In a groundbreaking report, the Lancet Haematology Commission has shed light on the critical need for enhanced blood care strategies specifically tailored for women and girls. Led by Dr. Bethany Samuelson Bannow, the commission's findings, presented at the ISTH 2026 Congress in Paris, offer a compelling roadmap to address the stark inequities in hematological health that women and girls face globally. The report, a comprehensive analysis of clinical care, research, public health, and policy, underscores the urgent need for earlier diagnosis, more consistent treatment, and stronger research and education in hematological conditions affecting women.
One of the most striking revelations is the delay in diagnosing bleeding disorders among women. On average, women wait 14 to 16 years for a diagnosis, compared to just two years for men. This delay has profound implications, as it often leads to undertreatment and complications. Heavy menstrual bleeding, affecting up to one in three women, is highlighted as a critical issue. It is frequently dismissed or inadequately treated, and the report calls for routine menstrual health assessments and stronger referral pathways to ensure earlier recognition and care.
The commission's key goal is to reduce the average time from symptom onset to diagnosis for women and girls with bleeding disorders to less than 24 months by 2035. This ambitious target, the authors argue, is achievable through the integration of screening recommendations into major guidelines and the support of clinician education. The report also emphasizes the need for universal screening for heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency, standardized postpartum hemorrhage protocols, and more personalized thrombosis care during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Dr. Samuelson Bannow, director of Classical Hematology at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute, emphasizes the potential for meaningful progress. She states, "With coordinated action across clinical care, research, and education, we can deliver more timely, effective, and equitable hematology care for women and girls around the world." The report calls for immediate action to close gender gaps in hematological health, ensuring equitable, evidence-based care worldwide. It advocates for faster diagnosis of bleeding disorders, updated clinical guidelines, greater inclusion of women in research, targeted education and prevention programs, and stronger investment in women's health.
The Lancet Haematology Commission's report is a call to action for the global health community. It highlights the urgent need to address the inequities in hematological care for women and girls, emphasizing that the tools and strategies already exist to make a significant difference. By implementing the commission's recommendations, we can move towards a future where women and girls receive timely, effective, and equitable hematological care, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status.
