For healthy individuals, cancer may not even be on their radar yet. However, even saying the word “cancer” triggers fear and uncertainty.
Being the second leading cause of death among Americans, cancer fear cannot be undermined. 1 out of 4 U.S citizens dies of cancer, as per the National Library of Medicine.
It is a complex disease that could affect anyone, regardless of their sex, age, or ethnicity. Having said that, certain cancers are more prevalent in women than in men!
These cancers include breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer. All these cancers impact a woman’s health in many ways. Often, women who have a family history of cancer may also develop it in their advanced years.
It is therefore essential to have regular medical checkups to detect symptoms early. The complexity of the disease can make it difficult for people to identify its symptoms. As a result, it is imperative to gain knowledge about the different types of cancer in women.
Each cancer has distinct causes and symptoms. Once health professionals identify these elements, they can develop effective treatment plans.
This blog will inform you about the types of cancers in women. Knowing the types, you will also learn about the common cancers that can affect women and the different remedies to reduce their risk.
How Common is Cancer Among Women?
In the U.S., cancer is quite common among women. When it comes to female cancers, breast cancer accounts for the most diagnoses, with a lifetime risk of 13% which is 1 out of 8 women who have breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Besides, certain gynecological cancers like ovarian cancer and cervical cancer impact the female reproductive system.
In the subsequent sections, you will find information on the most common type of cancer in women, its causes, and remedies.
What are the most common cancers in women?
Cancer is a widespread disease affecting people irrespective of their age, sex, and race. However, certain types of cancers are more prevalent in women than in men.
Let’s understand the most common types of cancer in women:
- Lung Cancer: After heart disease, the second common cause of death in women is lung cancer.
- Breast Cancer: It is a common type of cancer in women. According to Breast Cancer.org, 32% of cancer cases are breast cancer.
- Endometrial (uterine) Cancer: Amongst gynecological cancers, endometrial cancer is the most common one. The other types include cervical cancer and ovarian cancer.
- Skin Cancer: It is one of the most common cancers in women. And it poses a significant lifetime risk to them.
- Colorectal Cancer: It is one of the common types of abdominal cancer in women. In the U.S, it is the fourth-leading cause of death due to cancer.
According to National Cancer Institute data, around 38.9% of women will be diagnosed with cancer throughout their lifetime. It can be due to lifestyle changes, or maybe they have a family history of cancer.
Causes of Cancer in Women
Cancer is a complex disease that can occur at any time in a person’s life. For healthy women, the disease may not be on the radar in the early years. But there is no guarantee that it will not show signs in the early stages of their lives.
From lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use to infections and genetics, there are various causes of cancer in women.
- Tobacco consumption and passive smoking: The leading cause of cancer deaths is tobacco consumption. Smoking is the most common way to ingest tobacco, which results in lung cancer.
- Obesity and diet: The risks of breast cancer and colorectal cancer increase with overweight and obese women. In addition, consuming high amounts of processed meats and fat can increase your calorie intake, leading to complications in your body. As a result, it may increase the appearance of cancers.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Women who don’t engage in any physical activity may experience inflammation. When the body is inactive, blood flow gets disrupted, which can lead to the formation of cancer.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): It is a sexually transmitted infection that is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Furthermore, the infection can lead to other cancers in the mouth and throat.
- Genetics: Family history and genetic mutations can lead to different types of cancers in women, including ovarian and breast cancers.
Knowing the causes of cancer can help women understand its different types better. Through effective cancer screening processes, early detection of the disease is possible. As a result, the medical specialist can identify the symptoms and develop appropriate treatment plans.
7 Types of Cancer In Women and Their Symptoms
Irrespective of age, women are susceptible to cancer. There are various kinds of cancers that a woman can suffer from. Knowing the types of cancers in women can help in early detection. And that can prevent the risk of spreading to other parts of the body.
The following are the top cancers in women, along with their symptoms:
1. Breast Cancer
Though there is a significant decline in the death rates due to breast cancer, it remains one of the most common cancers in women. The development of an abnormal cell in your breast can indicate breast cancer. As per the current scenario and data from the American Cancer Society, 1 out of 8 women develops invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Breast cancer has a myriad of symptoms. Learning about these signs can help your loved ones in battling the disease better:
- Women may experience excessive bleeding or discharge along with nipple pain.
- Lumps may occur in the breasts or under the arms.
- You may experience changes in breast tissue or nipples, including flatter nipples, indentations, and rashes.
- Bleeding and clogged milk glands are significant symptoms of breast cancer.
- Women can experience swelling near the collarbone, armpits, and breasts.
