Womens Month is an important event that celebrates womens contributions to society. Beyond recognizing their achievements, this month is also a significant platform for addressing critical issues on women empowerment, including womens wellness.
A study by the global medical technology company Hologic revealed that the Philippines lags behind its Southeast Asian neighbors when it comes to women’s healthcare, placing second to the lowest in the region.
Supporting women’s health is the key to advancing their economic power. When women have access and options for their health, they are more physically and mentally ready to build and manage their own financial capability as well as contribute to their family’s finances.
This Women’s Month is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness on the state of women’s health in the country.
Here are five facts that every Filipina must know about their wellness:
The country suffers from “period poverty.”
Menstrual health advocates and public health experts highlighted the urgent issue of period poverty in the Philippines. More than the inadequate access to menstrual products and hygiene facilities, period poverty is also about the lack of discourse, information, and education on the importance of menstrual health.
The stigma surrounding menstruation makes it difficult for people, especially young girls, to participate in conversations about menstruating, preventing them from learning healthy hygiene habits.
Nearly five million Filipinas struggle with PCOS.
Around 4.5 million Filipinas have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition affecting the ovaries, resulting in irregular, unusual or very long periods. This hormonal imbalance commonly causes acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth. It also increases one’s risk of long-term complications, such as diabetes and ovarian cancer.
While there is no known cure for PCOS, patients can manage their symptoms and potential complications through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise and stress management.
Severe period pain is not normal, despite what many believe.
Many women do not seek medical attention despite suffering from excessively painful periods, believing the pain is a normal part of menstruation. However, severe period pain is not normal and might be a symptom of a serious health condition, such as PCOS.
One common condition that causes secondary dysmenorrhea or extremely painful period cramps is endometriosis. According to the annual census of the Philippine General Hospital, endometriosis accounts for 15% to 20% of obstetrics and gynecology consults annually and 7.9% of surgeries for benign gynecologic diseases.
Uterine fibroids are another common condition among Filipinas. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the wall of the uterus. A study published by the Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology revealed 77% of women have uterine fibroids. Between 30% and 40% of these women show symptoms such as bleeding between periods, pain during intercourse, and periods that last longer than normal.
Good mental health is harder to achieve for Filipino women.
A 2023 study found that Filipino women find it more difficult to achieve good mental health than men. This is because women face “unique pressures and worries” that contribute to their poor mental health. These include gender bias in the workplace and higher demands to perform domestic duties compared to men, especially childcare.
This finding on womens poor mental health highlights the need for women-specific comprehensive health services and plans, including counseling. To further transform mental health responsive communities, the government implemented strategies across different agencies and educational institutions.
Breast cancer is among the top leading causes of death among Filipino women.
Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that breast cancer ranks eighth in the leading causes of death among Filipino women. In 2022, the WHO reported 33,079 breast cancer cases, among the highest in Asia. Among these cases, 30.06% were perimenopausal, 23.03% were menopausal, and 19.28% premenopausal.
Several studies have demonstrated poor survival outcomes for young Filipino breast cancer patients, from ages 40 years and below. These figures underscore the need for breast cancer awareness among Filipinos of all ages, as well as learning screening practices for early detection. Getting a cancer health protection plan is also a prudent course of action for those with a history of cancer in the family.
As your partner beyond a lifetime, Sun Life Grepa supports the efforts of various agencies in addressing the concern on women’s health through its various health insurance solutions, such as Sun Grepa Cancer Care, a specialized health protection plan that helps one prepare financially should cancer strike. This product provides guaranteed cash benefits in case one is diagnosed with any of the covered early- and late-stage cancer conditions. These benefits help support medical bills, such as diagnostic procedures and treatment expenses, so one can focus on recovery.
To learn more about Sun Grepa Cancer Care, reach out to a Sun Life Grepa advisor, visit any Sun Life Grepa branch, or email wecare@sunlifegrepa.com.
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