CALL US NOW 75000 75111

Gynaecological Cancers Every Woman Should Keep an Eye Out For

Pathkind Team 408 Views
Updated: 13 Oct 2023
Published: 27 Jan 2023
common cancers that effect women

Is Cancer Common in Women?

Cancer is synonymous with menace to women. Going by statistics, it comes second only to heart disease in killing most women around the world. Its high frequency of causing deaths becomes evident from the fact that 25 out of 100 individuals die due to it in the United States. And the majority of them are women.

 

Beyond a doubt, skin cancer is the commonest form of cancer that affects most women. However, breast cancer isn’t too far behind it. Discussing or thinking about cancer can be difficult for most female individuals. But knowledge is power. Knowing about cancer is imperative for women as, to a large extent, it can help them prevent the possibility of developing it at the later stages.

 

Read on to learn more about the types of cancer you should be aware of as a woman. Also, find out the risk factors linked with them and the ways to detect them.

 

Some Common Cancers that Affect Most Women

Cancers can be of different types. Women are more vulnerable to them than their male counterparts. Some common cancers that affect most women include the following:

 

  • Skin cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Uterine cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Cervical cancer

 

Along with American women, these cancers also affect women around the world. As is evident from most studies on cancer, early detection of cancer helps in its successful treatment.

 

Breast Cancer, Its Risk Factors, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of breast cells. After its onset, it spreads to the lymph nodes at the subsequent stages. The risk factors for this form of cancer include the following:

  • Consumption of alcohol
  • Obesity
  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • Non-pregnancy
  • Not breastfeeding
  • Utilization of contraceptives or birth control pills
  • Post-menopause hormone therapy

 

BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes have a central role in causing breast cancer. Both these genes run through genetics and families. Therefore, you must go through a thorough brca gene check-up if one or more members of your family have a history of mutation of breast cells due to these genes. You must do it, irrespective of your gender.

 

The signs and symptoms of breast cancer include the following:

  • A lump in the breast
  • Changes in the nipple
  • Dimple in the breast (orange peel)
  • Inflammation in the breast
  • An underarm lump
  • Inward nipple retraction
  • Nipple discharge (bloody discharge)
  • Thick and itchy skin on the breast with a reddish or scaly appearance

 

In most cases, women develop breast cancer due to BRCA mutations. Some of them may also develop this form of cancer due to environmental factors and radiation or chemicals.

 

As far as the diagnosis of breast cancer is concerned, your best bet is to go for an annual screening.

 

Ovarian Cancer, Its Risk Factors, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Ovarian cancer results due to the abnormal growth of ovary cells or the cells of the fallopian tubes. The formation of tumours in these organs due to the abnormal growth of cells marks the beginning of ovarian cancer.

 

The risk factors for this form of cancer include the following:

  • Obesity
  • Endometriosis
  • Diabetes
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Family history of ovarian, bowel, cervical, uterine, and breast cancer
  • Smoking

 

While there is no definite screening for ovarian cancer, those who have BRCA mutations are at risk of developing it. You can consult a genetic counsellor for genetic testing.

 

The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer include the following:

  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Pelvic pain
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Menstrual changes
  • Difficulty in eating
  • Constipation
  • Urgent bowel movements and urination
  • Menstrual changes
  • Pelvic pressure
  • Unexplained weight loss

 

Ovarian cancer generally begins with the development of tumours in the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Carcinoma can be of different types.

 

With that being said, ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect. It is imperative to observe its early signs and see a gynaecologist to have them examined. Your doctor may recommend the following tests for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer:

 

Cervical Cancer, Its Risk Factors & Diagnosis

The abnormal growth of the cells of the cervix triggers cervical cancer. Its risk factors include the following:

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Smoking
  • Abnormal pap smear
  • HIV/AIDS infection
  • Intercourse with multiple sex partners
  • Giving birth to three or more babies

 

Except for vaginal discharge or bleeding, there are no major signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. Sometimes healthy cervical cells undergo some DNA alterations. It is the primary reason for cervical cancer. An early HPV screening or pap test can help with the early detection of cervical cancer.

 

Skin Cancer, Its Risk Factors & Diagnosis

Skin cancer is the commonest form of cancer observed in most women. It primarily occurs due to the unusual growth of skin cells due to their exposure to the Sun. Malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma are the three common types of skin cancer.

risk factors of skin cancer

 

The risk factors of skin cancer are the following:

  • Exposure to the Sun
  • Presence of moles in large numbers
  • Red/blonde hair
  • Blue/green eyes
  • Light skin

 

The common signs and symptoms of skin cancer include the following:

  • Skin changes
  • Bigger-sized mole
  • Non-healing sore
  • Crusty red spot

 

Any damage to the top part of the skin marks the initial phase of skin cancer. Normally, damage to the DNA of these cells spirals out of control which constitutes the main reason for skin cancer.

 

One of the best ways to detect skin cancer is to perform skin checks at home. When performing these tests, it is imperative to cover all the parts of the body. The key parts that you need to cover to have the best results from the test are the parts between the toes and fingers, the underarms, the buttocks, the belly button, and the scalp. You must consult a dermatologist upon detecting any abnormal change or alteration.

