Women with brain tumours are being dismissed as attention-seekers or told they are just tired, leading to delayed diagnosis, according to a report by the Brain Tumour Charity. The charity highlighted that this delay can be catastrophic for patients.
The issue reflects a broader gender disparity in healthcare, where women's symptoms are more likely to be attributed to depression and anxiety. Research shows that women with serious conditions such as heart disease and cancer face similar biases, resulting in later diagnoses and poorer outcomes.
Historically, women's health has been viewed with a 'bikini approach', focusing primarily on breasts and reproductive systems. This has led to underdiagnosis in areas like cardiovascular disease, where women are less likely to receive timely ECGs and crucial medications.
Experts note that biological differences between sexes are often overlooked in clinical trials, which have predominantly studied men. Conditions like autism and ADHD also present differently in women, leading to underdiagnosis. In the UK, around 700 women annually experience delayed diagnosis for bladder or kidney cancer.
The charity and medical professionals call for an end to gender-based disparities in diagnosis and treatment, urging a more comprehensive approach to women's health.
