Women’s Health Awareness Month: 5 Health Issues Impacting Women Beyond Breast Cancer, Diabetes, and Heart Disease

During Women’s Health Awareness Month, it’s important to talk about the health conditions that often receive less attention but still deeply affect women across the United States. While breast cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are widely discussed, several other serious health issues continue to disproportionately impact Black and Hispanic women due to barriers in healthcare access, systemic inequities, and social determinants of health. 

Understanding these disparities can help women seek earlier screenings, advocate for better care, and prioritize preventive health. 

1. Maternal Mortality

The United States continues to face a maternal health crisis, particularly among Black women. In fact, the US has the highest mortality rate of any wealthy country in the world. According to the CDC, Black women are three times as likely as White women to die from pregnancy-related causes.  

Many maternal deaths are preventable and linked to: 

• Delayed medical care 
• Chronic health conditions 
• Limited access to quality prenatal services 
• Disparities in maternal health across income and education levels 

Maternal health complications can affect women long after childbirth, making early and consistent care essential. 

2. Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that can cause severe pain, heavy bleeding, infertility, and pregnancy complications. Black women are disproportionately affected by fibroids, often developing them at younger ages and experiencing more severe symptoms than White women. According to the Mayo Clinic, by age 50, up to 90% of Black women may develop these noncancerous growths, often suffering from severe pain, heavy bleeding, and anemia, which can lead to higher rates of surgical intervention and infertility. 

Despite how common fibroids are, many women delay treatment because symptoms are dismissed or normalized.  

Common symptoms include: 

• Heavy menstrual bleeding 
• Pelvic pain 
• Frequent urination 
• Fatigue from anemia 

Early diagnosis and treatment can improve quality of life and reproductive health outcomes. 

3. Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and potential organ damage. Black women are significantly more likely to develop preeclampsia and experience severe complications, including premature birth and maternal death.  

Risk factors can include: 

• History of Preeclampsia 
• Advanced Maternal Age 
• First pregnancy 
• Multiple gestation 
• IVF pregnancy 

Because symptoms can sometimes appear suddenly, regular prenatal visits are critical for monitoring both mother and baby during pregnancy. 

4. Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers, yet Black and Hispanic women continue to experience higher diagnosis and mortality rates compared to White women. Hispanic women are more likely to develop cervical cancer, while Black women are more likely to die from it. 

Routine screenings and HPV vaccinations can greatly reduce risk, but many women still face barriers such as: 

• Lack of insurance 
• Transportation challenges 
• Limited access to gynecological care 
• Language and cultural barriers 

Regular Pap tests and preventive care save lives through early detection. 

5. Menopause and Midlife Women’s Health

Menopause is a natural life transition that affects every woman differently, but studies show Black women often experience menopause symptoms earlier, longer, and more intensely than White women. Hispanic women may also face challenges accessing education and treatment options related to menopause symptoms.  

Symptoms can include: 

• Hot flashes 
• Sleep disruption 
• Mood changes 
• Weight gain 
• Bone density loss 

Too often, menopause is overlooked in healthcare conversations despite its major impact on women’s physical and emotional well-being. Access to supportive care and trusted healthcare providers can help women navigate this life stage more comfortably and confidently.  

Closing the Gap in Women’s Healthcare

Health disparities affecting Black and Hispanic women are not simply individual issues — they reflect broader inequities in healthcare access, education, income, and treatment quality. Women’s Health Awareness Month is a reminder that preventive care, mental health support, routine screenings, and culturally responsive healthcare can save lives. 

Every woman deserves access to compassionate, high-quality care regardless of race, ethnicity, or income level. HEALing Community Health Women’s Center provides comprehensive women’s healthcare services designed to support women through every stage of life. By increasing awareness and encouraging early intervention, communities can help women live healthier, longer lives. Celebrate Women’s Health Awareness Month by making your appointment with our women’s care team today. Call 
404-564-7749 for a same- or next-day appointment.