Big differences in women’s health status across EU

A report on facts and figures on women’s health in Europe highlights substantial differences in women’s health status, exposure to health risks and access to healthcare across Europe.

Women’s Health in Europe – Facts and Figures across the EU, a report published by the European Institute of Women’s Health (EIWH) reviews the state of women’s health in the EU-25. It covers health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis, reproductive health and mental disorders and considers health determinants, such as education, employment and life-style. 

The report highlights substantial differences in women’s health status, exposure to health risks and access to healthcare across Europe. According to the report, the lives of 25,000 women could be saved, if screening for breast cancer according to EU quality guidelines were available across the EU. 

The EIWH analysis gives policy recommendations on how to improve this unequal situation. It suggests, for example, that new member states could make greater use of structural funds for investing in the health sector, such as implementing the Council recommendation on cancer screening.

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