Full Breakdown
Empowering Women's Health: Insights from the Let's Talk Women Health Event
3/23/2026, 10:51:03 AM
Key Insights from the Event
The "Let's Talk Women Health" event, held at The Hold in Ipswich, attracted over 300 attendees, highlighting a growing demand for discussions surrounding women's health issues. Dr. Liz O'Riordan, a former breast cancer surgeon and a three-time breast cancer survivor, served as the keynote speaker. She emphasized the importance of women being empowered to seek help for health changes and advocated for better access to reliable medical information. Dr. O'Riordan stated, "We are now realising we deserve more and for me it's teaching women what to say so they get taken seriously."
Background on Women's Health Research
The event's co-creator, Amy Peckham-Driver, noted that historically, women have been excluded from medical research, leading to significant gaps in understanding women's health conditions. She remarked, "Up until the 90s, women were largely excluded from medical research. We are lightyears behind where we should be in understanding women's bodies, health conditions and the challenges we face." This historical context underscores the necessity of events like this to address ongoing disparities in women's health.
The Role of Misinformation
Dr. O'Riordan highlighted the pervasive nature of misinformation regarding women's health, stating that it often leaves women uncertain about where to find trustworthy resources. She criticized the accessibility issues in healthcare, saying, "You can't get easy access to your doctors. It's doctors like me who are creating content trying to breach that space and help people come to us and not Chat GPT." This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the need for reliable health information in the digital age.
Community Engagement and Support
The event also served as a platform for women to connect with health professionals and share their experiences. Julia Endacott, a women's health physiotherapist who recently completed radiotherapy for breast cancer, expressed the significance of having access to expert advice, stating, "I think the attendance says it all, that it was a sellout. I think people are wanting this kind of thing and getting health advice and to have someone like Liz dispel myths." This illustrates a collective desire among women to engage in conversations that destigmatize health issues.
Official Statements & Responses
The event's organizers and speakers collectively emphasized the importance of community support and open dialogue in addressing women's health challenges. They encouraged women to seek medical advice proactively, reinforcing the message that early consultation with healthcare providers is crucial.
Verbatim Quotes
- "We are now realising we deserve more and for me it's teaching women what to say so they get taken seriously." — Dr. Liz O'Riordan, Former Breast Cancer Surgeon
- "Up until the 90s, women were largely excluded from medical research. We are lightyears behind where we should be in understanding women's bodies, health conditions and the challenges we face." — Amy Peckham-Driver, Co-Creator of the Event
- "Unless you're hearing it from the professionals, you can be misguided." — Julia Endacott, Women's Health Physiotherapist
The "Let's Talk Women Health" event underscores the critical need for increased awareness and dialogue surrounding women's health issues, aiming to empower women to take charge of their health and seek the support they need.
