This observance is also an opportunity to reassess personal health decisions using current information. Whether it involves discussing AI-assisted mammography, reconsidering hormone therapy, seeking evaluation for endometriosis, or assessing heart risk, informed patients are better positioned to pursue appropriate care.

Across oncology, reproductive health, cardiology, infectious disease, and digital medicine, 2025 has brought measurable progress.

AI screening in breast cancer

Breast cancer screening is entering a new phase with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). In June 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared Clairity Breast, the first AI tool designed to predict a woman’s personalized five-year risk of breast cancer using a standard mammogram. Large clinical trials have also shown that AI-assisted workflows detect breast cancer at a rate 21.6% higher than traditional screening methods. Researchers estimate that AI integration could reduce interval breast cancers — those found between regular screenings — by up to 30%.

AI applications are also extending beyond mammography. In 2024, an AI-based software from 16 Bit Inc. was approved to use standard X-rays to prescreen for low bone mineral density, a major risk factor for osteoporosis in women.

For women, the implication is clear: screening is becoming more precise and potentially more predictive. Staying informed about updated screening tools may influence discussions with health providers about risk and testing frequency.

AI expands to preventive and early detection modalities

AI is expanding beyond imaging. Portable AI-enabled ultrasound devices are being tested in Kenya and South Africa to identify high-risk pregnancies and estimate gestational age.

Wearables such as Oura Ring are collecting data on perimenopause, sleep, and cardiovascular markers from large user populations. Researchers are also applying AI to analyze blood biomarkers and medical records to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in women, who represent two-thirds of patients globally.

Progress in endometriosis treatment

Endometriosis affects an estimated 190 million women and girls worldwide. Historically, diagnosis has taken an average of eight years, and treatment options have been limited.

In 2025, several advances emerged, including Linzagolix (Yselty) , which was approved in the UK as a new daily pill for managing symptoms, marking the first new NHS-backed treatment in years; Dichloroacetate (DCA), originally developed for cancer, is showing promise as a non-hormonal therapy in early research; Merigolix, a GnRH antagonist in clinical trials, significantly reduced menstrual pain within 12 weeks; as well, a non-invasive diagnostic tool, maraciclatide, received FDA Fast Track designation.

Genetic studies have identified links between endometriosis and 11 other conditions, including migraine, asthma, chronic pain, and osteoarthritis.

For patients who have long faced delayed diagnosis and limited options, these developments suggest that both treatment and understanding of the condition are evolving.

Menopause and hormone therapy

Menopause management has long been approached with caution, particularly regarding hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In November 2025, the FDA announced plans to remove long-standing “black box” warnings from menopausal HRT products.

New evidence indicates that women who begin HRT within ten years of menopause onset, generally before age 60, experience a reduction in all-cause mortality. Long-term follow-up studies also show that estrogen-alone therapy was associated with a 22% reduction in breast cancer.

Despite this, only about one in four women seek treatment for menopause symptoms. Virtual clinics and wearable devices are beginning to close this gap by offering easier access to evaluation and monitoring.

Understanding these regulatory changes allows women to revisit conversations about menopause treatment with updated evidence in mind.

Cervical cancer prevention

Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women globally, causing approximately 350,000 deaths annually. Ninety percent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Research now confirms that a single dose of the HPV vaccine is as effective as a two-dose schedule, improving accessibility worldwide.

In addition, a Phase II trial of the therapeutic HPV vaccine Vvax001 demonstrated regression of precancerous lesions in half of participants. Unlike preventive vaccines, therapeutic vaccines treat women who already have lesions, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures.

For global health equity, these findings may significantly influence screening and vaccination strategies.

Maternal health innovations in pre- and post-birth

Maternal health remains a priority area, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Researchers at Monash University in Australia developed an inhalable, dry-powder form of oxytocin to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Unlike injectable forms, it does not require refrigeration.

FHI 360 launched human trials of Casea S, the first biodegradable contraceptive implant in over 20 years.

MZe786, an investigational oral drug for preeclampsia, has shown improved outcomes in early studies.

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) continues to expand screening capabilities for chromosomal abnormalities.

