Cancer and Women

“With aging, the incidence of all cancers is expected to increase. For women, the most important cancers are breast, colon, endometrial, ovarian and lung cancer”.1

Most Common Cancers

Worldwide, In women, what are the most common cancers worldwide?

In Worldwide Cancer Data: Global Cancer Incidence In Women according to the World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRFI), “in 2022, the latest year that data has been made available by GLOBOCAN”:

“Breast, as well as trachea, bronchus and lung, were the most common cancers worldwide. Cancers of the colorectum were the third most common”.2

Aging

Is there an association between aging and cancer?

In Maintaining Health and Preventing Disease After the Menopause: Preventing Cancer Post Menopause the International Menopause Society elaborate on:

“With aging, the incidence of all cancers is expected to increase. For women, the most important cancers are breast, colon, endometrial, ovarian and lung cancer. Also, in the developing world cervical cancer is a major cause of death in women. Possible prevention of these cancers by lifestyle changes and appropriate screening gains more importance after menopause”.3

Prevention Plan

What is a cancer prevention plan for women?

In Get Checked – Women: A Cancer Prevention Plan for Women the Cancer Council Australia elaborate on:

Menopause“Finding cancer early improves your chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.

Look for the following signs and symptoms of cancer in women:

  • Lumps, sores or ulcers that don’t heal
  • Unusual changes in your breasts – lumps, thickening, unusual discharge, nipples that suddenly turn inwards, changes in shape, colour or unusual pain
  • Coughs that don’t go away, show blood, or a hoarseness that persists
  • Weight loss that can’t be explained
  • Any loss of blood, even a few spots between periods or after they stop (menopause)
  • Moles that have changed shape, size or colour, or an inflamed skin sore that hasn’t healed
  • Blood in a bowel motion
  • Persistent changes in toilet habits
  • Persistent abdominal pain or bloating.

Symptoms often relate to more common, less serious health problems. However, if you notice any unusual changes, or symptoms persist, visit your doctor”.4

Health Care Provider

What if I would like to lower my risk of cancer?

If you would like to lower your risk of cancer, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The (United States) National Cancer Institute note:

“Avoiding cancer risk factors may help prevent certain cancers. Risk factors include smoking, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise. Increasing protective factors such as quitting smoking and exercising may also help prevent some cancers. Talk to your doctor or other health care professional about how you might lower your risk of cancer”.5

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Cancer and Women?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Cancer and Women?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

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Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Maintaining Health and Preventing Disease After the Menopause: Preventing Cancer Post Menopause. 2014:3 International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/wmd-2014-leaflet-english.pdf Accessed: 19 January 2025
  2. Worldwide Cancer Data: Global Cancer Incidence In Women. World Cancer Research Fund International https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/cancer-trends/worldwide-cancer-data Accessed: 19 January 2025
  3. Maintaining Health and Preventing Disease After the Menopause: Preventing Cancer Post Menopause. 2014:3 International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/wmd-2014-leaflet-english.pdf Accessed: 19 January 2025
  4. Get Checked – Women: A Cancer Prevention Plan for Women. Cancer Council Australia https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/early-detection-and-screening/get-checked-women Accessed: 19 January 2025
  5. Skin Cancer Prevention–Patient Version (PDQ): Skin Cancer Prevention – Avoiding Risk Factors and Increasing Protective Factors May Help Prevent Cancer. Updated: 23 October 2023. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-prevention-pdq#section/_16 Accessed: 19 January 2025
Topic Last Updated: 04 May 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 19 January 2025

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