5 Most Common Types Of Cancer That Affect Women

Women are susceptible to a range of health issues among which cancer has reportedly claimed the maximum number of lives. Multiple factors including genetic predisposition, hormonal issues, reproductive history and environmental exposures can contribute to the risk of cancer in women.

The World Health Organization says that by 2030, the number of women developing cervical cancer every year will reach up to 700,000, leaving aside the number of overall cancer female patients. Let’s take a look at the types of cancers that solely affect women:

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer generally occurs as a result of the overgrowth of the healthy cells in the cervix which further form precancerous or cancerous cells. The cervix connects the uterus to the birth canal. Cervical cancer does not occur instantly and takes years to develop instead. This is because the body undergoes precancerous changes before cancer develops.

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer occurs in the breast tissue beginning in the ducts or glands. Compared to other cancers, breast cancer has the highest incidence rate for women. The risk factors include gender, age, family history, obesity, no pregnancy, absence of breastfeeding and genetic mutations.

Ovarian Cancer

The primary reasons for women to develop ovarian cancer are abnormal ovarian cell proliferation, including epithelial tumours, germ cell tumours from eggs, and stromal tumours from hormone-producing cells. Cigarette smoking can also be considered a risk factor. The lack of awareness of symptoms like bloating, indigestion and early satiety can further increase the risk factor.

Lung Cancer

One of the most common cancers that majorly affects women is lung cancer. The primary cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoking as it leads to an uncontrolled division of abnormal lung cells. The risk, with the duration and quantity of smoking, gradually increases. Notably, passive smoking can also be considered a risk factor for lung cancer.

Prostate Cancer

Women do not have a prostate. Instead, they have Skene’s glands. Given the similarity between the glands and the prostate, the cancer in Skene’s glands is referred to as “female prostate cancer”. Prostate cancer is comparatively rare and a study conducted earlier suggested that it accounts for just 0.003% of all genital cancers.