Hey, women! Choose to challenge Cancer

A challenged world is an alert world, and we are all responsible for our own thoughts and actions. Health of the family depends on the health of the woman of the family, however women in India often tend to ignore their own health.  Women are at extremely high risk of developing cancer and almost 1 out of every 4 can be affected by cancer in her lifetime. The most common and exclusive cancers which can affect women are cancer of breast, cervix, ovary, and endometrium. Here is a brief introduction to the different types of cancer that women should know:

Breast cancer

    • It is the most common cancer in women and second leading cause of death. The risk factors are family history, obesity, early menarche, late menopause, and intake of oral contraceptives, although in 70% of cases, there is no associated risk factor.  Pregnancy and breastfeeding are protective against breast cancer.
    • The early signs and symptoms of breast cancer are painless lump in the breast or axilla which can be easily ignored. Other symptoms are any abnormal discharge from nipple, change in shape of nipple and redness of the overlying skin.
    • Regular Screening for breast cancer is recommended by the American Cancer Society to detect cancer early. Screening can be done by three methods:
      • Monthly self-breast examination done by the females themselves on the fifth day of the menstrual cycle and should start at the age of 20.
      • Clinical breast examination done by the expert annually after the age of 40.
      • Mammography is an X-ray of the breast which detects changes in the architecture of the breast even before the lump has developed. It should start after the age of 45.

Cancer cervix

    • It is the second most common cancer in women in India.
    • The risk factors are early pregnancy, several pregnancies, poor vaginal hygiene, multiple sexual partners, and infection with human papilloma virus.
    • The earliest symptom is postcoital bleeding and foul-smelling discharge, later there is heavy intermenstrual bleeding and pelvic pain.
    • Screening can be done by a quite simple and non-invasive test called pap test which can detect cancer even in precancerous form. Regular screening can decrease the incidence and mortality by 80%. According to American Cancer Society guidelines, this test should be done annually after the age of 21.

Cancer ovary

    • Median age at diagnosis is 63 years. Risk factors are family history, nulliparity, obesity, smoking, and hormone replacement therapy.
    • The early symptoms are vague abdominal pain, bloating, gastro-intestinal, and urinary tract problems. Almost 75% of patients present in advanced stages.
    • Can be detected early by clinical suspicion, physical examination, ultrasound abdomen, and a tumor marker called CA-125. CA-125 is a special tumor marker for cancer ovary which can be easily done on clinical suspicion by a blood test. Its normal value is less than 35 units/ml.

Cancer endometrium

    • The incidence of cancer endometrium or uterus is increasing with the increasing incidence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. The other risk factors are exposure to endogenous or exogenous estrogens (oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy).
    • The most common and early symptom is postmenopausal bleeding seen in 80-90% of patients. Any bleeding after menopause is a warning signal and should be taken seriously. The other symptoms are vaginal discharge, pelvic pain or any change in bladder and bowel habits.
    • Endometrial cancer can be easily diagnosed on clinical suspicion, by ultrasound and fractional curettage of the uterus. 

7 tips for prevention of cancer

    • Keeping a healthy body by taking a balanced diet and regular exercise.
    • Strict no to smoking, tobacco or alcohol.
    • Regular health checks and examinations by experts.
    • Follow cancer screening guidelines.
    • Cancer vaccines are available for some cancers like cancer cervix. They are safe and effective.
    • Avoid direct sun exposure.
    • Avoid stress because studies have shown that high levels of stress weaken our immune system and loosen the control of good cells that prevent cancer in our body.