5 Most Common Types of Cancer in Women
Find out which are the 5 most common types of cancer in women and their characteristics, so that you can start taking better care of your health and act from prevention.
Breast cancer
If you want to start by mentioning one of the most common types of cancer in women, breast cancer tops the list.
This type of cancer can affect women of any age, but it is more common in older age.
Many women who suffer from breast cancer are really vulnerable due to some genetic factor.
However, breast cancer also has the highest survival rate, so talking about it should not necessarily be synonymous with a tragic outcome.
In any case, its treatment will offer better results as long as it is detected at the beginning.
That is why, depending on the age of the woman, it is recommended to attend check-ups as follows:
- Women between the ages of 40 and 60 should attend routine checkups and have a mammogram or chest X-ray at least once a year.
- Women over 60 years of age should go to the clinic and have a mammogram at least once every 2 years.
Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Among the main symptoms manifested by the patient with breast cancer, the following should be mentioned:
- Tenderness.
- Change in breast color and size.
- Variety in one or both nipples.
- Appearance of a nodule in the breast, armpit, or chest.
- Decreased mobility of the breast when raising the arms.
Endometrial cancer
On the other hand, endometrial cancer develops in the lining of the uterus or womb, which is why it only occurs among women.
It occurs more frequently among women as they age, when there is the presence of overweight, in women who have never had children or who went through a late menopause.
As part of its prevention, it is advisable to have Pap tests; a study that serves to detect cervical cancer and of course, endometrial cancer.
Early Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
- Extreme or prolonged bleeding after age 40.
- Stabbing abdominal pain that may vary toward the pelvis.
- Spotting or bleeding after menopause has ended.
Cervical cancer
This type of cancer develops from HPV (human papillomavirus), which has been identified as a common trigger.
This virus can be contracted by skin-to-skin contact or by practicing unprotected anal, vaginal or oral sex.
Among its main risk factors are tobacco consumption, overweight and the lack of routine controls that allow its detection in time.
Early Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
- Discomfort or pain during sex.
- Bleeding after menopause.
- Persistent pelvic pain.
- Spotted after intercourse.
- Heavier menstrual bleeding than usual.
Colorectal cancer
Another of the most common types of cancer in women is colon cancer.
This usually develops in the rectum or colon and manifests itself with the presence of polyps that have growth in the lining of these tissues.
It usually affects women with little or no physical activity, who are elderly, who suffer from obesity, smoke and are greater consumers of red and processed meats.
Early Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
- Abdominal pain.
- Blood in the stool.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Diarrhea or constipation in frequent periods.
- General malaise and heavy digestion.
- Very pronounced tiredness.
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer develops as a malignant tumor that originates in one or both ovaries.
Some studies reveal that one in 55 women will develop ovarian cancer and that at least 80% of them are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease, when treatment is already very unlikely to be successful.
Initial symptoms
- Recurrent pelvic or back pain.
- Feeling bloated.
- Fatigue or tiredness.
- Urgent need to urinate.
- Constipation.
- Stomach problems.
What to do about the initial symptoms of cancer?
First of all, if there is suspicion or symptoms that may be giving indications that something is not right; It is best to attend a complete medical check-up.
During this consultation, it is important to provide the treating physician with as much information as possible regarding the case, including any changes in the body.
This will make it easier to detect the true source of your health problem.
Similarly, it is essential to remain calm and maintain good lifestyle habits, since in addition to keeping you healthy in case of negative results, it is also a way to make the treatment work better if you need it.
