Women’s health is a cornerstone of societal wellbeing. Healthy women contribute not only to their own quality of life but also to the health, education, and productivity of families and communities. Yet despite its central importance, women’s health in many low- and middle-income countries—including India—remains insufficiently addressed. While maternal health…
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Breast Cancer in India: The Leading Cancer Burden Across Both Genders — and the Unequal Toll on Women
Breast Cancer Is the Number One Cancer in India When Both Genders Are Considered A critical but often under-emphasised finding from GLOBOCAN 2022 is that breast cancer ranks as the most common cancer in India when men and women are taken together. It also stands among the leading causes of cancer mortality overall, not…
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Cervical Cancer: A Preventable Tragedy Still Claiming Women’s Lives
January is observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a global initiative to highlight a cancer that is largely preventable, yet continues to cause avoidable illness and death among women—especially in low- and middle-income countries like India. Understanding Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Strong…
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Menstrual Leave-What Karnataka’s Move Means for Women in India and Beyond
Menstrual leave — paid or unpaid time off during menstruation — is one of the most debated gender-sensitive workplace policies of our time. While some view it as a necessary recognition of biological realities and health needs, others worry it may reinforce stereotypes or hinder women’s professional growth. In 2025,…
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When Women Talk About Fat, Muscle, and “Goals”: Listening Beyond the Numbers
By Dr. Anita Khokhar A few mornings ago, I overheard a group of women chatting after their fitness session. One of them, visibly pleased, said, “My body fat has gone down, muscle mass has gone up… but I’m still far from my goal.” The others nodded knowingly. That single sentence…