Getting to know “one is diagnosed with cancer” is the hardest thing to endure for the one who is diagnosed and to people related. However, two third of the cancers are preventable. Some of the cancers like breast, cervical, skin, ovarian, lung, and endometrial cancer are the most common cancers in women.
It certainly important to pay heed to the abnormal changes occur in your body. What are the traits you could notice? What are the abnormal changes? How to learn about the right cancer type and take preventions?
Similar questions will be answered in this write-up.
1. Breast cancer
It is one of the most common types of cancers in women worldwide. One in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer in a lifetime. Fortunately, this rate is decreasing with awareness but still many women are not aware.
It can occur at any age and risk increases with your age.
Symptoms
- Lump in the breast or armpit
- Nipples turn inward
- Nipple discharge
- Breast or nipple sore
- Change in the size or shape of the breast or nipple
Preventions
If you have a family medical history, you should be more concerned. Breast cancer diagnosed in the initial stage is easier to treat. Women after the age of 40 should do annual breast cancer screening with mammograms.
Every woman should keep a check on her breast shape and should report if find any odd change. Also should take care of their hygiene.
Related: 9 easy steps to make difference in Women Hygiene
2. Cervical cancer
This type of cancer mostly impacts women who have been sexually active. It occurs in women who have had the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is passed during sex. It is also common in women who smoke, have HIV or AIDS, poor nutrition and who do not get regular Pap tests.
Symptoms
No symptoms in early stage. But as cancer grows following are the symptoms may occur.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, during sex or after menopause)
- Pain during sex
- Vaginal discharge
Preventions
Condoms could be the best to lower the risk of infection. Smoking, having many children, having a weakened immune system, multiple sexual partners and long-term use of oral contraceptive pills can increase of this cancer.
3. Ovarian cancer
This type of cancer is more likely to occur as woman get older. Ovarian cancer is getting common among the women who have never had a child and who have their first child after age 30. Women who have a family history of hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), ovarian cancer, or breast cancer are more prone to these cancers.
Symptoms
- Abdominal swelling
- Digestive problems
- Pelvic pain
- Feeling pee is coming all the time
If these symptoms are for more than few weeks should see their doctor immediately.
Preventions
Go through your family medical history and if you discover this in cancer should start need to do some tests. Regular health exams are essential.
4. Endometrial cancer
It is also called uterine cancer and mostly impacts postmenopausal women. It is cancer in the lining of the uterus and the most common that affects women reproductive organs. The average age of onset of this cancer is 60. Unfortunately, there are no screening tests to know about this cancer early.
Symptoms
- Difficult or painful urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Vaginal discharge
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Preventions
Changing lifestyle or eating habits to ward off obesity, quitting smoking, and exercise can help you lower the risk of the cancers in women.
5. Lung cancer
Eight out of ten deaths occur due to lung cancer are because of smoking. People who do not smoke are also at risk for cancer. Apart from smoking, air pollution, radon gas, secondhand smoke, diesel exhaust, asbestos, and arsenic are the most prevalent causes of lung cancer.
Symptoms
- A cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Hemoptysis
- Hoarseness
- DIfficulty swallowing
Preventions
This is the most preventable type of cancer. Quit smoking and minimizing exposure to passive smoke are the common preventions to take.
In the nutshell, mentioned are the most affecting cancers in women. Knowing about them and what you can do to help prevent them or find them in early stages may help save your life.
