The top common cancers in women are:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
Tobacco use, poor diet and physical inactivity, infection with certain viruses, exposure to certain chemicals and substances, a family history of cancer, and increasing age are all risk factors for these cancers.
“Cancer affects millions of people worldwide and can occur in different parts of the body. Women are especially susceptible to certain types of cancers including breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer.”
Dr. Monica Gulati, Executive Dean, LPU says
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women around the world. It happens when abnormal breast cells grow and form a tumour. If not treated, these cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body. If a woman is not physically active, her risk of developing breast cancer increases. After menopause, obesity or being overweight is common. Overweight or obese older women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than healthy-weight older women.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a cancer that begins in the lungs. It is the leading cause of death from cancer in both men and women. Lung cancer is classified into two types: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.
The rise in female smoking has increased the incidence of lung cancer. Female smokers appear to have a higher risk of developing lung cancer from the same cigarette exposure as male smokers. Women are more likely than men to develop lung cancer if they do not smoke. Early detection and treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, can greatly improve the outcome for lung cancer patients.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon and rectum. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer can have a significant impact on a woman’s life; however, with early detection, regular check-ups, proper treatment, and a healthy lifestyle, women can reduce their risk of developing these diseases and improve their chances of treatment success. Women must be proactive about their health, educate themselves about risk factors and warning signs, and take action to detect and treat these cancers as early as possible. Women can improve their chances of living a healthy and fulfilling life by staying informed and taking the necessary steps.
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects the ovaries. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
“It is also surprising that ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths among women and is often referred to as a “silent killer” because its symptoms are often vague and non-specific.”
Dr. Kanury Rao, Co-Founder, PredOmix says,
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer affects the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Regular screenings and a vaccine can greatly reduce the risk of developing the disease, making it one of the most preventable types of cancer.
Cervical cancer symptoms include vaginal bleeding, discharge, and pain during sex. However, these symptoms are frequently ambiguous and can be misdiagnosed as other conditions, making cervical cancer difficult to detect. Regular screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV tests, can detect cervical cancer early and improve patients’ outcomes significantly. The HPV vaccine can also reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer significantly.
“Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. It occurs in the cells of the cervix, the entrance to the uterus from the vagina. Each year, more than half a million women, mostly aged between 35 and 444 are diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide, and the disease results in over 300000 deaths.”
Dr. Kamini Rao, Padma Shree Awardee and Chief Mentor, Milann Fertility Center says,
