Women’s Month is an important event that celebrates women’s contributions to society. Beyond recognizing their achievements, this month is also a significant platform for addressing critical issues on women empowerment, including women’s wellness.

A study by the global medical technology company Hologic revealed that the Philippines lags behind its Southeast Asian neighbors in women’s healthcare, placing second to the lowest in the region.

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Supporting women’s health is key to advancing their economic power. When women have access to health options, they are more physically and mentally ready to manage their financial capability and contribute to their family’s finances.

This Women’s Month is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about 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. Beyond inadequate access to menstrual products and hygiene facilities, period poverty also involves the lack of discourse, information, and education on menstrual health.

The stigma surrounding menstruation makes it difficult for people, especially young girls, to engage in conversations about menstruation, 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. This condition results in irregular, unusual, or very long periods. PCOS commonly causes acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth. It also increases the risk of long-term complications, such as diabetes and ovarian cancer.

While no cure exists for PCOS, patients can manage symptoms and potential complications. This management includes medication, diet, exercise, and stress management.

Severe period pain is not normal, despite what many believe.

Many women avoid seeking medical attention despite suffering from excessively painful periods, believing the pain is normal. However, severe period pain is not normal and may indicate a serious health condition, such as PCOS.

One common condition causing 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. It also makes up 7.9% of surgeries for benign gynecologic diseases.

Uterine fibroids are another common condition among Filipinas. These non-cancerous growths develop in or on the uterus wall. A study published by the Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology revealed that 77% of women have uterine fibroids. Between 30% and 40% of these women experience symptoms such as bleeding between periods, pain during intercourse, and longer-than-usual periods.

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 due to “unique pressures and worries” that contribute to their poor mental health. These pressures include gender bias in the workplace and higher demands for domestic duties, particularly childcare.

This finding highlights the need for women-specific, comprehensive health services and plans, including counseling. To further improve mental health in communities, the government implemented strategies across various 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 women’s health. It does so through health insurance solutions, such as Sun Grepa Cancer Care, a specialized health protection plan. This plan helps one prepare financially if cancer strikes. It provides guaranteed cash benefits in case of a diagnosis of early- and late-stage cancer conditions. These benefits help cover medical bills, including diagnostic procedures and treatment expenses, allowing one to 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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