 

Lung Cancer, Colorectal Cancer & Uterine Cancer: Risk Factors & Diagnosis

Lungs are the two spongy organs that facilitate the body in breathing oxygen and inhaling carbon dioxide out of the body. Lung cancer affects many women and occurs in the alveoli, bronchioles, and bronchia. Its common symptoms include the following:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing that lasts for a longer duration
  • Sharp pain in the chest
  • Bloody mucous

 

Lung cancer primarily occurs due to smoking which leads to abnormal growth of cells in the lungs. If you smoke, a low-dose CT scan can help you detect lung cancer in the initial stages.

 

Colorectal cancer affects the rectum, the large intestines, and the small intestines. Its risk factors include the following:

  • Age (above 50 years)
  • Family history of colorectal cancer
  • Chronic inflammatory intestinal disease
  • Obesity
  • A high-fat and low-fibre diet
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Sedentary lifestyle

This form of cancer can affect the colon, the rectum, and the large intestine. Depending on the part of the body affected due to the abnormal growth of cells, it may be called colon/rectal/colorectal cancer.

 

The common symptoms of this form of cancer include the following:

  • Diarrhoea/constipation or change in the stools
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal cramps/pain
  • Weakness/fatigue not related to your lifestyle
  • Weight loss without any valid reason
  • More bowel movements than usual

 

Colorectal cancer begins with the unusual or abnormal growth of cells in the colon or rectal region. If not treated in time, it develops into colon cancer. To diagnose this form of cancer, the following tests may be necessary:

  • Stool test
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Colonoscopy

 

Uterine cancer is cancer along the lining of the uterus. Its risk factors include the following:

  • Family history
  • Diabetes
  • Medications
  • Hormone replacement
  • Obesity

 

Its symptoms include the following:

  • Menopause bleeding
  • Bloody discharge
  • Spotting between periods

 

Uterine cancer occurs due to the abnormal growth of cells along the lining of the uterus. These cells grow and outnumber healthy cells. Regular screenings will help you detect it early on. It is imperative to speak to your doctor whenever you experience abnormalities in the uterus. Your doctor may recommend an endometrial biopsy.

 

Takeaway

If you are a female individual, you may be vulnerable to different kinds of cancers as discussed above. Precise information about them is the only thing that can help you prevent it early on. Proper diagnosis coupled with the right guidance from your doctor can help you treat all these kinds of cancer.

Most viewed

Unveiling the Malaria Mystery: Understanding the Causes, Sym...

By: Pathkind Team 26 Jun 2023

After-effects of contracting COVID-19 & why we must take all...

By: Pathkind Team 25 Apr 2021

Get to know how you can keep your liver healthy with a Liver...

By: Dr Rishika Agarwal 06 Oct 2022

Dengue Fever in India: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Stra...

By: Pathkind Team 27 Jun 2023

Cold Weather Hurting Your Joints: Here Is the Reason Why?

By: Pathkind Team 21 Mar 2023

Thyroid Disease: Is it Possible to Have it and be Completely...

By: Pathkind Team 28 Mar 2023

Premature Ejaculation Meaning, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatme...

By: Pathkind Team 20 Feb 2023

5 Simple Precautionary Measures to take against Covid-19 Omi...

By: Pathkind Team 21 Dec 2021

How Does COVID-19 Vaccine Work And How Long Is It Effective?

By: Pathkind Team 26 May 2021

Book Preventive Health Check-Up Packages

By: Dr.Ayushi Bansal 28 Mar 2019

Is Gyming Better That Yoga? Who Should Do What, and What Ben...

By: Pathkind Team 10 Apr 2023

COVID-19: Stages and Treatment

By: Dr. Rahul Verma 07 Aug 2020

5 Important Diagnostic Tests for Women Above 30

By: Pathkind Team 01 Dec 2020

6 Immune-Boosting Nutrition: Foods to Support Your Health in...

By: Dr. Rahul Verma 01 Dec 2023

The Power of Nutrient-Dense Foods in a Healthy Diet

By: Dr Rishika Agarwal 22 May 2023

Related Blog

What Causes the Smog During Winters?

Pathkind Team | 02 Feb 2021

Preparing Your Family for Cold and Flu Season: Prevention is...

Pathkind Team | 02 Feb 2021

How does sleep cycle affect your health?

Pathkind Team | 25 Apr 2021

Hereditary Diseases: What and When to Get Tested

Pathkind Team | 25 Apr 2021

10 Common Summer Ailments and How to prevent them?

Pathkind Team | 25 Apr 2021

Know About Monsoon Diseases and Ways to Overcome Them

Pathkind Team | 27 Jul 2021

What Is the Best Environment for Sleep?

Pathkind Team | 27 Jul 2021

How Does the Air We Breathe Affect Us?

Pathkind Team | 02 Dec 2020

Get a call back from our Health Advisor

© 2023 Pathkind Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.