Although men and women are similar in many ways, it is a fact that there are biological and behavioral differences. This situation can affect the emergence and epidemiology of many diseases. Drawing attention to the diseases that affect women the most on March 8, International Women's Day, Gynecology, Obstetrics and In Vitro Fertilization Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar reminded that breast cancer is one of the most common diseases in women. In addition, he said that cervical cancer, endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome are among the common diseases that seriously affect women's lives. Our expert pointed out the importance of regular check-ups in the fight against diseases.
Our expert, who gave information about the diseases that affect women's lives, stated that cancer types come first and the priority here is breast cancer.

What are the Most Common Diseases in Women?

“There are a few important diseases that women should pay attention to. When we look at their frequency, breast cancer comes first. "Apart from that, one of the most common cancers during the reproductive period is cervical cancer," said Yeditepe University Hospitals Gynecology, Obstetrics, In Vitro Fertilization Specialist and he continued: "Apart from this, endometriosis, also called chocolate cyst is a problem that affects seriously the women, which is seen in one in every 10 women. On the other hand, when we look at women's reproductive health, polycystic ovary syndrome, which is observed at a rate of 15-25 percent, is another problem that should be taken into consideration. For sure, we should not forget menopause, which is an important turning point in a woman's life. "As human life increases, it becomes very important for women to live a healthy and quality life during and after menopause."

Breast Cancer

Stating that breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, our expert said, 'We are lucky in terms of breast cancer. Because there are scanning methods. In other words, it is possible to catch the disease at an early stage with a good examination, the patient knowing herself, being able to examine herself, being taught this, and of course regular mammography checks. Therefore, after the age of 40, every woman should have a mammogram once a year and a breast ultrasonography at least once a year or once every two years. If she has these done, she should not be afraid of breast cancer.” he said.
Reminding that breast cancer is also linked to ovarian cancer, our expert said, “Although ovarian cancer is more common in these patients, unfortunately there is no screening method."At this point, annual regular gynecological examination becomes important," he said.

Cervical Cancer

Reminding that cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in the reproductive age, our expert said, “The most important cause of cervical cancer is HPV, called 'human papilloma' virus. And it is known that disease precursor lesions are seen under the age of 45. The most important difference between cervical cancer and other cancers is that its cause is known and can be prevented. However, since the disease generally does not cause symptoms in the early stages and progresses insidiously, regular health screenings save the lives of these women. For this reason, women must have a smear test once every 3 years. "In addition, since it is sexually transmitted, protection and of course vaccination are extremely important," he said.

Chocolate Cyst

Our expert said that endometriosis, commonly known as chocolate cyst, which is one of the most common diseases in women other than cancer types, is extremely important for both the general health of women and their reproductive health, and pointed out that this problem is seen in one in every 10 women. Prof. Dr. Erkut  ATTAR gave the following information on the subject: “We see that the frequency of endometriosis has started to increase over the past time. Although there are genetic reasons here, it is known that additional products in food and hormonal products used, which we can list as environmental factors, are effective in the increase. 30 percent of endometriosis patients also experience infertility. Although the disease is so important and common, the awareness rate in society is very low. To underline once again on International Women's Day; "Our aim should be to improve women's quality of life," he said.

PCOS

Prof. Dr. Erkut  ATTAR stated that another disease most common in women is polycystic ovary syndrome. Dr. ATTAR said, “The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in society is up to 15-25 percent. Patients come to us with excessive hair growth, acne or gynecological problems. The most common cause is amenorrhoea. However, there is a side of the iceberg of this disease that we cannot see. Because polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most important causes of ovulation defects and therefore infertility.”

Prof. Dr. Erkut ATTAR pointed out that cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and, beyond that, uterine cancer are more common in polycystic ovary syndrome patients in the following years. Dr. ATTAR said, "It is very important in terms of preventive medicine to diagnose and treat these from the beginning and then follow them up regularly."

“It Can Also Cause Diabetes, Obesity and Cardiovascular Problems”

Drawing attention to the risk of diabetes in women due to polycystic ovary syndrome, our expert said, "There are some conditions that go together with polycystic ovary syndrome, one of which is insulin resistance. The problem becomes even more serious, especially in women who are overweight. Treatment is necessary to protect these women against both diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. There is a misperception in society that heart attacks are less common in women. On the contrary, women can suffer from cardiovascular diseases or heart attacks as much or even more frequently than men. Especially after menopause, women become at risk of cardiovascular diseases as much as men after estrogen withdrawal. "We need to be especially careful about this," he said.

What Should Be Done to Fight These Diseases?

Explaining what needs to be done to struggle with the diseases, Yeditepe University Hospitals Gynecology, Obstetrics and In Vitro Fertilization Specialist said, "A gynecological examination is required at least once a year. In addition, a smear test must be taken every three years from the age of 21 to the age of 65. Of course, regular check-ups should not be neglected. "In other words, a woman's regular follow-up throughout her life is the golden key to a healthy life," he said.