Coming to terms with cancer can be tough. Which is why it’s important to pay attention to little changes in your body to catch symptoms early and seek appropriate intervention. Cancers that commonly affect women include breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and lung cancer. Here’s a look at each.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women across the globe. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Symptoms
Change in the size or state of the breasts or areolas
Sore breasts or areolas
Inverted areolas
Knot or lump in the breast or armpit
Prevention Measures
If you have a family history of breast cancer, pay close attention to possible symptoms of the condition
Seek out annual mammograms for cancer screening after the age of 40; breast cancer diagnosed in the early stages is simpler to treat
Observe your breasts for lumps, knots or changes in shape, and report any unusual developments to your doctor
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is caused by the growth of abnormal cells in the cervix. These cells are capable of spreading to other parts of the body. Cervical cancer typically presents no early symptoms. However, advanced symptoms include vaginal bleeding, vaginal pain and pain during sexual intercourse.
Symptoms
Unusual vaginal discharge
Pain during intercourse
Unusual vaginal bleeding
Prevention Measures
Avoid multiple sexual partners
Avoid intercourse with people with a history of multiple sexual partners
Quit smoking
Use condoms to minimise the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Limit the usage of oral prophylactic pills
Ovarian Cancer
The chances of ovarian cancer increase with age and the condition pose particular risks to women who have never borne a child, or who have borne their first child after the age of 30. Women with a family history of non-polyposis colon cancer, ovarian disease or breast cancer are susceptible to ovarian cancer.
Symptoms
Persistent urge to urinate
Pelvic pain
Stomach related issues
Stomach swelling
Prevention Measures
Know your family history of cancer
Schedule regular health checkups to minimise your risk and enable early diagnosis and treatment
Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer presents the highest risk for postmenopausal women. It is caused by an abnormal growth of cells, which affect the uterine lining.
Symptoms
Excessive vaginal dryness
Mid-cycle vaginal bleeding
Pain during intercourse
Difficulty urinating
Prevention Measures
Stop smoking
Adopt a regular exercise routine
Adopt a healthy, nutrition-rich diet
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is linked to risk factors such as smoking, air pollution, and exposure to radon gas, diesel fumes, arsenic and asbestos.
Symptoms
Difficulty swallowing
Throat dryness
Hemoptysis
Chest pain
Wheezing
Prevention Measures
Stop smoking
Avoid exposure to smoke, fumes and dangerous substances
