Though cancers can afflict any part of the body, some cancers are more common than others. Interestingly, some cancers affect women more than they do men. Even a few cancers only occur in women. In this blog, we will discuss some most common cancers in Indian women.

Breast Cancer

It’s the commonest cancer in Indian women. Statistically, 1 in every 4 women is diagnosed with this cancer every 4 minutes and 1 woman dies of the disease every 13 minutes. According to oncologists, 1 in every 28 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer:

• A lump in the breast/armpit
• Dimpling in the breast
• Any skin colour change in breast
• Nipple retraction
• Changes in shape and size of the breast or nipple
• Discharge from nipple

Prevention:

There are some risk factors for each cancer type. Some factors are modifiable. Breast cancer is highly curable in the early stages.

• Self-examination of breasts and axilla must be done every month to feel any changes or lumps. Once you are 40, get mammography done every year. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, start taking mammography much earlier.
• Don’t smoke.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Do regular exercises.
• Maintain the weight ideal for you

Cervical Cancer

It is the second most prevalent cancer in Indian women. About 22.86% of women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year. Rural women are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer than their urban counterparts. The disease usually affects sexually active women. Nearly all types of cervical cancer are caused by Human Papillomavirus or HPV.  It is a sexually transmitted infection that may lead to cancer in some cases.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer:

Usually in the most preliminary stages, cervical cancer has no symptoms. As the tumour grows and cancer invades neighbouring tissues and organs, symptoms show up.

• Smelly or blood-tinged discharge
• Pain or bleeding during intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding/spotting between regular periods or after menopause

Prevention:

• As human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted virus, safe sex is the best way to prevent the disease. Practicing sex without condoms enhances the risk of infection.
• Avoid sex with multiple partners.
• Strengthen your immune system. Cervical cancer is more prevalent in women with weak immune system.
• Multiple childbirth increases the risk.
• If you get genital infection, visit a gynaecologist immediately.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Do regular PAP tests for early detection.
• Consult your doctor about taking HPV vaccines. This vaccine has dramatically reduced the number of yearly diagnosis of cervical cancer.

Oral and Lip Cancer

This cancer affects 4.3% of all women-centric cancers in India. About 80% of oral and lip cancer is caused by tobacco consumption.

Symptoms of Oral and Lip Cancer:

• Ulcer/swelling in the oral cavity
• Red or white patches in throat or mouth
• Foul breath and loosening of teeth

Prevention:

• Maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent the disease. Visit your dentist for a regular check-up. Self-examination of your mouth cavity once a month will help find out any abnormality.
• Stop smoking.
• Don’t use tobacco.
• Avoid alcohol intake.
• Eat a nutritious diet packed with fruits and vegetable.

If anyone in your family has been diagnosed with cancer, you should talk to a physician at the best oncology hospital in Kolkata.