Cancer is a leading cause of mortality in women and ranks in the top three causes of premature death (under age 70) in women in almost every country worldwide.

New analysis finds, of the 2.3 million women who die prematurely from cancer each year, 1.5 million lives could be saved through the elimination of exposures to key risk factors or via early detection and diagnosis, while a further 800 000 deaths could be prevented if all women could access optimal cancer care.

Gender inequality in society negatively influences women’s exposure to cancer risk factors, access to accurate health information and quality health services, and ability to cope with cancer-related financial challenges.

Women are undervalued in the cancer workforce, where they make up the majority of unpaid caregivers and are significantly underrepresented as leaders across research and policy organisations.

A new Lancet Commission on women, power, and cancer calls for a feminist approach for cancer care with sex and gender a part of all cancer-related policies and guidelines, making them responsive to the needs and aspirations of all women, whether they be patients, care providers and researchers. 

Source: https://www.thelancet.com/commissions/women-power-and-cancer