My main health concern is cancer; I have lost many family members to cancers of various kinds. My paternal grandmother, died of breast cancer and my grandfather died of lung cancer; he of course smoked a pack to two packs a day of unfiltered cigarettes. I have also had many aunts and uncles die of cancer. My mother is currently fighting breast cancer for her life. I believe the way you live your life has a large impact on your health, including exercise habits, diet and mental clarity.
The first woman that I interviewed said her main health concern was endometriosis and polyp formation. Endometriosis is caused from the inner lining of the uterus finding its way into other parts of the body such as the abdominal cavity or ovaries, etc., causing severe pain (Nihira, MD, 2009). She said her symptoms were evident and it runs in her family; her mother was diagnosed at the age of 45 and it lead to a total hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus and ovaries.
The second woman I interviewed was concerned about two health issues. The first being breast cancer because it is a common disease for women and because of a benign lump she found in her breast that has not yet been removed. The second issue that concerns her is sexually transmitted diseases; she says she is vigilant about getting tested for STDs and keeping herself safe. She reports her family history as very healthy, with a grandmother that still walks around at the age of 93.
I think as women we are all concerned with our bodies and our health, each in different ways. My concern of cancer and the second woman’s concern are the same but I do not worry about the same things as woman one. I believe our experiences shape our concerns, especially when we see our parents and family go through the disease process.
Nihira, MD, M.A. (2009, September 22). Your guide to endometriosis.
Retrieved from http://women.webmd.com/endometriosis/endometriosis
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