Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Identifying Early Signs of Cancer in Women: A Vital Awareness

admin May 01, 2024

Introduction

Cancer is a complex disease affecting scores of people globally. Although science says that men are more likely to develop cancer than women because of an extra protective gene that women carry, an opposite trend is visible in India, with women being more frequently affected by the disease. This calls for a pressing need to understand the factors that contribute to the risk of cancer in women and be vigilant about the early signs to ensure timely treatment. Here is a list of the types of cancers that women should be aware of.

Types of Cancer in Women

Breast cancer
Cervical cancer
Ovarian cancer
Uterine cancer
Lung cancer
Thyroid cancer
Lymphoma

Several factors contribute to a woman’s risk of developing cancer. These risk factors can be genetic, environmental, or lifestyle-related.

Risk Factors for Cancer in Women

A family history of certain cancers increases a woman’s risk of developing the condition.
The risk of cancer increases with age.
Hormonal imbalances and hormone replacement therapy can influence the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of physical activity, can increase the risk of various cancers.

The symptoms of cancer in women can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. However, there are some early warning signs to be aware of.

Signs of Cancer In Women

Unexplained weight loss without changes in diet or exercise habits could be a sign of cancer.
Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency and blood in the stool, can indicate colorectal cancer. Similarly, changes in bladder habits, such as frequent urination, blood in the urine, or pain during urination, may signal bladder or kidney cancer. Screening tests, such as colonoscopy, stool tests, or sigmoidoscopy, are recommended to detect any abnormality.
Any abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting outside of the normal menstrual cycle, especially after menopause, could be a sign of cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer. A PAP smear test and HPV testing aid in early detection.
Changes in the breasts, such as a lump or thickening, changes in size or shape, nipple discharge (other than breast milk), or changes in breast skin texture (such as dimpling or puckering), can be early symptoms of breast cancer in females. Regular breast self-exams and mammograms can help detect breast cancer early.
While fatigue is a common symptom of various conditions, persistent and unexplained fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest can sometimes be a sign of cancer, such as leukemia, colon cancer, or ovarian cancer.
Changes in the skin, such as new moles or growths, changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of existing moles, or sores that do not heal, can be early signs of skin cancer, including melanoma. Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing and avoiding excessive sun exposure are recommended.
Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain, discomfort, or bloating can be symptoms of ovarian, uterine, or colorectal cancer. A regular pelvic examination can help detect any abnormalities in the ovaries.
Symptoms like a persistent or bloody cough or hoarseness indicate throat or lung cancer. They are identified through low-dose CT scans.
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or indigestion that doesn’t improve with treatment can indicate esophageal, stomach, or throat cancer, which are detected through endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging tests.
Persistent bone pain or tenderness can be a sign of bone cancer. Tests include X-rays, CT scans, MRI, biopsy, and blood tests.
Recurrent fever or excessive sweating at night can be symptoms of lymphoma in women and require blood, imaging, and biopsy testing for detection.

Cancer remains a significant health concern for women worldwide. By understanding the risk factors and early warning signs, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, seeking regular screenings, and getting vaccinated, women can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of cancer and improve their overall health and well-being.