2. Cervical Cancer
It is one of the common types of cancer in women that starts with cell growth in the cervix. Most of these cancers appear due to the strains of HPV, an infection that takes place through sexual contact. Usually, women who come in contact with HPV may not develop cervical cancer. However, women who harbor the virus can create cancerous cells.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Sometimes cervical cancer may not show any signs in the early stages. And that is why regular screening becomes imperative. As the cervix shows the signs of cancerous cells, the symptoms would include:
- Pain in the pelvic region or discomfort while having intercourse.
- Experiencing vaginal discharge with traces of blood.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts longer.
- Vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles or after menopause.
- Watery vaginal discharge with foul odor.
3. Colorectal Cancer
It is currently one of the leading cancer-causing deaths among U.S women. Colorectal cancer is a type of abdominal cancer that forms cancerous cells in the colon and rectum. Women have a 1 in 26 rate of developing such a cancer throughout their lifetimes, according to the American Cancer Society.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer can show various symptoms. It is essential that you thoroughly examine your body for signs.
- Women may experience unexplained weight loss as the cancerous cells form.
- Changes in bowel movements, such as frequent constipation and diarrhea.
- Persistent feeling of tiredness or weakness.
- Lingering discomforts like gas, cramps, or pain in the abdominal region.
- Experiencing rectal bleeding or witnessing blood in stool.
4. Skin Cancer
Overexposure to sunlight can damage the DNA of skin cells. As a result, it leads to abnormal cell growth. That cell growth is referred to as skin cancer, which is a common type of cancer in women. Skin cancer has two main types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. While the first two may not be life-threatening, melanoma can be dangerous because of its potential spread.
What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
Detecting skin cancer is quite easy. Know the common symptoms to detect the disease and control its spread. The symptoms of skin cancer include:
- Crusty sores with a depression in the center that frequently bleed.
- A mole that has changed its color, shape, and size.
- Pearly or waxy bumps on the ears, face, or neck.
- Flat, brown, or red/pink patches on the skin.
- Surfaces on the skin that look like scars.
5. Lung Cancer
It is the second most common cancer and a leading cause of death in women in the U.S. Earlier, men had more cases of lung cancer. However, rates among adult women under 65 are significantly increasing.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Typically, lung cancer is detected when it has spread. However, knowing the common symptoms will help you recognize the disease and get the necessary treatment. Below are the symptoms of lung cancer:
- Coughing up blood frequently.
- Loss of appetite.
- Experiencing constant fatigue.
- Chest infections that don’t respond to basic medical treatments.
- Shortness of breath.
6. Ovarian Cancer
In women, ovarian cancer is a top cancer-related cause of death. It is a gynecological cancer that occurs in the ovaries or fallopian tubes. According to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, there is a 1 in 91 chance for women to get diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is also known as a silent disease since it doesn’t show any symptoms at the early stage. But it is crucial to recognize the symptoms to take preventive measures before it spreads to other organs. Ovarian cancer symptoms are as follows:
- Excessive bloating.
- Frequent need to urinate.
- Feeling too full quickly.
- Back pain.
- Constant tiredness.
7. Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer or uterine cancer refers to abnormal cell growth in the lining of the uterus. It is the most common type of cancer in women, affecting their reproductive system. According to the Cleveland Clinic, around 3% of women get an endometrial cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives.
What are the symptoms of endometrial cancer?
The symptoms of endometrial cancer are not direct. Often, when a woman experiences abnormal vaginal bleeding, they are diagnosed with cancer. However, some common signs of endometrial cancer are:
- Discomfort during urination.
- Pain in the pelvis.
- Bleeding through the vagina between menstruation and after menopause.
What a Woman Can Do to Help Reduce Cancer Risk?
The word “cancer” stirs an immense amount of fear and uncertainty. If the disease is not detected in the early stage, it can cause a potential risk of death. In fact, cancer remains the second-leading cause of death, after heart disease.
However, through various lifestyle changes, vaccinations, and necessary practices, a woman can reduce the risk of cancer. You can try different cancer remedies by yourself to minimize the risk.
Here, we will explore natural remedies for cancer that you can consider trying gradually.
1. Say No Tobacco
Chewing tobacco and smoking are leading causes of cancer, especially lung cancer. In fact, in women, smoking can also lead to cervical cancer, producing abnormal cell growth in the cervix.
As powerful natural remedies for lung cancer, the best thing you can do is avoid tobacco and smoking. It can be a complicated process, especially for chain smokers. But with time, you can adopt a healthy lifestyle.
To make an effective plan, you can seek lung cancer remedies from healthcare professionals. They may recommend a healthy diet plan or different mind-body practices to release tension. As you keep the tension away, you will not get the temptation to smoke.
