Women's Health Issues: Perception vs. Reality

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Perception: Majority of women surveyed cite breast cancer as the main health issue facing women.

Reality: Heart disease is the leading cause of death and disability in women today - affecting more women than men.

Perception: 90% of women surveyed say their diet is healthy.

Reality: Only 20% of women today meet contemporary dietary recommendations.

Perception: 77% of women describe their eating habits today as better than a few years ago.

Reality: Incidence of overweight in women has increased by 32% from 1980 to 1991.

Perception: Women surveyed cite smoking as the prime risk factor for breast cancer.

Reality: Body weight and dietary habits are also factors that can influence the risk of breast cancer.

Source: Data from Women's Knowledge and Behavior Regarding Health and Fitness, 1993 Gallup poll conducted for Weight Watchers International, Inc., and the American Dietetic Association.