• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, accounting for nearly 25% of female cancers.
• Cervical cancer is another type of cancer that primarily affects women, and it can be prevented through regular screening tests such as Pap smears or HPV testing.
• Ovarian cancer affects 5% of all women, and it is usually detected at later stages due to vague symptoms.
• Oral cancer can be caused by tobacco use or alcohol consumption and can spread quickly if not caught in time.
• Uterine/endometrial cancer affects 4% of all women and can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination thereof.
Cancer is a disease that affects us all. It doesn’t discriminate between genders, ages, or races. However, certain cancers affect women more than men. These particular cancers can drastically change a woman’s lifestyle, and in some cases, they can even be fatal. Here’s what you need to know about cancer in women.
Cancer in Women
Cancer is the second leading cause of death for women in the United States. Each year, more than 200,000 new cases are diagnosed. While no one type of cancer affects all women, some cancers occur more frequently in women than men. Here are some of the most common types of cancer that affect women and what you should look out for.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. It is especially prevalent in developed countries such as the United States.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer accounts for nearly 25% of all female cancers and is responsible for an estimated 2 million deaths yearly. Thankfully, early detection and treatment can be very effective against breast cancer if caught in time. Therefore it’s crucial to get checked regularly by a doctor and pay attention to any changes or lumps you may find in your breasts.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is another type of cancer that primarily affects women. The WHO estimates that cervical cancer accounts for 7% of all female cancers, and approximately half a million cases are diagnosed yearly.
Cervical cancer can be caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and is preventable through regular screening tests such as Pap smears or HPV testing. Treatment options depend on how far cancer has progressed when detected but can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination thereof.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer affects 5% of all women, with an estimated 250,000 cases being diagnosed yearly worldwide, according to the WHO. While ovarian cancer can occur at any age, it usually happens after menopause. It is typically detected at later stages due to vague symptoms, including pelvic pain, bloating, nausea, changes in appetite, or bathroom habits. Early detection is vital to successful treatment since this type of cancer spreads quickly throughout the abdomen once it has been identified.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women. According to the WHO, oral cancer accounts for 6% of all female cancers. Oral cancer can be caused by tobacco use or alcohol consumption and can spread quickly if not caught in time. It’s essential for women always to get the missing tooth to be replaced as gaps can lead to bacterial infection. Utilizing teeth replacement services can ensure the gap doesn’t stay open and you can have a healthy mouth. This can drastically reduce the chances of oral cancer in the future.
Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
According to the WHO’s estimates, uterine/endometrial cancer affects 4% of all women, This type of cancer usually occurs after menopause due to increased levels of estrogen without progesterone in postmenopausal women because their ovaries no longer produce progesterone which helps balance out estrogen levels throughout their body, causing changes in cell growth patterns within the uterus, leading towards tumors forming within the endometrium (the inner lining) which could become malignant if left untreated. Symptoms can include abnormal bleeding as well as pelvic pain or pressure. Hence, it’s essential to seek medical help if these symptoms. Early detection will lead to better outcomes with treatments ranging from surgery to radiation therapy, depending on the severity and stage when a doctor detects it.
Tips You Can Follow
Cancer is a severe and often life-threatening illness, but there are some steps you can take to help reduce your risk.
• Exercise regularly: Exercise is one of the best ways to stay healthy and prevent cancer. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve immune system functioning, reduce stress, and avoid obesity which all help prevent cancer.
• Eat a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs to stay healthy.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking increases your risk for certain types of cancer such as oral and breast cancer, so it’s best to limit or abstain entirely if possible.
• Get regular check-ups: It’s essential to get regular check-ups with your doctor to detect any early signs of cancer or other illnesses. Early detection is vital and can lead to successful treatment if caught in time.
Cancer among women is a serious issue and can be life-threatening if not treated in time. Therefore, it’s essential to know your risk factors and take steps to stay healthy. Taking these precautions can help reduce your risk for many types of cancer.
