While researchers have known that low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk of heart attack in men, many people had assumed that an aspirin regimen would have similar effects in women. However, the results of a landmark study by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) show that aspirin may have different effects on men and women. The Women's Health Study found that taking low-dose aspirin on alternate dates, for
most women, did not prevent first heart attacks or deaths from cardiovascular disease in women. There was, however, a significantly lower risk of stroke in women over 65 who took low-dose aspirin.

Pre-menopausal breast cancer patients who undergo mastectomy (breast removal), followed by chemotherapy, may live longer if they also receive radiation, according to a recent study. In the study, 47% of the women who underwent mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for breast cancer were alive 20 years after treatment, compared with only 37% who only had mastectomy and chemotherapy alone. Thus, the addition of radiation therapy appears to increase the chances of long-term survival in young breast cancer patients who are treated with mastectomy and chemotherapy.

Maintaining good physical health often depends on a well-balanced diet, exercise, and receiving regular medical tests to help detect conditions early, when the chances of successful treatment are the greatest. The type and frequency of medical tests a woman should have depend on her age and often other circumstances, such as a family history of diseases, etc. This article summarizes the recommended medical tests for women under age 40.

Regularly examining her own breasts allows a woman to become familiar with how her breasts normally look and feel and can help her more readily detect any changes that may occur. Women should perform breast self-exams once each month beginning at age 20. This article, complete with illustrations, describes the step-by-step process of performing a breast self exam while lying down, standing up, and in the shower.