According to the Indian Cancer Society, “one out of every 8 Indians gets cancer, in other words, there are about 15 to 18 lakh cancer patients in India alone”. Though cancer does not differentiate between the genders, there are some cancers that are specific to women. Some of these are cervical, uterine, vaginal, ovarian, fallopian tube, endometrial, vulvar and breast cancer (this though seen more commonly in women can also develop in men).

Prevention and regular screenings to catch cancer at the earliest is the best course to follow. Since most cancers are caused due to our lifestyle choices, it is best to prevent them by eating right, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco (both smoking and chewing), limiting/avoiding alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy body weight.

According to the American Cancer Society:

• Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40. Before that, clinical breast exam (CBE) about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s.
• Women should begin screening for cervical cancer about 3 years after they begin having vaginal intercourse. Screening should be done every year with the regular Pap test or every 2 years using the newer liquid-based Pap test.
• Women nearing menopause, should be informed about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. Women should report any unexpected bleeding or spotting to their doctors.

Women with a strong family history who have multiple family members with breast and/or ovarian cancer are recommended to get a genetic counseling and genetic testing.

Screenings available to catch cancers at the earliest are:

Mammogram Test: is currently thought to be the best method to detect breast cancer.

Pap Test / Smear: can find abnormal cells in the cervix which may turn into cancer. Pap smear tests can also find cervical cancer early, when the chance of being cured is also very high.

In addition there is also a vaccine available for girls and young women which can be administered between the ages of 9-26 years called the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Although this is a fairly new vaccine, it is thought to protect against cancers (mainly cervical) caused by the HPV.

Talk to your family physician /doctor if you have any doubts/queries as it is important to detect cancers at the earliest.

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