2. Protect Yourself from Sun Overexposure
Exposure to sunlight is the primary cause of skin cancer. As natural remedies for skin cancer, the ideal thing a woman can do is protect themselves from the harmful sunlight.
You can cover yourself when stepping outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It is usually when the sun’s rays are strongest. Also, you can stay in the shade or wear sunglasses to avoid direct sunlight.
Women can also use sunscreens to protect themselves from the harmful effects of UV rays. These rays can contact your skin, producing scar-like bumps that are common signs of skin cancer. Applying sunscreens with at least SPF 30 is an effective home remedy for skin cancer.
3. Eat Healthy Foods
The sedentary lifestyle and consumption of fast foods can lead to breast cancer in women. Many fast foods contain carcinogenic compounds that increase the risk of cancer in women. As a result, it is essential to incorporate a healthy diet.
To understand your diet plan, consult a dietitian. They can give you a comprehensive guide to nutrition counseling. That way, you will learn what foods to consume and avoid to reduce cancer risk.
As natural remedies for breast cancer, you can focus on foods that are lower in calories, fats, and added sugars. Consider incorporating whole grains and beans into your diet to reduce your cancer risk.
4. Manage Your Weight and Stay Physically Active
Lack of body movement can restrict blood circulation. As a result, it disrupts the discharge of toxic substances. And that can lead to the growth of cancerous cells in various organs, including the lungs, breast, ovaries, etc.
Seeking natural cancer remedies? Then you can follow weight management tips to keep the cancer risk at bay. These weight management tips can include eating nutritious foods and engaging in physical exercise.
From simple walking to moderate and strenuous activities, various forms of physical exercise can help you manage your weight. Incorporating such practices will promote a healthy overall lifestyle.
5. Get Vaccinated
Certain viruses can cause different cancers in women. For instance, HPV is the sole cause of cervical cancer in women.
To prevent the influx of such a virus, it is essential to get the appropriate vaccination. You can talk to the healthcare provider, discuss the concerns, and get yourself vaccinated.
Typically, medical practitioners recommend HPV vaccines for individuals starting from ages 9 to 26. Hence, individuals in such an age group can get vaccinated as a remedy for cancer.
6. Seek Regular Medical Care
In addition to natural cancer remedies, it is crucial to get regular health checkups. Cancer can occur even in a woman who looks “healthy” on the outside. It is therefore important that you undergo full-body examinations from time to time to minimize your risk of cancer.
Additionally, different cancer screening services help detect the disease early. From biopsies for skin cancer to low-dose CT scans for lung cancers, doctors can recommend specific screenings.
Moreover, you can learn about the symptoms of cancers to understand each type. As you are aware of the disease, it makes it easier for you to communicate your problems to the healthcare professional, namely oncologists.
Consult OneHealth Medical Group for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer in Women
Knowing about the types of cancer in women will increase awareness. As you become more aware, you will be better able to recognize warning signs and seek the help you need.
At OneHealth Medical Group, we focus on providing exceptional patient care. From early detection of problems to effective treatment, our comprehensive medical services strive for excellence.
To diagnose signs of cancer in women, we design state-of-the-art screening services. Our cancer screening services align with the most common types of cancer, including screenings for prostate cancer.
Moreover, we have a diagnostic center equipped with cutting-edge medical imaging technology. Our goal is to provide authentic imaging that better detects problems. As a result, the doctors can recommend appropriate treatments.
Visit our cancer screening services for proper diagnosis!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cancer is most common in women?
Across the globe, the most common cancer in women is breast cancer. Out of breast, colorectal, and lung cancers, 32% cases comprise breast cancer. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death, after lung cancer. In fact, 1 out of 8 women in the U.S gets invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.
What are the early warning signs of these cancers?
Changes in bowel habits, persistent lumps or swelling, unexplained weight loss, and constant fatigue are early warning signs of cancers in women. Additional important signs, like night sweats, unusual discharge or vaginal bleeding, and changes in breast appearance, are something to look for.
How often should women get screened for these cancers?
Depending on the age and risk factors, women should get regularly screened for these cancers. While breast cancer screenings start to take place at the age of 40 or 45 with mammograms, cervical cancer screenings are recommended every 3-5 years between the ages of 21 and 29. Additionally, screenings for colorectal cancer also start from the age of 45, depending on the risk factors. Women with lung cancer (currently smoke or are former smokers) can get screenings done starting at 50 years old.
What should I do if I notice any symptoms?
If you notice symptoms like persistent swelling, unexplained weight loss, vaginal bleeding, and other related symptoms, you must consult an oncologist. The specialist would recommend specific tests to inform your treatment plan.