Preventive care like checkups, screenings, and vaccines can save lives—but too many women in Santa Ana and Orange County are delaying it. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer, among other illnesses. Prioritizing your health is the best way to protect yourself and your family.
The Preventive Care Gap
Preventive care includes annual physicals, mammograms, Pap smears, colorectal screenings, and vaccines. These measures catch problems before they become life-threatening.
Yet, according to a 2024 Gallup poll, nearly half of U.S. women skipped preventive care last year. The danger is clear: when cancer or chronic disease is detected late, treatment is harder, more expensive, and less successful.
For women in Orange County, where work, family, and financial stress pile up, skipping screenings may feel like the easy choice. But the risk is far too high.
Why Women Delay Checkups
TheSkimm’s 2025 wellness report highlights why women often put health last:
- Time and overwhelm – Juggling career, kids, and personal obligations leaves little space for appointments.
- Financial barriers – High out-of-pocket medical costs deter women from scheduling visits.
- Anxiety and fear – Many younger women cite stress about exams or pain as a barrier.
- Caregiver duties – Mothers are more likely to prioritize children’s needs over their own health.
It’s also a cultural issue. While Black women are more likely to prioritize screenings, Hispanic women—who make up much of Santa Ana’s population—are less likely to keep up with preventive visits.
The Life-Saving Difference
Skipping preventive care can have devastating consequences. Consider these facts:
- Breast cancer: 99% five-year survival rate if caught at stage 1 vs. 30% at stage 4.
- Cervical & colorectal cancers: Both show dramatically better outcomes when detected early.
- Chronic illnesses: Conditions like heart disease and diabetes can often be prevented or managed when diagnosed in time.
Preventive care is not just about avoiding illness—it’s about protecting your family’s future stability.
How to Take the First Step
If booking appointments feels overwhelming, here are small steps you can take:
- Use tools that guide you – TheSkimm’s Don’t Wait tool helps you identify screenings by age.
- Start with one appointment – Schedule your annual checkup and let your doctor guide the rest.
- Ask for support – Rely on friends or family for childcare, reminders, or rides.
- Reframe it as self-care – Your health is not selfish; it’s essential.
A Local Reminder: You’re Not Alone
Here in Santa Ana and Orange County, women often put family first. But scheduling preventive care is one of the most important ways to continue caring for your loved ones.
At Neighborhood Insurance Agency, we’ve served our community for over 30 years. As a Family-owned agency, we understand firsthand the challenges women face when balancing health, family, and finances.
While we can’t make your doctor’s appointments, we can ensure you have the right health and life insurance coverage to ease financial stress and give you peace of mind.
👉 Your well-being matters. Your family’s future matters. And you deserve the same protection you work so hard to give others. Let our team guide you with clarity, honesty, and care.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Frequently Asked Questions
Preventive care helps detect diseases early, when treatment is most effective. It reduces long-term healthcare costs and improves survival rates for illnesses like breast and cervical cancer.
Yes, many health insurance plans cover preventive services such as annual checkups, Pap smears, and mammograms. Always check your policy details or speak with your insurance agent to confirm coverage.
Even one appointment a year can make a difference. Start small—book your physical and let your doctor recommend the next steps.
Preguntas Frecuentes (FAQs en Español)
P1: ¿Por qué es importante el cuidado preventivo para las mujeres en Santa Ana?
Porque ayuda a detectar enfermedades en etapas tempranas, cuando el tratamiento es más efectivo. También reduce los costos médicos a largo plazo y mejora las tasas de supervivencia en cáncer de mama y cuello uterino.
P2: ¿El seguro normalmente cubre los exámenes preventivos?
Sí, muchos planes de seguro de salud cubren servicios preventivos como chequeos anuales, citologías y mamografías. Revisa los detalles de tu póliza o habla con tu agente de seguros para confirmar.
P3: ¿Y si no tengo tiempo para hacerme chequeos preventivos?
Incluso una cita al año puede marcar la diferencia. Empieza con tu chequeo anual y deja que tu médico te oriente en los siguientes pasos.
Reference
National Association of Insurance Commissioners. (2023). Understanding the importance of life insurance. Retrieved from https://content.naic.org/consumer/life-insurance.htm
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