These tools target critical moments in pregnancy and childbirth, where timely intervention can save lives.

Cardiovascular disease as a persistent medical issue

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and disability among women in the US. Historically, women have been underdiagnosed because medical training focused on male symptom patterns.

Recent projections estimate that six in ten US women could have some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050.

New developments include: Baxdrostat, a medication for resistant hypertension; GLP-1 receptor agonists such as tirzepatide and oral semaglutide, which show cardiovascular benefits beyond diabetes management; and Stem cell research demonstrating the potential to restore heart muscle.

Updated guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) acknowledging menopause as a cardiovascular risk factor.

For women, understanding sex-specific risks, including conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, can influence long-term heart health planning.

Time poverty leads to health neglect

Time poverty, driven by the disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic work, severely limits women’s ability to seek medical care. Many women juggle childcare, elder care, and household duties, leaving them little time to prioritize their own health. This results in delayed medical attention, poor nutrition, and heightened stress levels—all of which contribute to long-term health problems.

A 2020 study published in Global Health journal defines time poverty as the lack of sufficient time to engage in activities that promote personal well-being, such as rest, leisure, and self-care, due to the overwhelming demands of both paid and unpaid work. This phenomenon disproportionately affects women and girls worldwide, who often shoulder the majority of unpaid domestic responsibilities alongside their professional duties.

Global disparities in unpaid labor

The report indicated that from a young age, girls are socialized to take on caretaking roles. Globally, girls aged 10 to 14 spend 50% more time on household chores than boys of the same age. As they grow older, this disparity persists. In developed countries, women spend twice as many hours per day on unpaid work compared to men; in developing nations, this figure rises to 3.4 times as many hours.

Double burden of employment and domestic duties

Even with increasing female participation in the paid workforce, women continue to bear the brunt of unpaid care work. This dual burden often results in longer working days for women compared to men. In rural Pakistan, 37% of employed women are considered time poor, compared to 19% of employed men, primarily because women maintain their domestic responsibilities regardless of employment status. Additionally, a study in China found that gender differences in housework-related activities accounted for 27% to 28% of the gender earnings gap.

Health implications of time poverty

Time poverty has significant repercussions for women’s health through various pathways, including

Delayed healthcare seeking – Domestic responsibilities can leave little time for women to seek medical care, leading to self-neglect. One study in the US found that almost one-quarter of American women reported delaying or not seeking health care due to insufficient time. Among pregnant South African women, daily chores such as fetching water and fieldwork have been shown to decrease the use of prenatal care.

Mental health strain – The constant juggling of paid work and unpaid domestic duties can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. The lack of leisure time reduces opportunities for relaxation and mental rejuvenation, exacerbating mental health issues.

Nutritional neglect – Time-constrained women may resort to quick, less nutritious meal options, negatively impacting their dietary health.

Physical health deterioration – Insufficient time for rest and exercise can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and increased susceptibility to illnesses.

An issue of policy and societal change

Urgent policy changes, increased investment in women’s healthcare infrastructure, and culturally sensitive medical practices are essential to breaking down these barriers. Gender-sensitive social protection schemes, education initiatives, and economic reforms can make healthcare more accessible. More importantly, shifting societal attitudes toward women’s health—particularly mental health—can create a more supportive environment where seeking care is no longer met with stigma or shame.

The challenges women face in accessing healthcare in Asia are deeply ingrained, but they are not insurmountable. Governments, communities, and healthcare providers must work together to dismantle these barriers and ensure that women’s health is treated as a priority, not an afterthought.

The report explores femtech adoption, awareness, and attitudes across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. It covers a wide range of topics, including femtech awareness, user spending habits, future intentions of non-users, women’s health education, openness in discussing health issues, media and religious influences, maternal and reproductive health, and hormonal health (e.g., menopause). This is the first report to quantify consumer value for femtech in each market.

Related: Transforming Healthcare Norms for Women; Novartis Malaysia Takes the Lead in Empowering Women

Key findings reveal that women in Southeast Asia are primarily educated about menstrual health, puberty, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) while growing up. However, 52% of women feel discussing health issues publicly is culturally unacceptable due to concerns about judgment and shame.

