Cancer in Women

Cancer occurs among all age groups but becomes more common as we age. 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 the most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer death in women. It affects one woman in eight. People whose cancers are found early have the best chance of recovery. Three out of four breast cancers occur in women over age 50.

To help protect yourself:

• Examine your breasts monthly for lumps or other changes.
• Have a screening mammogram every 1 or 2 years after age 50.

Lung cancer

Cancer of the lung is the most common form of cancer in the US and one of the deadliest.

Cigarette smokers are much more likely to develop it. 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 coughing 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 and rectum

Cancer of the colon and 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 about any change in your bowel habits or change in the way your stool looks.
• Eat a healthy, low-meat, low-fat, high-fiber diet.

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. Cancers of the cervix are 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 a regular medical checkup including a pelvic examination and Pap test.
• 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 fair skin that freckles easily, fair or red hair, and blue eyes. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually from strong sunshine, appears to increase the risk for skin cancers.

To help protect yourself:

• Cover up or apply sunscreen when you are out in strong sunshine.
• 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.