Cancer in Women: More Than a Health Crisis, It's a Social Battle

• For women, a cancer diagnosis extends beyond medical treatment, impacting homes, workplaces, relationships, and identity, exposing deep social inequalities.
• Dr. Geeta Kadayaprath highlights that Indian women face a disproportionate cancer burden, especially breast and gynecological cancers, with social realities delaying care.
• Many women postpone screenings due to family needs, household responsibilities, and social expectations, leading to late detection which can be fatal for cancers like breast and cervical cancer.
• Social stigma, fear of abandonment, and economic dependency further compound the problem, with healthcare investments often prioritized for men.
• Addressing cancer in women requires a societal shift, integrating counseling, survivorship planning, and empowering women to prioritize their health without guilt.