Women's Health (cont.)
Cancer in Women
Certain cancers are of specific
concern to women. These include not only cancer of the female organs, such as the
breast, cervix,
womb (uterus), and ovary but also cancer of the
pancreas, large bowel
(colorectal cancer), and lung.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among
women (40,400 women in 2005). In the U.S., a woman has a 12.6 %
chance of developing breast cancer in
her lifetime (one in eight women). Research studies show that the smaller the breast
cancer is when it is detected, the greater the chance of survival. Currently,
mammography and
breast examinations serve as screening for breast cancer. The
discovery of inherited gene mutations permits the
identification of at least some women at increased risk for
developing breast cancer.
Cancer of the ovaries is also referred to as ovarian cancer.
Because ovarian cancer is very difficult to detect in its early
stages, it is often referred to as the "silent killer." Although
ovarian cancer can occur at any age, a woman's risk gradually
increases with age and is much higher if there is a history of
ovarian cancer in her family. One in every 70 females in the U.S.
develops ovarian cancer.
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the large intestine or the end of the large intestine. Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in people over 50 years of age. A woman with a history of cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovary has an increased risk for colorectal cancer. Regular screening is recommended for all women over 50 years old. Research studies show that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and supplementing with
antioxidants may help reduce a woman's risk of developing not only colorectal cancer, but a number of other cancers as well.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. In that
smoking is a primary cause of lung
cancer, it should be obvious that never smoking is a significant
means of avoiding this dread disease. Cessation of smoking is
essential in order to minimize the damage already caused by smoking
and optimize long term health.
Next: Women's Cosmetic Concerns »
- Birth Control Pills (Oral Contraceptives) - Read about the different types of birth control pills (oral contraceptives) such as monophasic, biphasic, and triphasic. Find out which birth control pill may be the best for you.
- Pap Smear - Read about Pap smear, a test to screen for cervical cancer, and precancerous changes in the cervix. Risk factors for abnormal Pap include HPV, smoking medicaitons, and a weakened immune system.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
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