Cancer in women Certain cancers are of specific concern to women. These include not only cancer of the female organs, such as the breast, cervix, womb (uterus), and ovary but also cancer of the pancreas, large bowel (colorectal cancer), and lung. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. In the U.S., a woman has a 12.4% chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. Research studies show that the smaller the breast cancer is when it is detected, the greater the chance of survival. Currently, mammography and breast examinations serve as screening for breast cancer. The discovery of inherited gene mutations permits the identification of at least some women at increased risk for developing breast cancer. Cancer of the ovaries is also referred to as ovarian cancer. Because ovarian cancer is very difficult to detect in its early stages, it is often referred to as the silent killer. Although ovarian cancer can occur at any age, a womans risk gradually increases with age and is much higher if there is a history of ovarian cancer in her family. One in every 70 females in the U.S. develops ovarian cancer. Colorectal cancer is cancer of the large intestine or the end of the large intestine. Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in people over 50 years of age. A woman with a history of cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovary has an increased risk for colorectal cancer. Regular screening is recommended for all women over 50 years old. Research studies show that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and supplementing with antioxidants may help reduce a womans risk of developing not only colorectal cancer, but a number of other cancers as well. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. In that smoking is a primary cause of lung cancer, it should be obvious that never smoking is a significant means of avoiding this dreaded disease. Cessation of smoking is essential in order to minimize the damage already caused by smoking and optimize long-term health.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 01:12:21 +0000
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