The world would be a better place to live when the term “cancer” remains to be just a zodiac sign and not a dreaded disease. Cancer is often associated with pain and suffering, which makes its mention stressful. Even today, cancer happens to be the second leading cause of death across the world. However, with the right awareness, early diagnosis, proper treatment, medication, and therapy, we can fight it allowing the patient to return to a normal life.
When it comes to cancers in women, the trend seen by far is an overall lack of awareness about the types, symptoms of cancers, and how to go about it. While right and timely treatment could save lives, it is seen that many women get diagnosed at a later stage. To avoid the delay, women must get familiar with and know the facts about cancers in women to safeguard their health.
Types of Cancers that Affect Only Women
Most common cancers in women include endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine sarcoma, vulvar cancer, and vaginal cancer. All these types affect the reproductive organs of women which include the uterus, ovaries, cervix, endometrium, vulva, and vagina. Lack of knowledge and awareness amongst youth and women, these types are termed as “Silent killers”, most women are often uninformed of the signs and symptoms allied with these cancers and fail to diagnose until it is too late.
Warning signs for these female gynaecological cancers include the following and shouldn’t be ignored:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent need to urinate
- Feeling full too quickly after eating
- Unusual constipation
- Regular bloating
- Abdominal or back pain
- Visible changes in the genital area like skin colour, sores, rashes, and warts
Breast cancer is also often included in the gynaecological cancer group, however, it is not exclusive to women. Even men can be affected by breast cancer.
Factors that Put Some Women at a High Risk
One cannot mention a specific factor that can cause cancer, however certain factors can increase the risk. One of the major risk factors is family history. If you have a family member who has had cancer, you could be at a higher risk. If cancer runs in the family, one needs to be extra vigilant. Certain other factors include smoking, alcoholism, and obesity.
Early Diagnosis is the Key
If you fall into this higher-risk category, no need to panic, but rather, use this information to safeguard yourself. Speak to your doctor or a gynaecologist for getting annual tests and screenings for different types of cancer. Regular check-ups can help diagnose the onset of disease at the earliest. The earlier you detect, the faster and easier is the treatment.
Treatment in the Early Stages is More Effective
Cancer usually starts as pre-cancerous cells which multiply to form a tumour. Early-stage tumours are small and affect one particular area of the body. If detected in this early stage the tumour can be removed before it spreads and affects other organs. A course of radiation and chemotherapy is used to completely remove the cancerous cells. Along with the early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and lifestyle changes can slow down the progression of the disease and in most cases, it can be completely cured. Modern-day medications and treatment have proved quite helpful in curing cancers, however early diagnosis remains the key factor for better outcomes.
Jehangir Hospital offers comprehensive cancer care with the best possible treatment facilities in Pune. Our team of highly experienced oncologists examines every case closely and decides on the best line of treatment for the cancer patient. Specially trained medical doctors, surgeons, dieticians, and other experts, appropriate to every individual case, offer support to the team of cancer experts.
