Dr Liz O’Riordan: Women’s health must be taken more seriously

A former breast cancer surgeon, Dr. Liz O’Riordan, has issued a powerful call for women’s health to be accorded the seriousness it deserves, emphasizing the critical need for women to be empowered to seek help for any perceived changes in their physical well-being. Dr. O’Riordan, who has personally battled breast cancer on three separate occasions, was a prominent keynote speaker at the "Let’s Talk Women Health" event, a significant gathering held at The Hold in Ipswich. This event, which drew an impressive attendance of over 300 individuals, was meticulously designed with the dual purpose of debunking prevalent myths and combating the deluge of online misinformation that often clouds health-related concerns. Furthermore, it aimed to forge vital connections between women and a diverse array of experts specializing in crucial areas such as pregnancy, fertility, menopause, endometriosis, and neurodiversity.

Dr. O’Riordan articulated a growing realization among women: "We are now realizing we deserve more and for me it’s teaching women what to say so they get taken seriously." She candidly observed a societal tendency, which she herself experienced, where women are not always adept at advocating for their own health needs. "Women on the whole – I wasn’t – aren’t very good at standing up for ourselves," she stated, highlighting a deeply ingrained pattern that needs to be challenged. The pervasive nature of health misinformation, described by Dr. O’Riordan as being "everywhere," leaves women in a state of uncertainty, struggling to identify reliable sources of information and unsure of whom to trust. This uncertainty often leads to a hesitant approach when seeking professional medical advice.

"You can’t get easy access to your doctors," Dr. O’Riordan pointed out, underscoring a significant barrier to timely and effective healthcare. She stressed the importance of qualified medical professionals actively engaging in the creation of accessible and trustworthy content to counter the tide of unreliable information. "It’s doctors like me who are creating content trying to breach that space and help people come to us and not Chat GPT," she explained, advocating for direct engagement with healthcare providers over potentially misleading artificial intelligence. The sense of isolation that women can experience when facing health challenges was also addressed, with Dr. O’Riordan emphasizing the profound impact of community and shared experience. "I think it’s really important women get together and know they are not alone," she urged, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support.

Amy Peckham-Driver, a co-creator of the "Let’s Talk Women Health" event, now in its second year, shared her vision for the initiative. Her primary objective was to cultivate an environment where women could openly discuss health issues that have historically been stigmatized. Peckham-Driver’s historical perspective on women’s health research underscored the urgency of the current situation. "Up until the 90s, women were largely excluded from medical research. We are lightyears behind where we should be in understanding women’s bodies, health conditions and the challenges we face," she stated, pointing to a historical deficit in medical knowledge pertaining to women. This historical exclusion has created a significant gap in our understanding of female physiology and the unique health challenges women encounter throughout their lives. Peckham-Driver broadened the scope of responsibility beyond women themselves, asserting, "Women’s health is not just a woman’s responsibility. This is for their partners, carers, colleagues, managers, anybody… so they can better support the people that they care about." This inclusive approach acknowledges that the well-being of women is a collective concern, requiring the understanding and support of a wider network of individuals.

Julia Endacott, a women’s health physiotherapist who had recently completed her radiotherapy for breast cancer, was among the attendees drawn by Dr. O’Riordan’s participation. Her immediate decision to secure a ticket reflected the perceived importance of the event and its alignment with her own professional and personal experiences. "I think the attendance says it all, that it was a sellout. I think people are wanting this kind of thing and getting health advice and to have someone like Liz dispel myths," Endacott commented, noting the overwhelming demand for such gatherings. She echoed Dr. O’Riordan’s concerns about the potential for misinformation to lead individuals astray. "Unless you’re hearing it from the professionals, you can be misguided," she warned, highlighting the crucial role of qualified healthcare providers in delivering accurate health information. Endacott further emphasized the importance of proactive engagement with medical professionals, even in the absence of immediate severe symptoms. "It’s much better you got to the doctor and they reassure you than have a thing you might sit on and not get support for," she advised, promoting a culture of early consultation and professional reassurance over self-diagnosis or delayed action.

The "Let’s Talk Women Health" event, by bringing together a diverse group of women and experts, aimed to dismantle barriers to accessing accurate health information and to foster a more informed and empowered approach to women’s health. The participation of over 300 individuals, coupled with the insights shared by Dr. O’Riordan and Amy Peckham-Driver, underscored a growing societal awareness and demand for a more serious and comprehensive approach to women’s health issues. The event’s success suggests a strong desire among women to be better informed, to connect with reliable resources, and to advocate for their own health needs, while also encouraging broader societal engagement in supporting women’s well-being. The persistent challenge of health misinformation, particularly in the digital age, necessitates continued efforts by healthcare professionals to provide accessible and trustworthy guidance, ensuring that women can make informed decisions about their health without succumbing to misleading narratives. The event served as a powerful reminder that addressing women’s health effectively requires not only individual empowerment but also a systemic shift towards greater recognition, research, and accessible healthcare for all women.