A feminist approach to cancer could save 800,000 women a year

Can feminism save lives? If you still doubted it, the scientific journal The Lancet confirms it: in a new study, broadcast by Caretakershow how a ” feminist approach » of cancer would prevent the deaths of 800,000 women every year.

Gender inequalities have a negative impact on the prevention and treatment of women

This transdisciplinary study is based on the work of researchers from 185 countries and involves experts in epidemiology, oncology, prevention, gender studies, human rights, economics, etc.

The results of this investigation intersectional » show that patriarchy “ infuses cancer care, research and policy making “. As a result, due to lack of access to early diagnosis and optimal treatment, hundreds of thousands of patients” die needlessly “.

Another consequence of the sexist prejudices that plague the medical environment is the emphasis placed on so-called “tumors”. female » (breast cancer and cervical cancer), because these fall into the “ reproductive health “. Yet, according to researchers at the University of Washington, lung cancer and colorectal cancer are among the top three causes of death from this disease The Lancetbut they remain a blind spot in research, treatment and prevention.

Few women in top positions

Gender inequalities also hinder the professional progression of women in medical research and practice and exclude them from relevant public health policy development processes, which reinforces the lack of adequate prevention and treatment.

“ There is also a need to look more closely at the causes and risk factors of cancer in women, as they are less well understood than the risk factors for cancer in men. », summarizes the Caretaker.

The Lancet therefore advocates “a feminist approach” that takes sex and gender into account in all cancer policies and guidelines. The study also calls for greater awareness among women about cancer risk factors and symptoms, as well as more equitable access to early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.