May 28th is a day when the world reminds us: women's health is not just about childbirth and gynecology. It's about the heart, bones, hormones, stress, violence, nutrition. The International Day of Action for Women's Health has been celebrated since 1987. It's not a red day on the calendar, but it's very important. Because women get sick differently than men. And they often keep silent. Why Do We Need This Day The goal is to draw attention to issues that are not talked about. Breast cancer, endometriosis, cervical cancer, postpartum depression, menopause, domestic violence. Women are ashamed, afraid, put off visiting the doctor. As a result, diseases develop. Secondly, inequality in medicine. Until recently, all drugs were tested on men, and then given to women in smaller doses. And women have a different metabolism. A heart attack in a woman is not like a man's — not chest pain, but nausea, fatigue, jaw pain. Doctors often do not recognize it. Thirdly, accessibility. In poor countries, women cannot afford tampons, pads, contraception, examinations. The International Day of Action for Women's Health is lobbying for free healthcare, sanitation education, combating child marriage and mutilating operations (female circumcision). Major Threats to Women's Health According to WHO data, the main killers of women aged 30-70 are cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks, strokes), breast cancer, lung cancer (smoking), type 2 diabetes (obesity), depression, and suicide. In poor countries, complications of pregnancy and childbirth, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). But it can be prevented by vaccinating adolescent girls and regular Pap smears. In many countries, vaccination is free. In Russia, it is paid, but from 2024 it has been included in the vaccination calendar in some regions. Endometriosis is a disease when the cells of the uterine lining grow outside of it. One in ten women s ... Read more