Women Resources

Despite advances in knowledge, understanding, risk factors and treatment, cervical cancer continues to be a cause of death in women around the world. The disease is the fourth most frequent cancer type in women, with an estimated 342,000 deaths in 2020, with the majority of these (approximately 90%) occurring in low and middle-income countries (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022).

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a disease which, despite years of research, remains poorly understood. Once thought to be rare, prevalence rates have increased in recent years, which has been attributed to improved understanding of the disease and more selective diagnostic criteria. Despite this, the condition remains difficult to diagnose, and as a
result many of those affected suffer for years before the cause of their symptoms is confirmed. This article hopes to give nurses and nonmedical prescribers more knowledge of this complex disease so that they can facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis, which will ultimately improve outcomes and reduce the impact on the health and wellbeing of all those with this condition.

The menopause affects every woman, but the age at which it occurs, the symptoms  experienced, and the later development of menopause-related problems varies widely. For some, the transition is relatively smooth, but for others it is not, and the later development of postmenopausal health problems can affect general health and
wellbeing, as well as quality of life as women age. This article gives an insight into some of the commonest postmenopausal problems with a view to increasing confidence in community nurses and nonmedical prescribers in recognition and management of the conditions discussed, so that they can offer advice and treatment where appropriate and if able to do so.

Mary Chatrath & Joan Gray discuss a project which addressed the health needs of women and children of Asian descent.
Mary Chatrath RN, RM, RHV is a Health Visitor, St Albans and Harpenden PCT.
Joan Gray BSc, RD is a Paediatric Dietitian, Hertfordshire.
Article accepted for publication: July 2006