In 2017, cancer remains the biggest killer of them all. According to Cancer Research figures, this terrible disease is responsible for more fatalities than Aids, heart disease and strokes combined. Whilst it may be true that cancer does not exactly care what sex you are, here we look specifically at how it affects women. As you might expect, breast cancer targets women in particular but not exclusively. The other usual suspects are also in the top 5 with lung, pancreatic, colorectal and ovarian making up the numbers. We’ll take a closer look at each of these 5 vicious strains of cancer and discuss how to spot them and also how best to avoid becoming a cancer statistic in the future.
1. Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is officially a women’s health issue as they now make up almost half of all lung cancer cases according to the Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund. In the US, lung cancer takes more women’s lives than breast cancer. Smoking is the most obvious cause of these tragic statistics and the figures started to rise back in 1960 with a peak being reached in 1997. Although it is believed that the percentages have dropped off, lung cancer still kills more women then all gynecological cancers combined.
Causes of Lung Cancer
As we previously touched upon, smoking is the main cause of this extremely aggressive strain of cancer in women. It is the cause of around 90% of all cases of lung cancer in women around the world. After the 1940’s it is believed that smoking becomes more common amongst women in the western world. The number of deaths from lung cancer from this date began to climb in a similar fashion, increasing by a massive 600% between 1950 and 1997. Of course, by giving up smoking, a woman will decrease the chances of developing lung cancer but only by around 50%. Other causes of lung cancer that must be taken into consideration include the likes of air pollution, radiation and asbestos. One of the saddest aspects of lung cancer is that many women who are affected have succumbed because of passive smoking at home or the workplace in years gone by.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Whether you are a man or a woman, the symptoms remain the same:
- Chest pain and general wheezing
- Persistent coughing that can produce blood and also prevents you from sleeping at night
- Feeling tired for long periods of time for no apparent reason
- Developing bronchitis and pneumonia again and again
Surviving Lung Cancer
For those who have experienced the above symptoms and are diagnosed with lung cancer, the survival rate hasn’t improved much when compared to statistics taken back in the 1950’s. Treatment typically is made up of chemotherapy and a variety of drug treatments including erlotinib. To have the best hope of beating lung cancer, it is vital that sufferers receive diagnosis and subsequent treatment as soon as possible.
2. Breast Cancer
Although lung cancer is the most common form of cancer amongst women in the US, in the UK it is breast cancer. According to the NHS, around one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. Men can also develop breast cancer although the numbers are fairly low by comparison to their female counterparts. Essentially, there are two main types of breast cancer in women and they are either invasive or non-invasive. As the names suggest, invasive breast cancer is the more aggressive version. It develops in the breast duct cells and is also the most common form of this type of cancer. Invasive breast cancer can develop outside the actual breast itself and usually shows itself in the form of a lump.
Causes of Breast Cancer
Unlike lung cancer, the actual causes of breast cancer cannot be defined in the same way. Older women are more likely to develop breast cancer and those whose family have a history of this type of cancer will also have a higher chance of developing this aggressive disease. Women who have already had breast cancer or perhaps have been diagnosed with a benign lump are at risk of developing it once more. Alcohol overindulgence is also believed to be a notable factor as far as increasing the chances of a woman developing breast cancer and the same applies to those who are clinically obese. Basically, it is fully believed that the best way to decrease the chances of having breast cancer are by staying fit and healthy and avoiding anything in excessive amounts.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
We’ve already mentioned the lump that will usually appear in the breast of women affected by this type of cancer but sometimes this symptom can be associated with non-cancerous issues. Lumps in an around the armpits are also signs that need to be mentioned to your doctor at the earliest convenience. Nipple rash or a change on the way your nipple looks should also be taken very seriously indeed.
Surviving Breast Cancer
Women who are unfortunate enough to develop breast cancer give themselves the best chance of survival by early diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Sadly, there are many cases where cancer has already spread around the body before it has been diagnosed. Typically, once breast cancer has been diagnosed, surgery is the first line of treatment and this is then tackled with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Biological or hormonal treatments may also be brought into play, whatever type of treatment is recommended will depend on the type of breast cancer has been diagnosed and how advanced it happens to be.
3. Pancreatic Cancer
This form of cancer is ultra-aggressive and often it is diagnosed too late for effective treatment. Historically, pancreatic cancer has proven to be extremely hard to recognize during the crucial early stages. Early diagnosis is the key for all types of cancer for men and women and one line of research suggests that a certain type of bacteria in the mouth could be the key to both recognizing the onset of pancreatic cancer and the subsequent successful treatment that follows.
