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Women’s health in India has long been associated with childbirth and caregiving, often sidelining the many serious health risks women face. However, this program puts women’s health at the centre of India’s public health priorities, reiterating that awareness and accessibility to adequate healthcare facilities can enable timely preventive measures and improve long-term health outcomes and quality of life. Dr Venkataswamy Eswarachari, Senior Director, Lab Operations, MedGenome, says, “The shift from reactive to preventive healthcare for women is crucial. Regular screenings not only detect diseases early but empower women to take charge of their health with confidence.” The Silent Burden That Women Carry In India, women often delay diagnosis seeking medical help only when a disease has reached an advanced stage, at which point there may be limited treatment options. Conditions like breast and cervical cancers, infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS, and lifestyle-related disorders including thyroid imbalance, osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart conditions can all be managed better if detected early. Dr Eswarachari points out that the barriers of awareness and access often compound the issue. “Early screening can prevent disease progression, but many women are either unaware or unable to access diagnostic facilities in time. Initiatives such as ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ are vital in bridging this gap by promoting awareness, early diagnosis, and prevention,” he says. Essential Screenings Every Woman Should Know About Prevention can reduce the burden of disease and improve health outcomes. This can be achieved through timely, evidence-based health screening tests. 1. Cancer Risk Screening Cancers often develop from cellular changes and some forms can be hereditary. If you have a family history of cancer, identifying genetic factors that contribute to your risk is essential. In addition to routine self-checks and mammograms, women with BRCA gene variations benefit from targeted screening procedures such as breast MRI or genetic testing. “Understanding your genetic predisposition helps clinicians tailor preventive strategies early,” says Dr. Eswarachari. “It can mean the difference between early intervention and late detection.” 2. Reproductive Health Tests Screening for irregularities in the fetus or maternal health can guide crucial medical decisions during pregnancy. Testing becomes even more important for women of advanced maternal age, those with abnormal ultrasound findings, or a history of miscarriage. Modern techniques such as Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) detect fetal abnormalities using a simple blood sample from the mother, while KaryoSeq analyses fetal chromosomes for gains or losses in specific segments. “These tests help ensure safer pregnancies and better health outcomes for both mother and child,” explains Dr Eswarachari. 3. Screening for Lifestyle Diseases Routine tests such as blood pressure, cholesterol, lipid profile, and blood glucose can help detect early metabolic imbalances. A one-time genetic screening further helps assess risks for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Dr Eswarachari adds, “Combining traditional tests with genetic insights gives women a 360-degree view of their health. It empowers them to make preventive lifestyle choices early on.” 4. Carrier Screening Even in the absence of disease, individuals can carry disease-causing genes that may be passed on to their children. This includes conditions like sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and thalassemia. Screening both partners helps in informed pregnancy planning and childcare decisions. “Carrier screening is often overlooked,” notes Dr Eswarachari, “but it’s one of the most responsible steps couples can take before conception.” Why Early Detection Matters Timely diagnosis significantly improves survival rates. For instance, when cervical cancer is detected early, the chances of survival exceed 90%. “A single genetic screening can provide foresight,” adds Dr Eswarachari, “allowing clinicians and families to take preventive steps well before the onset of disease. Women’s health programs should focus on this shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.” Bridging the Awareness Gap Many women skip health check-ups due to a lack of time, stigma, or the cost of diagnosis and treatment. Counselling from trusted healthcare providers and government-led outreach can change this narrative. Empowering women and families to understand the importance of preventive care will encourage more women to undertake screenings and follow through with treatment. “Health awareness must begin at the community level,” emphasizes Dr Eswarachari. “When women understand that self-care is not selfish but essential, it benefits entire families and generations.” Taking Charge of Your Health Caring for your health is not an indulgence, it’s a necessity. Start by being aware of your body, don’t dismiss unusual symptoms, and talk to your clinician about your family medical history. With continued government focus, increased awareness, and access to advanced diagnostics, India is now better positioned than ever to ensure a healthier future for women and, by extension, healthier families and communities.
