October is dedicated to several health conditions impacting predominantly women, like breast cancer and menopause.

But it’s also a time to focus on health literacy.

Studies show women tend to have wildly different health outcomes based on socio-economic factors. Much of that begins at the doctor’s office.

Dr. Lisa Harris, senior vice president and chief medical officer of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, spoke with Spectrum News 1 anchor Mercedes Williams about what kinds of barriers women face in getting their health care needs addressed, and who is most vulnerable. They also spoke about some examples of how illnesses can present themselves differently in women and what can women do to better advocate for themselves in the doctor’s office.