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

Women

Worldwide, what are the most common types of cancer that kill women?

According to the World Health Organization:

“Worldwide, in 2015, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill women are (in the order of frequency): breast, lung, colorectal, cervical and stomach cancers”.2

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 2018, the latest year available”:

“The top three – breast, colorectal and lung cancers – contributed 43.9% of all cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer)”.3

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 25.4% of the total number of new cases diagnosed in 2018”.4

Cervical Cancer

Worldwide, how common is cervical cancer?

In Cervical Cancer the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health note:

“Cervical cancer is a cancer that develops in a woman’s cervix. It is the second most common cancer experienced by women worldwide”.5

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”.6

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”.7

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”.8

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics 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.

  1. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 2. Myth – Breast Cancer Is the Most Common Cause of Death In Postmenopausal Women
  2. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 3. Misunderstanding – One-Quarter of Women Who Take MHT Get Breast Cancer
  3. About Cancer
  4. About Gynecologic Cancers
  5. After A Cancer Diagnosis: Follow Our Recommendations, if You Can
  6. Alcohol Calorie Calculator
  7. Alcohol Use and Cancer
  8. Alternative Cancer Treatments: 10 Options To Consider
  9. Avoid High-Calorie-Foods
  10. Be A Healthy Weight
  11. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  12. Breastcancer.org
  13. Can Cancer Be Prevented? “There Are Things You Can Do Right Now To Reduce Your Risk of Developing Cancer”
  14. Cancer
  15. Cancer A-Z
  16. Cancer Causes: Popular Myths About the Causes of Cancer
  17. Cancer Facts for Lesbians and Bisexual Women
  18. Cancer Facts for Women
  19. Cancer Fatigue: Why It Occurs and How To Cope
  20. Cancer Prevention and Control: Healthy Choices
  21. Cancer Prevention and Control: How To Prevent Cancer or Find It Early
  22. Cancer Prevention: 7 Tips To Reduce Your Risk
  23. Cancer Research Findings [World Cancer Research Fund UK [United Kingdom]]
  24. Cancer Survivors: Care for Your Body After Treatment
  25. Cancer Survivors: Managing Your Emotions After Cancer Treatment
  26. Cancer Treatment: Coping With Hair Loss During Chemotherapy [Video]
  27. Cancer Types (Gynecologic Cancer)
  28. Cancer and Hair Loss
  29. Cancer and Women
  30. Cancer.org [American Cancer Society]
  31. Canceradvocacy.org [National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, United States]
  32. Causes of Cancer and Reducing Your Risk
  33. Chemotherapy and Hair Loss: What To Expect During Treatment
  34. Chemotherapy and Sex: Is Sexual Activity OK During Treatment?
  35. Coping With Cancer
  36. Coping With Your Feelings
  37. Could This Be Cancer?
  38. Diet
  39. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase Cancer Risk? Does HRT Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer?
  40. Don’t Drink Alcohol
  41. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
  42. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  43. Exercise Calorie Calculator
  44. Fightcancer.org [Cancer Action Network, American Cancer Society]
  45. For Cancer Prevention, Don’t Rely on Supplements
  46. Foundationforwomenscancer.org [Foundation for Women’s Cancer [Gynaecologic Cancer]]
  47. Get Checked – Women: A Cancer Prevention Plan for Women
  48. Get the Facts on Cancer Prevention
  49. Glossary: Definitions, & Phonetic Pronunciations
  50. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States] Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
  51. Gynecologic Cancers
  52. Health Tools
  53. Healthy Choices
  54. Healthy Living
  55. Key Signs and Symptoms of Cancer
  56. Limit Alcoholic Consumption
  57. Lynchsyndrome.org.au
  58. Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
  59. Menopause After Cancer
  60. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Is there any relationship between menopause and cancer?
  61. More Information on Cancer Drugs
  62. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms [National Cancer Institute, United States]
  63. National Cancer Institute [NCI, United States]
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 6 Things You Need To Know About Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cancer: In Depth
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  69. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Placebo Effect
  70. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Women’s Health and Complementary Approaches
  71. National LGBT Cancer Network
  72. Newly Diagnosed [Gynecologic Cancer]
  73. Nurture Your Emotional Health
  74. OCCAM Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine [National Cancer Institute, United States]
  75. Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
  76. Publications and Resources
  77. Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Cancer
  78. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [Topics]
  79. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer: Questions Women Have About Cancer, Sex, and Getting Professional Help
  80. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer: Surgery Can Affect A Woman’s Sex Life
  81. Sexual Health: Can Oral Sex Give You Cancer?
  82. Soy and Cancer Risk: Our Expert’s Advice
  83. Stay Healthy
  84. Staying Healthy During and After Cancer Treatment
  85. Survivornet.com [SurvivorNet]
  86. Tea and Cancer Prevention: Strengths and Limits of the Evidence
  87. Understanding Cancer Risk
  88. Vaginal Health After Breast Cancer: A Guide for Patients
  89. Video Series-2019 – Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness In Survivors of Breast Cancer and In Those With A High Risk of Breast Cancer
  90. Video Series-2020 – How To Talk To Your Primary Care Clinician About Your Overall Health
  91. What Is Breast Cancer?
  92. What Is Lynch Syndrome?
  93. Why We Screen for Some Cancers and Not Others
  94. Women’s Cancers [Gynecological Cancers]
  95. Women’s Wellness: Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Updated [United States] [12 August 2020] [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  96. Women’s Wellness: How To Treat Vaginal Dryness After Menopause
  97. World Cancer Day 4 February: I Am and I Will
  98. World Cancer Research Fund International
  99. World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research: Cancer Prevention Recommendations
  100. World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research: Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: A Global Perspective. The Third Expert Report

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/downloads/world_menopause_day_2014/booklets/ims_wmd_booklet_2014_english.pdf Accessed: 17 November 2020
  2. 10 Facts About Cancer – Fact 4: Top 5 Types of Cancer Killing Women. Updated February 2017. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/features/factfiles/cancer/en/ Accessed: 17 November 2020
  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: 17 November 2020
  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: 17 November 2020
  5. Cervical Cancer. Last Updated: 07 October 2020 | Last Reviewed: 23 January 2018. Jean Hailes https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/cervical-cancer Accessed: 17 November 2020
  6. Maintaining Health and Preventing Disease After the Menopause: Preventing Cancer Post Menopause. 2014:3 International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2014/booklets/ims_wmd_booklet_2014_english.pdf Accessed: 17 November 2020
  7. 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: 17 November 2020
  8. Skin Cancer Prevention–Patient Version (PDQ): Skin Cancer Prevention – Avoiding Risk Factors and Increasing Protective Factors May Help Prevent Cancer. Updated: 10 April 2019. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-prevention-pdq#section/_16 Accessed: 17 November 2020

Topic Last Updated: 17 November 2020 – Topic Last Reviewed: 17 November 2020
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