Op-ed: Why taking care of yourself can’t always wait

As a women's health liaison working across Washington, I work to connect women to screenings and break down barriers so that a missed appointment doesn't become a missed diagnosis.

In my role with UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Washington, I support women across the state who receive publicly funded health coverage — helping them navigate preventive care, access screenings and stay connected to the services they need throughout different stages of life.

For years, I told other women to prioritize their health. When I finally went in for my first breast cancer screening, my doctor told me follow-up was needed.

Even when you know how the system works, healthcare can feel confusing and overwhelming. Waiting, anxious and unsure of what came next, I felt what so many of the women I work with feel every day.

But for many women, knowing what to do isn’t always the challenge — following through is. Screenings and annual visits are often delayed or missed, not because women don’t care, but because everything else gets in the way.

In Washington, nearly 3 in 10 women do not receive a regular preventive care visit,¹ and about 1 in 4 women, ages 50–74, are not up to date on mammograms² — a reminder that access barriers still affect preventive care.

To the women juggling work, kids, school, relationships and everything in between — I hear you. And for those taking care of everyone else first, know that caring for yourself is not selfish.

No matter your health journey or stage of life, you deserve to access the care you need, when you need it.

Here are common challenges I hear from women — and what may make care easier to access:

• Time and travel constraints. Everyday responsibilities like work, caregiving and family needs can make prioritizing a doctor’s visit difficult. Transportation barriers can further limit access. Communities, providers and health plans — including the teams I work with at UnitedHealthcare — are looking for ways to meet women where they are by expanding weekend hours, offering flexible scheduling and helping address transportation barriers. Check with your local health department to see what screening options are available in your area.
• Uncertainty or hesitation about what to expect. A lot of the hesitation I hear comes from outdated information. Women who had a mammogram years ago, or heard it was painful, are often surprised by how much has changed. It is worth asking a provider what to expect. The answer may be very different from what they imagined.
• Not facing the results alone. Getting the call that my screening required follow-up and not knowing what to do next can be one of the scariest feelings. For many people, the hardest part isn’t the news itself — it’s feeling like they have to figure out the next steps alone. Nobody should carry that kind of worry alone. Lean on the people around you, ask questions, and know that reaching out for support, whether from a care team, a navigator, or someone you trust, is one of the bravest things you can do.
• One small step can make a big difference. Start with one thing — make the appointment, schedule a screening, place the phone call, ask the question. It can set something in motion that matters more than you know. If you are not sure where to start — or worried about cost — your health plan or local health department can help connect you to available care options.

I see these barriers every day, and I also see progress when we focus on practical solutions that make care easier to access.

Through my work with Leaders in Women’s Health and the Cancer Action Plan of Washington’s Prevention and Screening Workgroup, I will continue advocating for that change.

I am truly inspired by the women I meet day in and day out. That inspiration is what keeps me showing up, helping women across Washington feel supported, informed, and not alone as they navigate their health.

I am asking you to do what I finally did myself. I saw a provider, I followed up, and came away with peace of mind and a better understanding of how to stay on top of my health.

Taking care of yourself matters — to you, and to everyone who depends on you. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.