Health

What are the most common cancers in women other than breast cancer?

According to experts from the American Cancer Society, breast, colon, gynaecological and lung cancers are the most common cancers in women.

Likewise, experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention point out that the risk of suffering from them increases significantly with alcohol consumption, among other issues.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is, without a doubt, cancer with the highest incidence among women. However, something important should also be noted: it is the one with the highest survival rate.

In other words: although breast cancer is the most frequent, it is also the one with the most extended survival. Therefore, the word cancer is not always synonymous with a fatal outcome. Many women overcome it and manage to enjoy a good life.

  • Chest pain on palpation.
  • Change in size in one of the breasts.
  • One of the nipples seems a little more hollow.
  • Presence of a lump in the breast, nipple or armpit.
  • Irregularities in the skin: colour change, ulcers, orange peel…

Less mobility in one of the breasts when raising the arms.

Read: Find out how this woman survived breast cancer

Skin cancer

Another of the most common types of cancer in women is skin cancer. According to experts from the American Cancer Society, “In general, melanoma is more common in men, but in people younger than 50, rates are higher in women than in men .” They also indicate that melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young women.

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A  benign mole should always be symmetrical.

B  for an edge: the edges should always be regular. If you see imperfections, go to the dermatologist.

C for Color: Watch out if you see any brown, red, blue, or black spots on the moles.

D in diameter: If the mole is more than 6 millimetres wide.

E for evolution: if you see the mole is changing, go to the doctor.

Colon cancer

The final part of the digestive system is the large intestine, where colon cancer is located.

Colon cancer is another of the most common types of cancer in women. In fact, according to the experts of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), “colon cancer will affect 1 in 20 men and 1 in 30 women before reaching the age of 74”.

Like almost all colon cancers, they usually start with non-cancerous polyps in the colon. If they are not removed or detected in time, they become cancerous. Hence the importance of being very attentive to its symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain.
  • Blood in the stool.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Suffer from diarrhoea and constipation in persistent periods.

Discover:  Main routes of treatment for colon cancer ( irrelevant)

Gynaecological cancer

Within gynaecological cancer are ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. Here, prevention and regular check-ups are vital. These are nothing more than small tests of little importance that can save lives. To do this, you must schedule those annual appointments with the gynaecologist to rule out any problems.

Some signs that invite you to pay more attention and seek medical help:

Unexplained weight loss.

Irregular bleeding. It is undoubtedly the first warning sign. Bleeding outside menstruation is something we must immediately bring to the doctor’s attention. Also, be careful with those very abundant or irregular periods.

Pelvic pain. This symptom can be a possible sign of ovarian cancer, so never overlook any pelvic or abdominal discomfort, gas, or cramps.

Different vaginal discharge has a darker hue or a very intense smell. It is a sign of a possible infection.

Constant tiredness. We do not know the cause, but there is not a day in which we do not start the day with marked fatigue and arrive at night almost without strength. 

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is another of the most common types of cancer in women. However, in recent years the incidence is becoming more worrying since it is one of those with the highest mortality in both men and women.