Women are often not listened to when they express medical concerns. Too many women experience the frustration of feeling dismissed, unheard, or even patronized when they voice worries about their health. Advocacy and self-trust are essential in navigating the healthcare system and ensuring that concerns are taken seriously. 

I know this firsthand. When faced with a concern before my first mammogram, I had to fight to be heard, push for proper evaluation, and insist on seeing the right specialists for a correct assessment. I trusted my gut, sought additional opinions, and took action to ensure my health was prioritized. Through that experience, I learned valuable lessons about advocating for myself and ensuring that no one else has to go through the same unnecessary obstacles.

Navigating the healthcare system, though, felt like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube, BUT please note that it is your right to get good treatment.

Preventative care is OUR RIGHT. Women often juggle so many roles and responsibilities that we put ourselves last. Please, pretty please, don’t neglect your annual mammogram (yes, they squish the life out of you, but it isn’t painful and worth it!), pap tests, physical exams, dental check-ups, and bone density scans. 

How to address your concerns: 

It can be intimidating to challenge a medical professional, but clear communication is key. When expressing concerns: 

• Be direct but polite: “I am concerned about this lump, and I would like further testing to ensure we aren’t overlooking anything.” 
• Take notes: Keep track of symptoms, dates, and any conversations with providers. Take their names down. 
• Bring a support person: having someone with you can reinforce the seriousness of your concern. If not, have someone on speed dial. I had my cousin who, though working, took time to walk me through this. 

Is it my body telling me something or medical anxiety? 

It is natural to question yourself, but your intuition matters and is usually always right! To distinguish between anxiety and a genuine concern: 

• Consider patterns: has this issue persisted or changed over time? 
• Seek an objective perspective because medical anxiety is a real concern. If possible, consult a trusted provider and get a second opinion if you need to. 
• Validate your feelings: anxiety doesn’t mean your concern isn’t real. It means you care about your health, which is reason enough to look further. 

I am not being listened to – how can I escalate it? what are my rights? 

If you feel dismissed: 

• Ask to speak with another provider. Request a different doctor or a direct consultation with a specialist. 
• Utilize patient advocacy services. Many hospitals have patient advocates who can intervene on your behalf. 
• Know your rights. You have the right to request your medical records, ask questions, and seek second opinions. 
• Submit a formal written complaint. You wouldn’t want another woman to experience what you have.

How to ensure your concern isn’t pushed under the rug

Even when your concern is addressed, follow-up is crucial: 

• Request documentation. Ask for copies of test results and summaries of visits if it isn’t in your online portal. 
• Schedule follow-ups to ensure there is a plan for continued care.
• Keep advocating. If something feels off, stay persistent until you are satisfied with the response.

When your medical provider seems dismissive

• Reiterate your symptoms and concerns: “I understand you don’t think this is urgent, but I would feel much more comfortable with additional testing.”
• Change providers if you are feeling dismissed is a pattern. Find a healthcare provider who listens and takes you seriously.
• Educate yourself to feel empowered to ask informed questions and demand appropriate care. 

Your health is worth fighting for. Trust your body, trust your instincts, and never let anyone make you feel like your concerns don’t matter. They do. 

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, and you definitely can’t change the world if you’re not taking care of yourself first. 

I hope you take the rest of this month to celebrate YOU. To celebrate what you contribute to the world. To celebrate the impact you’ve made. YOU deserve your flowers, buy them for yourself if no one is giving them to you!