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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.

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Breast Cancer

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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

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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

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Cervical Cancer

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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.

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Symptoms

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain during intercourse
• Unusual vaginal bleeding

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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

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Ovarian Cancer

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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.

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Symptoms

• Persistent urge to urinate
• Pelvic pain
• Stomach related issues
• Stomach swelling

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Prevention Measures

• Know your family history of cancer
• Schedule regular health checkups to minimise your risk and enable early diagnosis and treatment

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Endometrial Cancer

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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

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Prevention Measures

• Stop smoking
• Adopt a regular exercise routine
• Adopt a healthy, nutrition-rich diet

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Lung Cancer

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Lung cancer is linked to risk factors such as smoking, air pollution, and exposure to radon gas, diesel fumes, arsenic and asbestos.

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Symptoms

• Difficulty swallowing
• Throat dryness
• Hemoptysis
• Chest pain
• Wheezing

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Prevention Measures

• Stop smoking
• Avoid exposure to smoke, fumes and dangerous substances