Women's health covers a wide range and variety of diverse topics. Until recently, the number of studies designed to investigate the scientific differences between men and women with respect to disease patterns and reactions to therapy have been limited. The emergence of the women's health movement as a political force attempts to include women in clinical trial studies and to promote gender-based research as an important area in biomedicine. In addition, the United States and the World Health Organization are encouraging local governments to carry out their programs to improve women's health.

Improving half of the world's population, women's health issues affect people living in conditions ranging from excess luxury to extreme and dire poverty. In developing countries, for example, women endure the pain of being treated as less than equal and even after long lasting struggles to claim their freedom and human dignity, their personal value is continuously compromised. Even the joys of motherhood, undeniably one of the most incredible and unique experiences of a women's life, presents a serious health threat in poorer countries where the complications of childbirth are among the leading causes of death in women of childbearing age.

There are many issues affecting women's health, and each directly and indirectly affects the entire family and ultimately the society at large. Rather than attempting to describe every detail of this vast subject, this issue of Jacksonville Medicine focuses on five.

First, Dr. Guy Benrubi discusses the variety of gynecological malignancies and familiarizes the readers with the most current information in this area. This is followed with a discussion about the challenges and promises in breast cancer, in which I attempt to introduce a different point of view in respect to the future of breast cancer research. Dr. Lorraine Dajani and Dr. J. Gary Evans next present an excellent overview of issues related to thyroid function, and Dr. Suzanne Quinn contributes an outstanding discussion of osteoporosis. Finally, Dr. Andrew Kaunitz talks about the complexity of menopause and hormone replacement therapy.

Overall, the dilemmas surrounding women's health are not limited to those discussed in this issue. However, it is hoped that this information will be stimulating and thought provoking to the readers of this journal. In addition to a special thanks to all the authors who have contributed to the production of this issue of Jacksonville Medicine, I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year.

Shahla Masood, M.D.,
Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Pathology
Assistant Dean for Research
University of Florida Health Science Center / Jacksonville
Chief of Pathology, University Medical Center

Jacksonville Medicine / January, 1999

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