7 Most Common Cancers In Women And Why Early Screening Matters
Gender can be a factor that increases the risks of developing certain types of cancer. When women understand what the most common cancers in women are, they can prioritize preventative care.
Early screening is a crucial part of preventative care, allowing for early detection and treatment and, when cancer isn’t present, restoring peace of mind.
Schedule Your Scan >>
Why Cancer Risks Often Increases With Age
Your risk of getting cancer can increase with age. When considering all cancer diagnoses, 50% of people are under the age of 67 when diagnosed, while 50% are over the age of 67. However, there are still variables as we age that can create a greater risk for cancer.
Reasons the risk of cancer can increase with age include the following:
- Cellular damage: Cellular damage accumulates over time. Damaged cells increase the risk of cancer.
- Exposure to carcinogens: Long-term exposure to carcinogens increases the risk of cancer. Cancer-causing carcinogens include:
- Alcohol
- Asbestos
- Benzene
- Tobacco smoke
- UV radiation
- Weakened immune systems: Your body’s cellular functions weaken, and your body produces fewer T-cells as you age, making it harder for your body to identify and fight infections.
Overview Of The Seven Most Common Cancers In Women
The following are some of the most common cancers in women:
- Breast: Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in women and the cancer with the second-highest mortality rate for women.
- Cervical: Nine out of 10 people who develop cervical cancer get it from exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Colorectal: A sedentary lifestyle, alcohol use, diet, and smoking are some of the lifestyle factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Lung: Not smoking and reducing your exposure to second-hand smoke can reduce your risk of developing lung cancer.
- Ovarian: Age and genetics are risk factors for ovarian cancer.
- Skin: The most common cancer affecting women in the United States is skin cancer. Exposure to UV rays is a key risk factor for skin cancer.
- Uterine: Also known as endometrial cancer, risk factors for uterine cancer include age, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Why Early-Stage Cancers Often Show No Symptoms
Tumors are initially quite small. Consequently, in the early stages of development, tumors don’t impinge on nerves or organs, making it possible to have cancer for some time without developing symptoms. The tumor’s location can also delay symptom onset.
Early symptoms of cancer include fatigue, hoarseness, and indigestion. Since these symptoms can be attributed to other causes, people may not realize they have cancer.
The Benefits Of Early Detection And Screening
Investing in scans enables early detection of many types of cancer. The different scans that can detect cancer include:
- Full body CT scan: A full-body CT scan can detect various types of cancer, including bladder, kidney, liver, ovarian, and uterine cancers.
- Lung scans: Low-dose lung scans can detect tumors when they’re a few millimeters in size. The survival rate from lung cancer significantly increases with early detection.
- Virtual colonoscopies: A virtual colonoscopy allows for a non-invasive examination of your colon and rectum. Virtual colonoscopies can detect pre-cancerous polyps and colorectal cancer.
Early detection of lung cancer is particularly beneficial because of the high mortality rate from lung cancer; however, early detection of any form of cancer increases survival rates. People also benefit from early detection because there are more treatment options, shorter treatment times, and lower treatment costs.
Barriers That Prevent Women From Getting Screened
Women in the United States may deal with multiple obstacles that prevent them from getting screened, including the following:
- Accessibility issues: Lack of transportation, long travel times, and inconvenient clinic hours may make it difficult to reach a clinic for a scan.
- Daily responsibilities: Work schedules or not having alternative childcare available can prevent women from attending medical appointments and booking preventative scans.
- Financial challenges: Lack of insurance or high deductibles may be obstacles that prevent women from getting screened.
How Preventative Diagnostic Center Supports Early Detection
Preventative Diagnostic Center makes scans available without referral. You do not need to see your family doctor first and get a referral; you can contact us directly to book a scan and get the health answers you need.
We provide a comprehensive report within 10 days of your scan that’s prepared by a board-certified radiologist, and our medical director is available to answer questions about your report.
Take Control Of Your Health Through Proactive Screening
Early screening allows you to get a detailed look at what is happening inside your body. Booking a scan at Preventative Diagnostic Center in Las Vegas ensures you get answers about your health.
Scans are highly recommended for those at high risk, but anyone concerned about their health can schedule a scan for peace of mind.