National Women’s History Month: Focusing On Health And Well-Being
Though National Women’s History Month is now officially in its 35th year, the commemoration and celebration of females in American history dates back several decades. The event originated back in 1978 in California, and the movement led to a 1980 presidential proclamation to recognize the vital roles women have played in the development of our country. The theme for National Women’s History Month 2022 centers on healing and hope in families, workplaces, and communities.
The focus on healing is a reminder that many female patients encounter challenges in getting accurate answers from health care providers. Some experts have even referred to misdiagnosis of medical conditions among women to be an epidemic in health care. These mistakes may be linked to ailments that affect everyone, as well as issues that only impact females. As Floridians celebrate their contributions to US history, it is also important to know the top misdiagnosed conditions among female patients.
Common Misdiagnosed Conditions Affecting Women
Mistakes may take the form of an inaccurate diagnosis, but there are serious implications for delayed diagnosis and failure to diagnose a health issue as well. Some of the top diagnostic errors among women include:
- Heart Disease: Despite all the pink you see throughout October, the leading cause of death among women in the US is heart disease. Part of the problem with misdiagnosis is that women often do not exhibit the “textbook” signs of acute myocardial infarction, a.k.a. heart attack. Instead of chest pain, female patients are more likely to present with nausea, fatigue, and pain in the back, jaw, and neck.
- Autoimmune Disorders: On average, it takes 5 physicians and 4 years of screenings to get a property diagnosis of autoimmune disease. Women comprise a staggering 75 percent of those suffering from these conditions, so the implications are disturbing. The main difficulty with diagnosing these conditions is that the signs are also symptomatic of many other conditions.
- Endometriosis: This condition occurs when the tissues that normally line the uterus begin to expand outside of it, leading to extreme pain during menstruation. Pelvic pain can also be due to other ailments, so many health care providers misdiagnose endometriosis as depression, thyroid disease, or irritable bowel syndrome.
- Breast Cancer: Some studies reveal that misdiagnosis of breast cancer could be as high as 31 percent. Part of the problem is linked to difficulties in drawing the distinction between benign and cancerous tissues. Another challenge is failure to detect breast cancer through mammograms, even though the patient asserts that things just do not feel right.
Set up a Free Consultation with a Florida Misdiagnosis Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered harm through a diagnosis error, please contact the Miami misdiagnosis lawyers at Freidin Brown, P.A. We can schedule a no-cost case review at our offices to assess your circumstances. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including medical costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. We are happy to guide you through the legal process, as misdiagnosis may constitute medical malpractice under Florida law.
Resource:
womenshistorymonth.gov/
