Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | NXg | Friday Review | Cinema Plus | Young World | Property Plus | Quest |

Reducing the cancer risk

For a cause Women at a rally to spread cancer awareness

Many types of cancer can be cured if they are detected and treated early. Being aware of the types of female cancer and how to prevent them or detect them early can help protect your health.

Breast cancer Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Some risk factors that have been linked to breast cancer are:

• Age: the incidence increases above 50 years and is very low below 25 years. The disease is more aggressive in younger patients

• Family history of breast cancer, especially in one’s mother or a sister

• Never having been married or given birth to a child. Breastfeeding protects against breast cancer

• Inheriting abnormal genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2). These genes also increase the risk of ovarian cancer

• Use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy for more than 10 years

• Being exposed to radiation (for treatment of other cancers)

• Previous history of breast cancer

Breast self-examination Regular self-examinations help you get to know how your breasts look and feel. If you know their normal look and feel, you will be able to identify changes that may be a sign of cancer. The best time to do breast self-exam is a week after the start of your period. If you do not have periods anymore, do the exam on the first of each month.

Mammography can help detect cancer in the breast before a lump can be felt. Women aged 50 years and older should have it every year. If you are on hormone replacement therapy or have a strong family history of breast cancer, the mammography may be done earlier.

Cancer of the ovary The risk of cancer of the ovary is low, but increases with age. Women who have taken oral contraceptives, have at least one child, or have breastfed are at a lower risk for developing ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other type of female reproductive system cancer because it is usually detected in an advanced stage.

Factors that increase a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer include:

• Infertility

• A diet rich in fat

• Personal history of breast or colon cancer

• Endometriosis

• Advancing age (women older than 60 years have the highest risk)

• Abnormal genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2)

The warning signs of ovarian cancer include:

• Discomfort in the pelvic area

• Unexplained indigestion, gas, or bloating

• Swelling of the abdomen

Cancer of the vulva and vagina Cancers of the vulva and vagina are rare and occur mostly in women above 60. Common warning signs include:

• A sore or lump that does not go away

• Persistent itching which does not respond to the usual treatment

• Abnormal bleeding

Reducing the risk of cancer Many cancers are linked to lifestyle factors. Making these changes in your lifestyle will improve your health and some may help prevent cancer.

To reduce your risk of cancer:

• Limit your intake of fat (especially saturated fat and transfat).

The female hormone estrogen is produced in greater quantities in overweight and obese women and contributes to the development of cancer.

• Exercise at least 5 days a week, for at least 30 minutes every day.

• Eat foods with high fibre content.

• Get regular health checkups.

• Have recommended exams and tests.

• Pay attention to changes in your body.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail