Global Report Reveals Strategies to Enhance Women’s Hematologic Care

A groundbreaking new report published in The Lancet Haematology sheds light on critical gaps in the diagnosis and treatment of hematological disorders affecting women and girls worldwide. Led by Dr. Bethany Samuelson Bannow of the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute, this comprehensive Commission highlights the pervasive inequities in blood-related health that uniquely impact females, including conditions like bleeding disorders, heavy menstrual bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, thrombosis, and related maternal complications.

One of the most startling revelations of the report is the dramatic delay women face in obtaining accurate diagnoses of bleeding disorders—averaging 14 to 16 years compared to roughly two years for men. This lag significantly exacerbates the health risks associated with these diseases, delaying necessary interventions and increasing morbidity. The report pinpoints heavy menstrual bleeding, impacting up to one-third of women, as a vital but often overlooked early indicator of inherited bleeding disorders, urging clinicians to adopt routine menstrual health assessments to facilitate earlier detection.

The Commission calls for an ambitious yet feasible goal: reducing the average diagnostic delay for women with bleeding disorders to less than 24 months by 2035. Achieving this requires integrating standardized screening protocols into clinical guidelines, bolstering clinician education, and building robust referral networks that prioritize female hematological health. Such systemic changes are essential to overcoming entrenched gender disparities that have long hindered progress.

Beyond delayed diagnosis, the report underscores the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials and the neglect of female-specific hematologic issues in research and policy. This gap has perpetuated a lack of tailored treatment strategies, leaving women vulnerable to adverse outcomes. The Commission advocates for renewed investment in women-centric research, updated clinical guidelines, and enhanced education to address these critical shortfalls.

Postpartum hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal mortality globally, is another focal point, with the report recommending standardized protocols to improve management and outcomes. In parallel, the authors emphasize the necessity for personalized thrombosis care during pregnancy and the postpartum period, recognizing the unique physiological changes women undergo that influence clotting risks.

Experts hail this report as a pivotal advancement in women’s health and hematology. ISTH President Dr. Pantep Angchaisuksiri highlights its role in uniting clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to address the nuanced challenges women face throughout their lives. The Commission’s evidence-based roadmap provides a transformative call for immediate, coordinated action to deliver equitable, effective hematological care on a global scale.

Dr. Samuelson Bannow concludes with a hopeful vision: “Meaningful progress in bridging these gender gaps is entirely within reach. With focused collaboration across clinical care, research, and education, we can ensure that women and girls everywhere receive the lifesaving hematology care they deserve.” This landmark report offers a powerful blueprint for revolutionizing female blood health and wellbeing worldwide.