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CANCER FACTS ON WOMEN |
- Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common
cancer among women, except for non-melanoma skin
cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates
that in 2003 about 211,300 new cases of breast cancer
will be diagnosed among women in the United States.
Women with the greatest risk of developing breast cancer
are those whose sister or mother had breast cancer,
women who have never had children, or women who had
their first child after the age of 30.
In 2003, about 39,800 women will die from breast
cancer in the United States. Breast cancer is the
second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded
only by lung cancer. An encouraging sign is that
death rates from breast cancer are declining and this is
believed due to earlier detection and improved
treatment.
Mammography, the X-ray examination of the breast to
identify abnormalities, is an important tool for
detecting breast cancer. A recent report in the
scientific literature has questioned the value of
screening mammograms. After in-depth consideration, the
National Cancer Institute continues to recommend that:
- Women in their 40s should be screened
every one to two years with mammography.
- Women aged 50 and older should be
screened every one to two years.
- Women who are at higher than average risk
of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice
about whether they should begin screening before age 40
and the frequency of screening.
The American Cancer Society also recommends breast
self-exams as part of a comprehensive screening program
that includes mammograms and clinical breast exams.
More
Information...
Lung Cancer
The most deadly form of cancer
for women is lung cancer. Over 65,000 lives are
lost each year. Lung cancer is almost totally
preventable. More than 85 percent of all diagnosed
cases happen because of smoking. If you smoke,
quit! If you don’t smoke, don’t start! There are
programs and products that can help you quit smoking.
Check out the Health & Wellness Center
calendar for more information or call (270)
745-0942. You may also check T. J. Samson's Events Calendar
for a listing of available smoking cessation classes.
Consult your physician about other ways to help you
quit.
Cervical Cancer
Approximately 15,000 cases of
cervical cancer will be diagnosed this year. Most
of these will be caught early and cured. However,
cervical cancer still causes nearly 5,000 deaths per
year. Cervical cancer can affect any woman but is
more likely to occur if they are sexually active.
Studies show that the more sexual partners a woman has
had, the greater the risk. Women who have HIV,
genital warts, or women who smoke, are also at greater
risk. Early detection is critical to treatment.
A Pap test can detect changes in the cervix. If
necessary, any problem can be treated before it becomes
cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends
that all women who have reached the age of 18, or who
have been sexually active, have a Pap smear and pelvic
exam every year.
Ovarian
Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a "silent"
cancer since it has no obvious signs or symptoms until
its later stages. Approximately 14,000 women die
from ovarian cancer each year. The chance of
getting ovarian cancer increases with age. Women
who have a family history of ovarian cancer, who have
had breast cancer, and who have not had children, are at
greater risk. However, the majority of women who
are diagnosed with ovarian cancer have none of these
risk factors. Unfortunately, there is no effective
or proven test for detecting ovarian cancer.
Colorectal Cancer
Cancer of the lower digestive
tract will be diagnosed in more than 67,000 women this
year and over 28,000 will die from it. Anyone is
at risk, but those who have a family history of
colorectal cancer and those who eat a diet high in fat
are at greater risk. The best defense against
colorectal cancer is early detection. This type of
cancer usually begins as benign polyps that become
cancerous in later stages. If detected early,
these polyps can be removed. Prevention includes
eating a diet low in fat and high in fiber. Also,
women should consult a physician about scheduling
regular colorectal exams if they are 50 years old or
older.
Endometrial Cancer
Each year, approximately 35,000
cases of endometrial (uterine) cancer will be diagnosed;
6,000 will die. Women over 50 years of age are at
greatest risk. Risk factors include: women
undergoing estrogen replacement therapy, women who had
an early onset of menstrual periods or women who began
menopause late. Also, women with diabetes, high
blood pressure or are overweight are at greater risk.
Pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives appear to
provide some protection against this type of cancer.
As with other cancers, early detection is important to
treatment. Women should watch for abnormal
bleeding or spotting from the uterus. At
menopause, women at high risk should have a tissue
sample or biopsy taken from the endometrium for
evaluation.
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