By Spencer LaPrath, Director of Marketing & Communications, TrueCare
May is Women’s Health Month, a timely reminder of something that is easy to overlook in the demands of daily life. Caring for yourself is not a luxury. It is essential. For many women, personal health is often pushed aside while they care for others. You may be the one managing schedules, supporting loved ones, and keeping everything running smoothly, but your well-being is just as important as that of those around you. Making your health a priority is one of the most meaningful ways to care for your family.
Preventive care plays a powerful role in helping women stay healthy at every stage of life. A well-woman visit is more than a routine checkup. It is an opportunity to build a relationship with a provider, ask questions, and talk openly about your physical, emotional and reproductive health. These visits often include breast and pelvic exams, cervical cancer screenings such as Pap smears, and conversations about nutrition, lifestyle, and mental well-being. They also create space to raise concerns that might otherwise go unspoken. For many women, this dedicated time can be a meaningful step toward making their health a priority again.
Screenings for breast and cervical cancer remain among the most effective tools for early detection and prevention. Cervical cancer, once one of the leading causes of cancer death for women in the United States, has declined significantly over the past 50 years thanks to regular Pap and HPV testing. These screenings can detect changes long before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective. Cervical cancer has very few early warning signs, which makes routine screening especially important.
While recommendations vary based on age and personal history, cervical cancer screenings typically begin at age 21. For many women, Pap tests are recommended every three years, with timing adjusted over time based on individual risk and prior results. Even so, everyday barriers such as cost, time constraints, or uncertainty about where to go can delay care. Expanding access to affordable, high-quality services in welcoming, community-based settings can make a meaningful difference in helping women stay on track with these important screenings. In TrueCare’s 2025 reported outcomes, 78% of eligible patients ages 21 to 64 received recommended cervical cancer screening, well above the national average of 55.8%.
Women’s health needs evolve over time, from family planning to pregnancy and beyond. Local clinics like TrueCare support every stage of this journey with safe, confidential birth control options and comprehensive prenatal care. Patients have access to free pregnancy testing, coordinated care from midwives and OB-GYNs, doula support, and childbirth and breastfeeding education. After delivery, ongoing care, including well-baby exams and family support services, helps both mother and baby get off to a healthy start.
Health also includes emotional and mental well-being, an area that is often overlooked. Many women carry significant responsibilities at home and at work, and the pressure to stay strong for others can quietly take a toll. Over time, its can lead to stress, anxiety, or burnout. Access to behavioral health services can make a meaningful difference, helping women care for both their minds and bodies. Prioritizing mental health is not a sign of weakness. It reflects awareness and strength.
In many families, health is deeply interconnected. When one person takes steps toward better health, it often creates a ripple effect. Scheduling your own appointments, talking openly about preventive care, and making small changes toward healthier habits can influence those around you. Children, partners, and extended family members are more likely to prioritize their own well-being when they see someone they trust doing the same. In this way, caring for yourself becomes an act of care for your entire family.
For more than 50 years, TrueCare has remained committed to supporting patients and their families with compassionate, high-quality care. TrueCare’s Women’s Health Centers provide comprehensive services at low to no cost, from wellness exams and cancer screenings to family planning and mental health support. With a focus on reducing barriers and delivering care with cultural understanding and respect, TrueCare meets women where they are at every stage of life.
