7 Most Common Cancers In Women: Don't Miss The First Signs

7 Most Common Cancers In Women: Lung Cancer

1. Lung Cancer : One of The 7 Most Common Cancers In Women

Lung cancer occurs when normal lung cells change into abnormal and harmful cells.
Lung cancer is a life-threatening cancer and one of the most difficult to treat as it tends to spread very early after it forms.
Cancer cells multiply to form clusters called tumors, that grow and destroy healthy lung tissue.
Lung cancer may also spread to other parts of the body through blood or lymph fluid.
The two main types of lung cancer are:

Non-small cell lung cancer is the more frequent type of lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer which is the most aggressive and grows and spreads more quickly

Risk factors for lung cancer include:

Smoking
Breathing second-hand smoke
Exposure to radon
A family history of lung cancer
HIV infection
Exposure to harmful chemicals, especially asbestos
Air pollution

Symptoms of lung cancer

Lung cancer may have no symptoms in its early stages but as it progresses symptoms may include:

Chronic cough
Chest pain
Trouble breathing
Coughing up blood
Hoarseness
Loss of appetite
Trouble swallowing
Weight loss
Tiredness
Facial or neck swelling

If you have lung cancer, your doctor will need to determine the stage of progression to help plan your treatment.

Non-small cell lung cancer has many stages:

Occult stage – in which cancer cells are found only in lung fluids.
Stage zero – abnormal or cancerous cells are found in the lining of the airways
Stage 1 – a small tumor is found
Stage 2 – cancer has increased in size and has spread to nearby lymph nodes or non-lung tissues.
Stage 3A – cancer has grown and is found in lymph nodes on the same side of the chest or in nearby organs.
Stage 3B -is similar to 3A, but cancer is also found in lymph nodes on the opposite side of the chest and above the collar bone.
Sage 4 – tumors might be found in both lungs and may have spread to other organs.

Small-cell lung cancer stages

Limited stage – cancer is initially only found in one side of the chest and possibly nearby lymph nodes.
Extensive stage – cancer has spread to the other side of the chest and lungs and may have spread to distant organs.

Treatment for lung cancer

The stage of cancer, your general health, and your preference will determine the treatment option available.
Treatment options may include:
Surgery
To remove a small section of the lungs as in wedge resection.
To remove a larger portion of the lungs, called segmental reception.
To remove the entire lobe, called a lobectomy.
To remove an entire lung, known as a pneumonectomy.

Radiation therapy
Uses powerful radiation beams such as X-rays to kill the cancer cell.

Chemotherapy
Involves using medication that is injected intravenously or taken orally to kill the cancer cell.

Immunotherapy
For people with advanced lung cancers.

Targeted drug therapy
Drugs are used to block the spread and growth of cancer cells.
Drugs can be taken orally or injected into your veins.
Sources
mayoclinic.org – lung cancer symptoms and causes
cdc.gov – how is lung cancer diagnosed and treated
webmd.com – stages of lung cancer

2.Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third deadliest cancer in the US among women, following lung and breast cancer.
Colorectal cancer starts in the colon in small clumps of cells called polyps and is also known as colon or rectal cancer.

The large intestine is made up of the colon, rectum, and anal canal.
Most polyps are benign which means they contain abnormal cells that aren’t cancerous and will not spread to the rest of the body.

They occur in the thin layer of tissue lining on the inside of the intestine.
If the abnormal cells morph into cancer cells, the polyps can grow bigger and dig deeper into the wall of the large intestine.
If not treated in time, these cancer cells can enter the bloodstream and spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
Over time these cells can move to other organs and form additional tumors.
Source: (1)

You are more likely to get colorectal cancer if you have one of the following:

A family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer
Are 50 or older
Are obese
Are a smoker
Are not physically active
Drink too much alcohol
Inflammation of the colon due to diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
Source:(2)

Symptoms of colorectal cancer

A change in bowel habits causing diarrhea or constipation
Stools that are narrower than usual
Blood in the stool either dark or bright red
A recurring feeling of being unable to empty your bowels completely
Belly pain
Bloating or cramps
Unexplained weight loss
Feeling weak or very tired
Vomiting

Important to know that these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than colon cancer and it is also possible to have colorectal cancer without any symptoms especially in the early stages.
Source: (3)

Stage 1 – Cancer is found only in the inner layers of the rectal wall and has not spread to adjacent lymph nodes or other organs.
Stage 2 – Cancer has invaded all the layers of the bowel wall, but not any lymph nodes or other organs.
Stage 3 – Cancer has now spread to lymph nodes, but yet not to other organs.
Stage 4 – Cancer has now spread to other organs such as the liver and the lungs.

