Women’s Health

When we talk about health inequalities, we often think of minority communities such as the Latino population. However, these disparities also affect other groups, including women in general. Recognizing this reality is the first step toward promoting more equitable, informed, and preventive care.

In general terms, the main causes of mortality in women are cardiovascular diseases, cancer, cerebrovascular events or strokes, chronic lung diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease. In Latina women, the causes are very similar, although the order may vary slightly, with cancer and cardiovascular diseases being the most frequent. Cerebrovascular events, Alzheimer’s, and non-accidental injuries are also prominent. These figures remind us that prevention and early detection are fundamental tools to change the course of these statistics.

For many years, the erroneous belief prevailed that cardiovascular diseases primarily affected men and were less common in women. Today we know that this perception contributed to delays in diagnosis and timely treatment in the female population, creating disparities in medical care that still persist. Therefore, it is essential that women do not ignore symptoms such as pain or pressure in the chest, difficulty breathing, unusual fatigue, or a decrease in their ability to perform usual physical activities. Listening to your body and seeking timely medical evaluation can make a difference.

The good news is that many of the leading causes of illness and death share similar prevention strategies. Reducing or eliminating harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is a fundamental step. Adopting a balanced diet is also key, ensuring that a significant part of daily consumption includes fruits and vegetables. A Mediterranean diet pattern, based on olive oil, vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish—especially salmon—and nuts, has shown significant benefits for cardiovascular and brain health.

Regular physical activity constitutes another essential pillar in prevention. Staying consistently active, whether by walking daily or practicing a sport several times a week, helps reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular events, and cognitive decline. Consistency, more than extreme intensity, is the true ally of long-term health. A central component of prevention is having a primary care physician and visiting for a check-up at least once a year, even when there are no symptoms.

These visits allow for the evaluation of risk factors, updating of vaccines, and early cancer screening tests. There are vaccines that prevent certain types of cancer, such as the Hepatitis B vaccine, which protects against liver cancer, and the Human Papillomavirus vaccine, which prevents various types of cancer, especially cervical cancer. Timely vaccination, along with appropriate screenings according to age, constitutes a powerful prevention tool.

Screening for colon cancer, mammograms for breast cancer detection, and gynecological tests for early detection of cervical cancer are part of standard medical recommendations and have proven to save lives when performed in a timely manner. Early detection not only increases the chances of successful treatment but also reduces complications and long-term costs.

Finally, no less important is the community and family commitment to preventing non-accidental injuries and domestic violence. Health is not solely an individual responsibility; it is also a collective effort that requires information, access, and support. In many communities, health services are available even for people without health insurance or with limited resources. Seeking medical guidance and taking advantage of available resources is an act of responsibility and care toward oneself and one’s family. Prevention saves lives, and information is the first step to achieving it.