Advancing a Whole-Person Approach to Womens Health Research

Posted onNovember 12th, 2024byDr. Monica M. Bertagnolli

So many womenmyself includedhave benefitted from significant medical breakthroughs over the past 60 years. As a breast cancer survivor, Ive been fortunate to have access to excellent care. And the evidence that guided that care came directly from NIH-funded research over the past five decades. From the development of the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, to the use of statins to reduce heart disease and stroke, to effective approaches to maintaining bone health after menopauseNIH research has led to numerous breakthroughs that improve the health and well-being of women and people assigned female at birth (referred to hereafter as women).

However, we know that women across the country are searching for answers to improve their health. Theyre trying to manage flare-ups from autoimmune diseases. Theyre dealing with chronic pain. Theyre coping with postpartum depression. For these experiences and more, we still have much work to do.