Gender inequalities are worsening women's access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, experts say. 

A new study, drawing from data in Australia and New Zealand, suggests unequal power dynamics across society have resounding negative impacts on how women interact with cancer service.

Cancer is a leading cause of death in women globally and ranks among the top three causes of premature death for women under 70 in nearly every country.

The Lancet report estimates that of the 2.3 million women who die prematurely from cancer annually, 1.5 million lives could be saved through the elimination of key risk factors or early detection. An additional 800,000 deaths could be prevented with universal access to optimal cancer care.

However, it found that gender inequalities in society limit women's exposure to cancer risk factors, access to accurate health information and quality health services. These factors hinder their ability to cope with cancer-related financial challenges.

The study also showed women are predominantly found in unpaid caregiver roles, significantly underrepresented in leadership positions within cancer research, practice, and policymaking. This is likely to perpetuate a lack of women-centric cancer prevention and care.

The Lancet Commission on women, power, and cancer calls for a feminist approach in cancer care - integrating sex and gender considerations into all cancer-related policies and guidelines to meet diverse women's needs.

The experts say cancer's burden on women is often underestimated. For example, lung and colorectal cancer are among the top causes of cancer death in women worldwide. The tobacco and alcohol industry's targeted marketing to women necessitates gender-specific policies to reduce risk factors.

Commercial products predominantly used by women, such as breast implants, skin lighteners, and hair relaxers, are linked to increased cancer risks too.

Additionally, women are more likely to face financial hardships due to cancer-related expenses. Gender norms that prioritise family needs often lead to delayed healthcare seeking.

The report also finds that gender inequalities are compounded when women belong to marginalised ethnic or indigenous groups or have diverse sexual orientations or gender identities.

The Lancet Commission urges strategies to increase women's awareness of cancer risk factors, equitable access to early detection, and leadership opportunities within the cancer workforce.

The full report is accessible here.