Causes of Pancreatic Cancer
One of the main risk factors as far as developing pancreatic cancer is concerned is smoking. Other causes include having type 2 Diabetes, having a history of it in your family and being over the age of 60. Also, if one of your family members has previously suffered from either Ovarian or colon cancer, the chances of you developing pancreatic cancer actually triples.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is known amongst the medical world as the ‘silent killer’ and this is mainly due to the difficulty with which it is successfully diagnosed during the early stages. Whilst this is bad news for women and men all over the world, there are a few symptoms. Jaundice and weight loss along with localized pain are all signs that pancreatic cancer may be present but these are also associated with a myriad of different diseases, making it very hard to accurately pinpoint by medical professionals.
Surviving Pancreatic Cancer
Although the connection between oral bacteria and pancreatic cancer are not yet fully understood, experts are of the opinion that keeping your mouth nice and healthy may prevent the onset of this disease. Treatment of pancreatic cancer usually takes the form of removal of the tumor followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The main issue that drastically reduces the survival rates is when cancer has already spread throughout the digestive system. So we are back to how critical it is to diagnose pancreatic cancer as early as possible.
4. Colorectal Cancer
In certain countries, including Canada, colorectal cancer is responsible for as many women’s deaths as breast cancer. As with any form of cancer, early diagnosis is crucial as far as surviving colorectal cancer is concerned. Also known as colon or bowel cancer, it is particularly prevalent in women over the age of 60.
Causes of Colorectal Cancer
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, women over the age of 60 are more likely to develop colorectal cancer, according to the NHS, 90% of all female patients are in this age group. Poor diets and obesity also increase the chances of suffering from this aggressive disease. Lack of exercise and over indulgence in alcohol are thought to be factors when developing colorectal cancer, as is smoking. Your chances of developing colorectal cancer are also increased if red meat features heavily in your diet.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Any sight of blood in the stool should be enough to sound alarmed bells as far as early warning signs are concerned. Women who find themselves with a change in the bowel movement or painful abdominal pain are best advised to speak to their doctor or a full check-up. Unfortunately, symptoms do not always present themselves in an obvious way and this reinforces the need to maintain a well-balanced diet and to avoid too much alcohol. To make matters somewhat worse, the previous symptoms do not necessarily mean that colorectal cancer is the cause.
Surviving Colorectal Cancer
Women who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer usually undergo treatment that includes removal of the cancerous part of the bowel. This is then followed up with either chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Biological treatments also exist that complement the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Early diagnosis again offers the best chance of surviving colorectal cancer for men and women.
5. Ovarian Cancer
For obvious reasons, ovarian cancer only affects women and it can be extremely hard to diagnose during the early stages. This is partially due to the fact that the symptoms are often related to a number of other causes. Unfortunately, there are no screening methods that can accurately recognize this form of cancer during the early stages. Quite often, the tell-tale signs of ovarian cancer turn out to be something rather less dangerous such as PMS or IBS.
Causes of Ovarian Cancer
Age is certainly a factor as women over 50 are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. According to the NHS, 80% of all ovarian cancer cases are found in a woman in that specific age group. Family history and genetics also have a part to play with the likelihood of being affected by ovarian cancer. Amongst certain circles, it is also thought that those who take hormone replacement therapy are more likely to develop ovarian cancer when compared to those who do not. Staying healthy and eating well whilst taking regular exercise and avoiding smoking will all help you to prevent developing ovarian cancer.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Women who are constantly feeling bloated with a swollen tummy should certainly speak to their doctor about having a check-up for ovarian cancer. Also feeling full up after only a few mouthfuls of food could be signs that all is not well. Vaginal bleeding, feeling fatigued and needing to pass water more often than usual are symptoms that really require further investigation.
Surviving Ovarian Cancer
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for surviving the onset of ovarian cancer in women. Surgery is required and usually, both ovaries and the fallopian tubes are removed. The womb is also removed via a hysterectomy and a further operation involving the fatty tissue in the stomach is typically needed. Whilst both ovaries will need to be removed, if cancer has not spread to the womb, it can be left intact.
Whilst each of these aggressive forms of cancer in women are quite different, they have several common themes:
- By living a healthy lifestyle, you can improve your chances of avoiding these cancers.
- If you suffer from any of these symptoms, however minor, always speak to your doctor and insist on a medical examination as soon as possible.
Source Link: https://www.medlife.com/blog/top-five-dangerous-cancers-affecting-women/
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