Surgery for colorectal cancer

Removing polyps during a colonoscopy (polypectomy)
Suitable treatment if your cancer is small, localized.
Endoscopic mucosal resection
Larger polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy.
Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic surgery)
If the polyps can’t be removed during a colonoscopy a laparoscopic surgery may be performed.
Partial colectomy
Removal of part of the colon that contains cancer, along with a margin of normal tissue on either side of cancer.

Surgery to make way for waste to leave your body
If it’s not possible to reconnect the healthy portions of your colon or rectum, an ostomy may be needed.
It involves creating an opening in the wall of your abdomen for the elimination of stool into a bag that fits securely over the opening.

Lymph node dissection
Surgical removal of nearby lymph nodes.

Chemotherapy
This is commonly the recommended treatment after surgery, if the cancer is larger and has spread to the lymph nodes.
Chemotherapy may kill any cancer cells that remain or alternatively it can be used to shrink large cancer prior to surgery.

Radiation therapy
Can be used to shrink larger cancer prior to surgery, so that it can be removed more easily.

Targeted drug treatments
Targeted drug treatments help block specific abnormalities present within cancer cells causing them to die.

Immunotherapy
This is usually reserved for advanced colon cancer.
Source: (4)

Diagram showing a local resection of an early-stage bowel cancer

3.Skin Cancer

Skin cancer mostly develops in the area of the skin that is exposed to the sun’s harmful rays, but it can also form on areas of skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight.

Signs to look out for:

Changing colour
Size symptoms
Painful or itchy
Bleeding
Not healing
Source: (1)

What are the different types of skin cancer?

Non-melanoma skin cancers
Basal cell cancer is the most common of this type of cancer.
It very rarely spreads to other parts of your body but it is still very important to get tested and to treat it after the biopsy, because it can grow and invade local structures, causing local damage.

Squamous cell cancer
Is more aggressive and can spread from place to place, especially if it involves certain high-risk features.

Melanoma
This is the most serious type of skin cancer that can spread to different areas of your body and is something that needs to be treated aggressively.
If caught early, then all that needs to be done, is have it cut out.
If left for longer, an oncologist is required to come up with a suitable treatment plan.
Source: (3)

Causes of skin cancer

The primary environmental cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure.
However, sun exposure doesn’t explain skin cancers that develop on skin that is not exposed to sunlight.
This suggests that there are other factors that may contribute to the development of skin cancer such as:

Smoking tobacco
HPV infections which increase the risk of squamous cell skin cancer
Ionizing radiation such as x rays
Artificial UV found in tanning beds
Source:(4)

Symptoms of skin cancer

Painless raised area of skin that may appear shiny with blood vessels running over it
Hard lump with a scaly top
A mole that has changed in size and colour
- Has irregular edges
- Has more than one colour
- Itches or bleeds
Dark lesions found on the palms, soles, fingertips or toes
A flattish brown or flesh colored lesion
Source:(1)

Treatment for skin cancer

Treatment options vary depending on the location, type, size, and depth of the lesions.
If the cancer is small and limited to the surface of the skin, removing the cancerous growth through a skin biopsy may be the only treatment required.

Additional treatment options

Freezing with liquid nitrogen
Excisional surgery
Mohs surgery for larger, recurring or hard to treat skin cancer
Chemotherapy
Curettage and electrodesiccation or cryotherapy
Radiation therapy
Photodynamic therapy that uses laser lights and drugs to destroy cancerous cells
Source:(5)

Diagram showing the structure of the skin

4.Ovarian Cancer

Often disguised by common problems such as prolonged bloating, the constant need to pee as well as fatigue.
While the warnings are the same, the most common type of ovarian cancer begins in the epithelium, the tissue covering the ovary surface.
Source: (1)

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Pain in the pelvic area
Unexpected vaginal bleeding
Feeling full rapidly when eating
Frequent urination
Constipation
Nausea and indigestion
Appetite loss
Weight loss
Breathlessness
Fatigue
Source: (2)

To best treat ovarian cancer, your doctor first needs to determine the stage or extent of the cancer.
A procedure called surgical staging is performed, during which a surgeon carefully examines your pelvic and abdominal areas.
The stage of ovarian cancer is determined by where the cancer cells are found in the body.

