Some of the types of cancer that most often affect women are cancers of the breast, colon and rectum, endometrium, lung, cervix, skin and ovary. Finding out about these types of cancer and what you can do to help prevent or detect them in their early stages (when they are small, have not spread and may be easier to treat) can help save your life.
Breast cancer
The breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, excluding skin cancer. This cancer can occur at any age, but it is more common to occur as you get older. Due to certain factors, some women may be more likely to develop breast cancer compared to other women. But every woman should know about the risks of developing breast cancer and what they can do to help reduce them.
What you can do
Early detection of breast cancer, when it is smaller, has not spread and may be easier to treat, may help prevent death from this disease. Regular screening tests represent the most reliable way to find breast cancer early.
All women should understand what is expected when having a mammogram for breast cancer screening (what the study can and cannot do). You should also familiarize yourself with the natural way your breasts look and feel and immediately inform your doctor of any changes you notice in your breasts.
Due to family history, genetic tendency or other factors, women at high risk for breast cancer should have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests along with mammograms. Talk to a health care provider about your risk of breast cancer and the screening test that is most appropriate for you. Or you can take a Cancer Care Package that appropriate for you.
Colorectal cancer
The colorectal cancer is originating in the colon or rectum. Factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer include being overweight or obese, lack of physical activity, high consumption of red and processed meats, smoking, high alcohol consumption, being older and having a family medical history or personnel of polyps and colorectal cancer.
What you can do
Periodic screening tests for colorectal cancer are one of the most powerful weapons against colorectal cancer. Most cases of colorectal cancer begin with a polyp (a small growth in the lining of the colon or rectum). Screening tests can often find colorectal cancer in its early stages, when it is smaller, it has not spread and may be easier to treat. Certain screening tests can also help prevent cancer by finding and removing polyps before they become cancerous.
Endometrial cancer
It is the cancer that occurs in the endometrium, which is the lining or inner layer of the uterus or womb. The risk of endometrial cancer increases as the woman ages. Things that can affect hormone levels, such as treatment with estrogen without progesterone and taking tamoxifen as a treatment for breast cancer or to reduce the risk, may increase the likelihood of a woman becoming endometrial cancer. Having had your first period at an early age, late menopause, having a history of infertility or never having children, may also increase your risk. Women with a personal or family history of hereditary colon cancer without polyposis (HNPCC or Lynch syndrome), or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or those who are obese, they are also at increased risk of endometrial cancer. Women who have had breast cancer or ovarian cancer may also be at higher risk for endometrial cancer.
What you can do
Currently, there are no tests or screening tests that can find early endometrial cancer in women who have an average risk and have no symptoms of this disease. The American Cancer Society recommends that, upon reaching menopause, all women should be informed of the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. Women should inform their healthcare provider of any unusual vaginal discharge, spotting or bleeding that is worse, that occurs between menstrual cycles or that occurs after menopause.
The American Cancer Society also recommends that women who have or are likely to suffer from hereditary colon cancer without polyposis (HNPCC or Lynch syndrome) be offered tests every year by endometrial biopsy after age 35.
Women should talk to their health care provider about any risk of endometrial cancer and have routine pelvic exams. It is important to know that the Pap test is very effective in detecting cervical cancer. And sometimes it can detect some cases of early endometrial cancer, but it is not a test that has that purpose.
Lung cancer
The lung cancer is most often caused by exposure to chemicals and other airborne particles. Although smoking is the leading cause, not all people with lung cancer are smokers. Some of the people may be and others may never have smoked at all.
What you can do
Not all lung cancers can be prevented. However, there are measures you can take that could reduce your risk. If you don't smoke, don't start doing it, and avoid breathing the smoke of other people who smoke. If you or a loved one smokes, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 to get help to quit.
The American Cancer Society recommends screening for certain people at high risk for lung cancer. If you smoke or used to do so, you are between 55 and 74 years old and your general health is relatively good, you could benefit from a low-dose computed tomography performed every year, as a lung cancer screening test. Talk to your health care provider about your risk of lung cancer and how to quit if you still smoke, as well as the potential benefits, limits and potential harm of getting a lung cancer screening test.
Cervical (cervical) cancer
Chronic infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV can be contracted through direct skin-to-skin contact, as with vaginal, anal and oral sex with someone with this infection. More risk factors for this cancer include smoking, a weakened immune system, having a chlamydial infection, being overweight, being exposed to or taking certain hormonal treatments, and not doing routine Pap tests.
What you can do Early detection is vital in fight against breast cancer
Do not smoke and take measures that help you avoid exposure to HPV such as the use of condoms. HPV vaccines can protect against certain HPV infections associated with cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends routine HPV vaccines for boys and girls. However, the HPV vaccine is also recommended for young girls between 13 and 26 who have not yet received them, as well as those who have already started them, but who have not completed the series.
Cristina Herrera has a BA in Journalism. And she is an Independent Journalist. Her passion in life is to write meaningful stories and help others through research and content. She truly believes that knowledge is power. So, she wants to share her experiences through content.