Leading Causes of Death
Surprisingly, the top health threats to women’s health are not the typical medical conditions that come to mind when thinking about women and health issues.

Heart Disease
It’s a common belief that heart disease affects more men than women. Yet each year, more women than men die from heart disease. To prevent heart disease, it is recommended to avoid smoking, exercise regularly, eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products, limit alcohol intake, and maintain control over health conditions that may place strain on the heart, such as diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Cancer
Most assume that breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for women. Yet it is lung cancer that accounts for the majority of cancer deaths in women, and nearly 90% is related to cigarette smoking. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women, and colorectal cancer is third.

Stroke
Nearly two-thirds of deaths from stroke are suffered by women. As is the case for heart disease and cancer, the biggest risk factor related to stroke is cigarette smoking. Certain factors related to genetics, such as family history and race, cannot be controlled.

Chronic Lung Conditions
Emphysema and bronchitis are two examples of chronic lung conditions. Again the main causes of these conditions are smoking and second-hand smoke.

Alzheimer’s Disease
Of the deaths caused by Alzheimer’s, twice as many of the victims are women as opposed to men. Since the risk of Alzheimer’s increases with age, and women typically live longer than men, it is possible that this is the reason for the higher rate for women.

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Women’s Health Issues

The following health issues either affect only women or are more often suffered by women. The Osteoporosis and Breast Cancer Research Center strives to focus its efforts on health issues in areas such as these.

Breast Cancer
Gynecological Cancers
Cervical Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer
Other Gynecological Cancers
Lupus
Multiple Sclerosis
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Reproductive Health
Contraception
Menopause
Menstruation
Pregnancy
Reproductive Cancers
Reproductive Genetics
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
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