Many women have a tendency to overlook minor health precautions, but small symptoms can lead to major problems and can prove to be fatal if ignored.
Mary Kay Burdette, clinical manager for Lee Obstetrics & Gynecology, said many women have a problem with being in tune with their own bodies.
"The number one cause of death in women is heart disease," Burdette said. "A lot of the times the symptoms women have are not as big as men."
Some of the most commonly ignored symptoms before a cardiac event include shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, indigestion, sleep disturbances and anxiety.
"Twinges in the arm and twinges in the mouth are felt (as well)," Burdette said. "But women tend to minimize and put their health care needs on the back burner."
Another large health risk for women is cervical cancer, which is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Burdette said this disease is 100 percent preventable if the right measures are taken.
"(HPV) comes from sexually transmitted diseases," Burdette said. "Condom use can control this. Also not having sex with six million people."
There is also the option of getting the Gardasil vaccinations.
"There are over 100 HPV viruses," Burdette said. "Gardasil only protects you from four, although they are the biggest four viruses."
Since the vaccinations became available in 2009, there have been rumors of dangerous side effects, but Burdette said she's never heard of anyone being negatively affected.
"It's just a shot," Burdette said. "There are very rare side effects at the sight of injection."
These side effects may include itching, swelling, bruising and redness at the injection sight like any other booster shot.
Liz Blair, freshman in communication disorders, said she is currently receiving the Gardasil vaccinations.
"I've had two of the three (shots) in the series and have experienced no side effects," Blair said. "My arms (were) a tad sore the next day."
Although Gardasil is said to be an effective preventative of HPV, Burdette said it's important for women to realize there are many other types that can be contracted.
"You should not think that you are now (fully) protected because you got the shot," Burdette said. "Cervical cancer is really hard to diagnose because it's asymptomatic."
The best way to diagnose HPV is with a Pap smear, which can also serve as a preventative method against the disease, although the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recently changed the age recommendation for women to begin annual Pap smears from 18 to 21.
Blair said she is concerned about her health and visits the doctor regularly.
"I get annual check-ups mainly because I want to make sure I'm healthy and don't have any underlying health conditions," Blair said.
The main concern for Blair is making sure she doesn't develop hyper thyroid disease.
"My mom has had hyper thyroid disease and because of this I am tested annually to make sure I don't develop it," Blair said.
Along with hyper thyroid disease, breast cancer is another health risk for women that is often genetic.
Burdette said breast cancer is another disease that can easily be prevented.
"One way to detect it early is to start doing a self-breast exam," Burdette said. "You'll know your breast so well that you can easily detect an abnormality."
Allie Self, senior in biomedical sciences, said her gynecologist reminds her at each and every visit to perform self-examinations.
"I know the importance of breast exams," Self said. "But I don't do them because I always forget."
The best time for a self-exam is usually the week after your period, Burdette said.
Symptoms of breast cancer include lumps, knots or thickening in the breast tissue.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
