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

Top Three

Worldwide, what are the top three cancers in women?

In Worldwide Cancer Data: Global Cancer Statistics for the Most Common Cancers – Global Cancer Incidence In Women according to the World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRFI) “in 2020, the latest year available”:

  • “The top three – breast, colorectal and lung cancers – contributed 44.5% of all cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer)”.2

Breast Cancer

Worldwide, how common is breast cancer in women?

In women, according to the WCRFI:

  • “Breast cancer was the most common cancer in women worldwide, contributing 25.8% of the total number of new cases diagnosed in 2020”.3

Cervical Cancer

Worldwide, how common is cervical cancer?

According to the WCRFI:

  • “Cervical cancer was the fourth most common cancer in women, contributing 6.9% of the total number of new cases diagnosed in 2020.”.4

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”.5

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:

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

Look for:

  • 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”.6

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”.7

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

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Links

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New or Updated

  1. About Cancer
  2. About Gynecologic Cancers
  3. After A Cancer Diagnosis: Follow Our Recommendations, If You Can
  4. Alcohol Calorie Calculator
  5. Alcohol Use and Cancer
  6. Alternative Cancer Treatments: 10 Options To Consider
  7. Avoid High-Calorie Foods and Drinks
  8. Be A Healthy Weight
  9. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  10. Breastcancer.org
  11. Call for Innovation In Women’s Cancers
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  13. Cancer
  14. Cancer A-Z
  15. Cancer Causes: Popular Myths About the Causes of Cancer
  16. Cancer Facts for Lesbians and Bisexual Women
  17. Cancer Facts for Women
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  19. Cancer Prevention Recommendations
  20. Cancer Prevention: 7 Tips To Reduce Your Risk
  21. Cancer, Risk, Prevention and Screening
  22. Cancer Survivors: Care for Your Body After Treatment
  23. Cancer Survivors: Managing Your Emotions After Cancer Treatment
  24. Cancer Types (Gynecologic Cancer)
  25. Cancer and Hair Loss
  26. Cancer and Women
  27. Cancer.org [American Cancer Society]
  28. Canceradvocacy.org [National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, United States]
  29. Cervical Cancer
  30. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week [United Kingdom] [22–28 January 2024]
  31. Cervical Health Awareness Month [January, United States]
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  39. Coping With Your Feelings During Advanced Cancer
  40. Could This Be Cancer?
  41. Diet, Activity and Cancer
  42. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase Cancer Risk? Does HRT Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer?
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  44. Drugs, Herbs and Supplements
  45. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
  46. Exercise Calorie Calculator
  47. Foundationforwomenscancer.org [Foundation for Women’s Cancer, United States]
  48. Get Checked – Women: A Cancer Prevention Plan for Women
  49. Glossary: Definitions, & Phonetic Pronunciations
  50. Gynecologic Cancers
  51. Gynecological Cancers
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  53. Healthy Choices
  54. Healthy Living
  55. Healthy Living After Cancer
  56. How To Prevent Cancer or Find It Early
  57. Limit Alcohol Consumption
  58. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause. Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  59. Lowering Your Cancer Risk: Healthy Living for Cancer Prevention
  60. Lynchsyndrome.org.au [Lynch Syndrome Australia]
  61. Mayo Clinic Minute: Is There A Connection Between Ultraprocessed Food and Cancer?
  62. Mayo Clinic Minute: Plant-Based Diet Is Encouraged for Patients With Cancer [11 July 2023] [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  63. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Cancer Survivorship Needs Are Unique for Each Survivor [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic]
  64. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Sexual Health After Cancer Treatment [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  65. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Is there any relationship between menopause and cancer?
  66. Menopause Mindfulness: Understanding the Many Paths To Menopause
  67. Menopause and HRT
  68. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms [National Cancer Institute, United States]
  69. National Cancer Institute [NCI, United States]
  70. National Cancer Survivors Day [June 4, 2023]
  71. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cancer and Complimentary Health Approaches: What You Need To Know
  72. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  73. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  74. National LGBT Cancer Network
  75. Newly Diagnosed [Gynecologic Cancer]
  76. Nurture Your Emotional Health
  77. OCCAM Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine [National Cancer Institute, United States]
  78. Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
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  83. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer: Questions Adult Females Have About Cancer and Sex
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  85. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
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  91. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Menopause and Abnormal Bleeding
  92. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Scientific Advances In Early Cancer Detection What the Future Holds
  93. Vulvar Cancer
  94. What Is Breast Cancer?
  95. What Is Lynch Syndrome?
  96. Women’s Cancers [Gynecological Cancers]
  97. World Cancer Day 4 February
  98. You Need To Know [+ Video: Bleeding After the Menopause – An Important Message You Need To Know]

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: 15 April 2023
  2. Worldwide Cancer Data: Global Cancer Statistics for the Most Common Cancers – Global Cancer Incidence In Women. World Cancer Research Fund International https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/cancer-trends/worldwide-cancer-data Accessed: 15 April 2023
  3. Worldwide Cancer Data: Global Cancer Statistics for the Most Common Cancers – Global Cancer Incidence In Women. World Cancer Research Fund International https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/cancer-trends/worldwide-cancer-data Accessed: 15 April 2023
  4. Worldwide Cancer Data: Global Cancer Statistics for the Most Common Cancers – Global Cancer Incidence In Women. World Cancer Research Fund International https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/cancer-trends/worldwide-cancer-data Accessed: 15 April 2023
  5. 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: 15 April 2023
  6. 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: 15 April 2023
  7. Skin Cancer Prevention–Patient Version (PDQ): Skin Cancer Prevention – Avoiding Risk Factors and Increasing Protective Factors May Help Prevent Cancer. Updated: 18 October 2021. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-prevention-pdq#section/_16 Accessed: 15 April 2023
Topic Last Updated: 26 July 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 15 April 2023

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