As femtech emerges as a crucial healthcare sector, this report is a vital resource for stakeholders, policymakers, and industry players aiming to understand and address consumer perspectives in Southeast Asia.

Key findings in the report include the state of women’s health education and the impact of societal factors like media and religion; maternal and reproductive health issues and the role of technology in addressing them; hormonal health concerns, particularly menopause, and the demand for innovative solutions; awareness and familiarity with femtech solutions across different demographics; and more.

Juda Kanaprach, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Milieu Insight, remarked that the report underscores the present status of femtech adoption and establishes a foundation for future progress in enhancing women’s health outcomes throughout the region. This aligns with the company’s goal to prioritize a localized business strategy, honor cultural sensitivities, and cultivate strategic partnerships.

Lindsay Davis, the founder of FemTech Association Asia, stated that the report’s findings will guide their advisory and advocacy work, and will encourage innovation and investment in femtech solutions designed for the specific needs of this region.

The report’s findings will be presented at FemTech Connect Asia, a pioneering roundtable event where women’s health and innovation converge in Asia, on the 20th and 21st June 2024 in Singapore. (Press Release)

According to reports, campaigners for reproductive health rights and gender equality perceive the pill’s approval as limiting women’s ability to make autonomous decisions about their bodies, including regulating their own pregnancies.

The pill pack, considered as effective, contains two types of pharmaceuticals, mifepristone and misoprostol, both of which are on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of essential medicines. The oral drug Mefeego is for the medical termination of pregnancies of up to 63 days gestation, reports say.

In clinical trials, 60% of medical abortions performed with the pill pack were confirmed four hours after the second dose, increasing to 90% after eight hours. Abortion was unsuccessful in less than 10% of cases after 24 hours.

Surgical treatments – the curettage method and the evacuation method – are now the only options for abortion in Japan. According to Japan’s existing abortion laws, women can only get an abortion if a pregnancy threatens their physical health for bodily or financial reasons, or if they became pregnant as a result of rape.

WHO emphasized in its recommendations on its explainer, Self-care interventions-self-management of medical abortion that access to safe and legal abortion is a crucial component of sexual and reproductive health services. Between 2010 and 2014, an estimated 25% of all pregnancies ended in abortion worldwide.

However, there are contemporary hurdles to health-care systems’ ability to deliver medical abortion services, according to WHO, adding that medical abortion can be performed with mifepristone and misoprostol tablets in combination or misoprostol alone, and that it is a non-invasive and highly accepted alternative for pregnant women.

Meanwhile, according to Macrotrends, the current birth rate for Japan in 2023 is 7.013 births per 1000 people, a 1.35% decrease from 2022, while the birth rate for Japan in 2022 was 7.109 births per 1000 people, a 1.33% decrease from 2021.

Health Care Asia
Home

PHILIPPINES –  As the controversy over women’s access to proper reproductive health continues, Health Secretary Enrique Ona disclosed that the country’s maternal mortality rate went up to 221 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2010, from 162 deaths in 2006. The figures coming from the latest survey of the National Statistics Office (NSO) showed an alarming increase in the number of deaths caused by pregnancy or childbirth complications.

“This is now a challenge for us in the government because we are working to reduce maternal mortality rate in the country to 54 by year 2016,” Ona noted.
He stressed the need for the passage of critical legislation and implementation of other appropriate measures to reduce maternal mortality in the country. He said there is also the need to amend the midwifery and other health professional laws as well as consolidate local health systems at the provincial level.

Ona said the reduction in maternal mortality is essential, for it serves as a gauge of the country’s health system.

“If you have a high maternal mortality rate it means that your health system is not good enough,” Ona explained.

Maternal death is highly preventable through effective family planning health services, ante-natal care and access to health facilities.Ona said the DOH has started upgrading health facilities and intends to distribute some P500-million worth of family planning commodities this year in an effort to reduce maternal deaths.

The DOH, however, admitted that family planning program has been very limited for the past 10 years, with an estimated six million women reported to having unmet need for modern family planning services.

Other related news:

RH Bill Likely to be Passed on Second Reading

Source: ABS-CBN News