Health and Me

Dr. Akshat Malik

Her Health, Her Power: A Call to Action This International Women's Day

She wakes before dawn, packs lunches, manages households, holds careers together, and still finds time to ask everyone else, "Are you okay?" The Indian woman is, in every sense, the backbone of her family. And yet, in giving so much of herself to others, she often becomes the last person she takes care of.

This International Women's Day, that needs to change.

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">Cancer</a> remains one of the gravest health threats facing Indian women today.

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/breast-cancer">Breast cancer</a> has become the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Indian women — and unlike in Western countries, it is striking women in their 30s and 40s, at the very peak of their lives.

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cervical-cancer">Cervical cancer</a>, though almost entirely preventable, continues to claim thousands of lives every year — not because medicine has failed, but because awareness has.

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/ovarian-cancer">Ovarian cancer</a>, often called the "silent killer," is frequently caught only at advanced stages, making early vigilance all the more critical.

Thyroid <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a> is emerging as a cancer that disproportionately affects women — occurring nearly three times more often in women than men. The good news is that it is also one of the most treatable cancers when detected early.

Women who notice a lump or swelling in the neck, unexplained hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing should not dismiss these signs. 

A simple ultrasound and blood test can go a long way in ruling out — or catching — a problem early. The truth, however, is not bleak — it is urgent. 

Most cancers, when found at an early stage, are highly treatable. Women above 40 should schedule regular clinical breast examinations and mammography. 

Cervical cancer screening through a Pap smear or HPV test, starting as early as age 25–30, can detect precancerous changes before they ever become cancer. These tests are quick, safe, and available — what they need most is for women to simply show up.

Prevention, too, begins with everyday choices. Avoiding tobacco in all its forms — cigarettes, gutka, paan — is the single most powerful step. Regular physical activity, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and getting the "HPV vaccine" (ideally between ages 9 and 14) can dramatically reduce cancer risk.

And perhaps just as importantly: listen to your body. An unusual lump, unexplained bleeding, or a symptom that won't go away is not something to push aside for later. Later can cost everything.

A healthy woman builds a healthy family — and a healthy nation. This Women's Day, let's give every woman around us the most meaningful gift possible: the reminder that her health is not selfish, it is essential.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Womens Day 2026

HPV vaccine

International Womens Day

Cervical cancer

Breast cancer

Cancer

Ovarian cancer

Thyroid cancer

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She wakes before dawn, packs lunches, manages households, holds careers together, and still finds time to ask everyone else, "Are you okay?" The Indian woman is, in every sense, the backbone of her family. And yet, in giving so much of herself to others, she often becomes the last person she takes care of.This International Women's Day, that needs to change.Cancer remains one of the gravest health threats facing Indian women today. Breast cancer has become the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Indian women — and unlike in Western countries, it is striking women in their 30s and 40s, at the very peak of their lives. Cervical cancer, though almost entirely preventable, continues to claim thousands of lives every year — not because medicine has failed, but because awareness has. Ovarian cancer, often called the "silent killer," is frequently caught only at advanced stages, making early vigilance all the more critical. Thyroid cancer is emerging as a cancer that disproportionately affects women — occurring nearly three times more often in women than men. The good news is that it is also one of the most treatable cancers when detected early. Women who notice a lump or swelling in the neck, unexplained hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing should not dismiss these signs. A simple ultrasound and blood test can go a long way in ruling out — or catching — a problem early. The truth, however, is not bleak — it is urgent. Early Detection Saves LivesMost cancers, when found at an early stage, are highly treatable. Women above 40 should schedule regular clinical breast examinations and mammography. Cervical cancer screening through a Pap smear or HPV test, starting as early as age 25–30, can detect precancerous changes before they ever become cancer. These tests are quick, safe, and available — what they need most is for women to simply show up.Prevention, too, begins with everyday choices. Avoiding tobacco in all its forms — cigarettes, gutka, paan — is the single most powerful step. Regular physical activity, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and getting the "HPV vaccine" (ideally between ages 9 and 14) can dramatically reduce cancer risk. And perhaps just as importantly: listen to your body. An unusual lump, unexplained bleeding, or a symptom that won't go away is not something to push aside for later. Later can cost everything.A healthy woman builds a healthy family — and a healthy nation. This Women's Day, let's give every woman around us the most meaningful gift possible: the reminder that her health is not selfish, it is essential.