Top 7 Common Types of Cancer in Women

1. Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the malignant growth of cells in the breast. It can rapidly develop in the surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). In Vietnam, approximately 70% of the 12,000 new cases of breast cancer annually are diagnosed in advanced stages due to negligence towards symptoms. It remains the most prevalent cancer in women globally and in Vietnam. Early detection is key for successful treatment. There are two major types: in situ (non-invasive) and invasive breast cancer.

Preventing breast cancer:

• Maintain a healthy body weight (BMI < 25)
• Breastfeed your child.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible
• Exercise regularly, control body fat
• Control blood sugar levels
• Add soy-based products
• Be cautious when supplementing with hormone replacement therapy
• Maintain a positive and optimistic lifestyle: Always keep a relaxed mindset, build good and healthy relationships, get enough sleep.
• Expose bare breasts at home and when sleeping.
• Do not unnecessarily interfere with breast tissue organization, such as cosmetic surgery.

Preventing breast cancer through daily breast self-examination before each bath, women over 40 must undergo screening every 6 months to detect breast cancer early.

2. Ovarian Cancer

The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system, located on each side of the uterus. Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor in one or both ovaries. There are two types: epithelial ovarian cancer, the most common type, and non-epithelial ovarian cancer. In NSW, around 450 cases of ovarian cancer are reported annually, ranking it as the 10th most common cancer in women with an average age of diagnosis at 63.

The cervix in women is covered by a thin layer of tissue formed from cells. Cervical cancer occurs when cells in the cervix (lower part of the uterus) begin to grow uncontrollably. These new cells rapidly develop, forming a tumor in the cervix.

Signs of cervical cancer:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Pain during vaginal penetration
• Abnormal vaginal discharge

Main causes of cervical cancer:

• The majority of cervical cancer cases result from papillomavirus (HPV) infection. There are many types of HPV, including some high-risk types causing diseases such as anal cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal and penile cancer, as well as head and neck cancer. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts.
• Both active and passive smoking can increase the risk of cervical cancer by 2 to 3 times. Smoking supports the development of HPV and enhances the likelihood of pre-cancerous lesions, especially in women who smoke heavily and for a prolonged period.
• Long-term use of oral contraceptives for more than 5 years increases the risk of cervical cancer by reducing condom use during sexual intercourse, thus increasing exposure to HPV.

Preventive measures for cervical cancer:

• Receiving the HPV vaccine is the most proactive preventive measure. In Vietnam, the HPV vaccine has been licensed for use since 2007, effectively preventing pre-cancerous lesions caused by HPV types 16 and 18. The best time to get vaccinated is before engaging in sexual activity.
• Regular screening programs, including pap smears and HPV typing, are essential for most women over 30. This is the only effective way to prevent cervical cancer for sexually active women who are too old for the HPV vaccine to be effective.
• The fewer sexual partners, the lower the risk of HPV infection.
• Avoiding contraceptive pills for an extended period.
• Avoiding smoking or passive smoke inhalation.
• Consuming plenty of green vegetables and fruits.

Cervical cancer is one of the leading common cancers in women worldwide. The disease can be cured if detected early. However, most affected individuals are unaware of their condition as the disease often lacks prominent symptoms. Cervical cancer usually develops silently over an extended period (taking several years). During this time, cervical cells undergo abnormal changes due to changes in the vaginal environment or HPV infection. The deformation of these cells before the appearance of cancer is referred to as dysplasia or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Endometrial Cancer, also known as uterine cancer, stands out as one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women. It originates from the endometrial tissue, the inner lining of the uterus.

Causes of Endometrial Cancer:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Unhealthy diet
• Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure
• Genetic factors

Signs of Endometrial Cancer:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Persistent pelvic pain
• Changes in bowel and bladder habits
• Unexplained weight loss

Preventive Measures for Endometrial Cancer:

• Weight management: avoid obesity
• Regular physical exercise
• Seek immediate medical attention for abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Weigh the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy
• Consult with a doctor about the risk of uterine cancer when using contraceptives
• Inform your doctor of a family history of Lynch syndrome

Early detection is crucial for better treatment outcomes. Regular check-ups and consultation with a doctor regarding any unusual symptoms or changes in the body are essential to identify and treat endometrial cancer early.