease

Often thought of as a “men’s disease,” heart disease affects women at a similar rate. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, however only about half of women know that heart disease should be on their radar for health concerns.

Warning Signs

Although many women display no symptoms of heart disease, others may experience the following:

• Angina (chest pain)
• Pain radiating in the neck, jaw, or throat
• Abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Nausea or vomiting during physical activity

Certain Cancers

Although everyone is at risk for developing cancer regardless of gender, there are certain types of cancer that are more prevalent in women. The cancers that affect women the most often include:

• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Lung cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Skin cancer
• Ovarian cancer

Along with leading an active and healthy lifestyle, it is important to stay up-to-date on routine physical, well-woman visits, and other health screenings. This is because early detection is key when it comes to diagnosing and effectively treating most forms of cancer.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a loss of bladder resulting in a leakage of urine. Although this issue affect both men and women, there are two types of urinary incontinence that are more commonly found in women:

• Overactive bladder (OAB)
• Stress urinary incontinence (SUI)

While urinary incontinence can affect women at any stage of life, it most commonly affects women in their later years. This can be attributed to previous childbirth as well as hormonal changes with age.

Primary Care in Titusville

When it comes to supporting your health, it is important to find a family care doctor you can trust. The family doctors at Parrish Medical Group Family Medicine treat patients throughout all stages of your life, providing you with the insight, resources, and preventative care you need to live happily and healthily.

Whether you’re in need of a regular check-up or you have a health concern, contact Parrish Medical Group Family Medicine at 321-268-6111 to schedule your next visit.