Stage 1
Cancer is found in or on the surface of one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes or in fluid collected from the abdomen.
Stage 2
Cancer has spread from its origin to other areas of the pelvis such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the uterus.
Stage 3
Cancer has spread outside of the pelvis and is found in other parts of the abdomen and can include nearby lymph nodes or the surface of the liver or spleen.
Stage 4
Cancer has spread beyond the abdomen into other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, bones, or the lymph nodes in the groin.
Source: (3)

Treatment for ovarian cancer

This is based on the type and stage of your cancer and other important factors.

The main treatments options for ovarian cancer include:
Surgery
Removing the tumor is often the first step in the treatment plan.
The goal of surgery is to treat the cancer by removing as much of the tumor as possible.

Chemotherapy
Uses drugs that enter the bloodstream, to fight cancer cells by killing or stopping them from dividing.
Unfortunately, healthy cells in the body may also be affected leading to side effects.

Targeted therapy
It targets the part of cancer cells that makes them different from normal cells and is a treatment for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.
Targeted therapy changes the way cancer cells divide, grow and repair themselves.
As a result, the tumor can stop growing or even shrink.
Unfortunately, nearby healthy cells may also be affected leading to side effects.

Immunotherapy
This treatment helps your immune system fight cancer by strengthening your immune system so that it can find and attack cancer cells or stop them from growing.

Radiation therapy or hormone therapy
These are used less frequently in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Source: (4), (5)

Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer

5.Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is also known as cancer of the cervix.
The cervix is located in the lower part of the uterus that opens into the birth canal.
It is one of the most common types of cancer in women worldwide and is also one of the most preventable if detected early.
Nearly all the cervical cancers are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). HPVs are sexually transmitted and fairly common, however, thankfully most HPV infections resolve on their own and do not cause cancers.

Increased risk of developing cervical cancer include:

A weakened immune system
Sexually transmitted diseases
Herpes
Age
Smoking
Having many children
Long term use of birth control pills

Early-stage cervical cancer generally produces no symptoms.
Once it has advanced, the following symptoms can be felt:

Abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding (after intercourse, between periods, after menopause)
Pelvic and lower back pain
Unusual vaginal discharge (heavy, watery, bloody, foul odor)
Pain during sex

Early detection is the best option in preventing cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer screening may include a pap test or also in combination with an HPD DNA test.
A Pap test is where cells are scraped from the cervix and examined for pre-cancerous changes.
If the results are abnormal the test is repeated again after six months or a year to monitor their condition.

Additional diagnostic tests may also be performed and in most cases, mild dysplasia (abnormal development of cells) is resolved on its own and a follow-up pap test is all that is required.
In a small number of cases, abnormal cells may develop into cancer but they usually take years to do so, which allows plenty of time for treatment when detected early.

Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy are all treatment options and sometimes even a combination of these.
Early-stage cervical cancer is very often treated with surgical removal of the uterus.
It is an option that is most effective in preventing cancer from coming back and is usually preferred when patients do not need to maintain fertility.
Sources: mayoclinic/ cancer.net / cancercenter.com / webmd

By Lolaia

6.Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer occurs when malignant or cancer cells arise in the glands of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus.
Endometrial cancer is a very common cancer of the lining of the uterus.
A woman’s hormone balance is the most common cause of the development of most endometrial cancers.
The balance between hormones changes during a woman’s menstrual cycle.

This change in a woman’s monthly cycle keeps the endometrium healthy.
A shift in the balance of these hormones, resulting in more estrogen production can increase a woman’s risk for endometrial cancer.
After menopause, the ovaries stop making estrogen hormones, but a small amount of estrogen is still made naturally in fatty tissue.
Estrogen from fat tissue has a greater impact post-menopause than pre-menopause.
Source: (1)

Type 1 is associated with abnormally high levels of estrogen over a long period of time.
Type 2 is not linked to estrogen levels and it is more aggressive than type 1.

