Cancer in Women

You can get cancer at any age, but it is more common as people get older. The rate of death and incidence of different types of cancer varies among ethnic groups and between men and women.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. People whose cancers are found early have the best chance of recovery. Four out of five breast cancers occur in women over age 50.

Breast cancer is a treatable and curable disease. Early detection is the key to a cure. To help find breast cancer early:

To help protect yourself:

• Examine your breasts monthly for lumps or other changes.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you notice a lump or change in your breast.
• Have a screening mammogram every 1 or 2 years after age 40 until at least the age of 70 after counseling by your healthcare provider about the possible risks and benefits of the procedure. If you are over 70, ask your healthcare provider how often you should have a mammogram.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the US and is the leading cause of cancer death. Cigarette smokers are much more likely to have lung cancer. If you quit smoking, you are less likely to get lung cancer.

To help protect yourself:

• Never ignore a cough that doesn't go away or a cough that brings up blood. Tell your healthcare provider about it.
• If you smoke, quit. Talk to your provider if you need help quitting.

Cancer of the colon or rectum

Cancer of the colon or rectum usually strikes women over age 50. Women who have a family history of this cancer or who have had ulcerative colitis or other bowel disease are at greater risk of getting cancer of the colon and rectum.

To help protect yourself:

• Tell your healthcare provider if you have rectal bleeding or a change in your bowel movements, especially if you have bouts of constipation that alternate with bouts of diarrhea.

Cancers of the uterus (womb), cervix (neck of the womb), and ovary

Cancer of the uterus occurs most often in women between 55 and 79 years old. Cancer of the cervix is more common in younger women. Cancer of the ovary occurs mostly in women over 50. Women with any of these cancers are more likely to recover if the cancer is diagnosed and treated early.

To help protect yourself:

• Have regular medical checkups, including a pelvic exam and Pap test according to your healthcare provider's recommendations.
• Tell your healthcare provider about any vaginal discharge or unusual vaginal bleeding.
• Tell your provider if you have bleeding after sexual intercourse.
• Tell your provider if you have continuing, unexplained abdominal discomfort.

Skin cancer

Most skin cancers appear after age 50. They are more common in people with blond or red hair, blue eyes, and fair skin that freckles easily. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually from the sun, appears to increase the risk for skin cancers.

To help protect yourself:

• Cover up or apply sunscreen when you are out in the sun.
• Take advantage of any skin cancer screening programs in your area.
• Check your skin regularly for lumps or areas that change in size, shape, or color.

Developed by Ann Carter, MD, for RelayHealth.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.