Chandigarh: PGIMER Chandigarh on Monday organised an Integrated Media Interaction on Women\u2019s Health today in observance of International Women\u2019s Day. The programme brought together experts from multiple specialties to highlight key health concerns affecting women across the lifespan, including adolescent health, gynaecological issues, cancer prevention, gastrointestinal disorders and mental health. \u201cTrue empowerment lies in \u2018giving to gain\u2019, the theme of this year\u2019s Women\u2019s Day\u2014when we strengthen the health, dignity and wellbeing of women around us, society as a whole moves forward,\u201d stated Prof. Sadhna Lal, Head, Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, emphasising that awareness and access to healthcare must extend beyond the professional community to include less empowered sections of society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile we celebrate the progress women have made over the decades, our real responsibility is to extend this progress to those who remain less empowered. At PGIMER, we are initiating regular health screening for sanitation staff and hospital attendants so that women who serve the institution every day are also supported in safeguarding their own health,\u201d Prof. Lal added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlighting the broader purpose of the initiative, Prof. Lal noted that the true spirit of Women\u2019s Day lies in supporting and empowering women who often neglect their own health while balancing demanding professional and family responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing common gynaecological concerns, Prof. Rashmi Bagga, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology<\/strong>, stressed that many women tend to ignore symptoms that require timely medical attention as she said, \u201cMany women experience common gynaecological problems such as vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, painful periods or urinary symptoms, but they often ignore these issues until they become severe.\u201d \u201cBreast cancer incidence in India has nearly doubled over the last two decades, and today one in 24 women in the country is likely to develop the disease. What makes this particularly concerning is that, unlike in the West, many Indian women are diagnosed at a much younger age. Any lump in the breast, nipple discharge, or change in the skin must never be ignored. Regular self-breast examination and timely screening are simple but powerful steps that can lead to early detection and significantly improve outcomes,\u201d Prof. Dahiya emphasised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prof. Dahiya also pointed to the increasing detection of thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer among women, which may present as a neck swelling and should be evaluated promptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experts also highlighted the importance of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination<\/strong> in preventing cervical cancer. Vaccines, particularly India\u2019s indigenous vaccine Cervavac<\/strong>, provide protection against HPV infection. Vaccination is most effective when administered between 15\u201326 years of age<\/strong>, while screening through Pap smear remains important even for vaccinated individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking on the mental health dimension of women\u2019s wellbeing, Dr. Nidhi Chauhan, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry<\/strong>, highlighted the multiple pressures faced by women in modern society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prof. Bagga further stated, \u201cMost of these conditions are easily treatable if addressed early. Regular check-ups, awareness of warning signs, and simple screening tests like the Pap smear for cervical cancer are crucial to detect problems in time and prevent serious complications.\u201d
Speaking on cancer awareness and prevention, Prof. Divya Dahiya, Department of General Surgery<\/strong>, highlighted the growing burden of certain cancers among women and the importance of early detection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n