The different stages of endometrial cancer

Stage 1
The carcinoma is only found in the uterus.
Stage 2
Cancer has spread to the cervix.
Stage 3
Cancer has spread outside the uterus but is still within the lesser pelvis. This means it can affect the vaginal structure and pelvic lymph nodes.
Stage 4
Cancer has now spread beyond the pelvic area.
Source: (2)

Additional risk factors related to high estrogen levels include:

Having never been pregnant
Chronic anovulation, which happens when the ovaries don’t release an egg during a menstrual cycle.
Having many menstrual cycles
Obesity resulting in excess body fat altering your body’s balance of hormones
Age is also a factor since individual carcinoma tends to develop in women who have already gone through menopause, usually around 55 to 65 years of age
Hormone therapy for breast cancer

A hereditary condition called Lynch syndrome causes a high risk of developing certain cancers including colon cancer and endometrial carcinoma.
Source: (3)

Symptoms of endometrial cancer

The main symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding usually without pain after menopause or if you are still getting your periods there might be bleeding between the periods.
However, if it is more advanced, there might also be enlargement of the uterus, causing abdominal pain and cramping.

Treatment for endometrial cancer

Surgery is the most preferred type of treatment for all types and stages of endometrial carcinoma.
It involves the removal of the uterus, both ovaries, and both fallopian tubes, also known as a hysterectomy.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can also be undertaken after surgery if the cancer is more advanced.
Hormone therapy is often used along with chemotherapy for cancer that’s advanced.
Immunotherapy involves treatment with drugs that help your immune system better recognize and kill cancer cells.
Source: (4)

What can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer?

Taking hormonal contraceptives
Giving birth when older
Breastfeeding

By Crosscoupling

7.Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer occurs more often in women over 50 but can occur at any age even in infancy.
The good news is that if detected early, it can often be cured.
Several types of cancer can spread to the vagina from other places in the body, but cancer that begins in the vagina is rare.
It is called primary if it starts off in the vagina and secondary if it spreads from other body parts.

The two primary types of vaginal cancer include:

Squamous cell vaginal cancer
Arises from the thin flat cells that line the surface of the vagina.
The cancer spreads slowly and is often found near the vagina but may spread to the bone, lungs, or liver.
It is the most common type of vaginal cell and is most often found in women over 60.
Adenocarcinoma
Begins in glandular cells of the vagina, that make and release fluids such as mucus.
It is more likely than squamous cell cancer to spread to the lungs and lymph nodes.
Adenocarcinomas that are not linked are more common in women after menopause.
Source: (1)

Risks for vaginal cancer

It is not clear what causes vaginal cancer but certain risk factors have been associated with the condition.

Age
Prenatal exposure to Diethylstilbestrol
Infection with HPV type 16
Previous history of cervical cancer
Smoking
HIV infection
Chronic vulvar itching
Source: (2)

Symptoms of vaginal cancer

Pelvic pain especially during sex
Constipation
Painful urination
Lump or mass in the vagina
Watery vaginal discharge
Abnormal vaginal bleeding not related to menstrual periods, for example bleeding after intercourse
Source: (3)

Stages of vaginal cancer

Cancer treatment is based on how far the cancer has spread.
This will assist the doctor in determining the best treatment option.
Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can be used to determine your cancer stage.
Stage 1
Cancer is confined to the vaginal wall.
Stage 2
Cancer has spread to the tissue next to the vaginal wall.
Stage 3
Cancer has spread further into the pelvis.
Stage 4A
Cancer has spread to nearby areas, including the bladder or rectum.
Stage 4B
Cancer has spread to areas away from the vagina such as the liver.
Source: (3)

Treatment for vaginal cancer

The stages, type, and general health and preference will determine the treatment option.

Treatment options may include:

Surgery to remove any small lesions or vaginal tumors
Surgery to remove either part or all of the vagina
Radiation therapy involves the use of powerful energy beams such as X-rays to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy that involves using medication injected intravenously or taken orally to kill the cancer cell
Sources: (4), (5)