As we have stressed in other articles, being diligent in our lifestyle is key to health. However, how can we keep diseases at bay if we aren't aware of them? Below we lay out three forms of cancer that affect women all over the world every year. We talk about what they are, certain symptoms, as well as detection options for each.
Uterine Cancer
When cancer begins in the uterus, it is called uterine or endometrial cancer. The uterus is also called the womb. Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer in women in America and the sixth most common female cancer worldwide with 320,000 new cases detected in 2012. The American Cancer Society estimates about 60,000 new cases of uterine cancer will be diagnosed and 10,500 resulting deaths in 2016.
Risk factors for uterine cancer include being post-menopausal, use of hormone therapy for reducing post-menopausal hot flashes, dryness, and weakening of the bones. Obesity also increases the risk for uterine cancer, due to the excess estrogen produced by the excess fatty tissue in the body. Having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), characterized by irregular periods, acne, and obesity is also a risk factor. Developed countries that adopt a high fat, high caloric, and sedentary lifestyle, have a higher risk of endometrial cancer. In 2012, Africa and Asia had the lowest incidence.
Symptoms of uterine cancer depend on how advanced the cancer is but include excessive or light spotting between periods or new onset bleeding after menopause. Any changes in one’s menstrual cycle, abnormal weight loss, or new onset of pelvic pain must be discussed with your health care provider immediately. Forms of diagnosis include ultrasound, which uses sound waves to reflect off the uterus. This helps to measure the thickness of the uterus, abnormal growths, and may assist in taking a sample of the uterine tissue, which is called a biopsy.
Cervical Cancer
The Cervix is located in the lower part of the uterus. When there is uncontrolled cell growth in the lower uterus it is called cervical cancer. In 2013, about 13,000 US women were diagnosed and about 5,000 women died from the illness. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer.
Cervical cancer occurs most often in women over 30 and is most often caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Early stages of cervical cancer can be caught using a test called a Papanicolaou smear (Pap Smear). This procedure is done in a few minutes at your health care provider’s office and is mildly to moderately uncomfortable. A tiny brush or plastic spatula is needed to obtain a sample from the uterus for the presence of HPV or abnormal cells. Some symptoms of cervical cancer or infection can be spotting or bleeding between menstrual cycles, new onset heavy bleeding, or irregular cycles. Other unpleasant symptoms are heavy discharge with bloody spotting or new onset of pelvic pain.
Ovarian Cancer:
When Cancer begins in the ovaries it is called ovarian cancer. An ovary is located at each end of the female uterus, located in the pelvis.
Ovarian Cancer is the sixth most common female cancer worldwide, causing 140,000 deaths annually. Often times, ovarian cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage because the symptoms are so subtle and often confused with other problems.
Most women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have unexplained abdominal bloating that does not resolve and diminished appetite even after a long period of fasting. Others have vaginal bleeding or sudden changes in bowel habits, such as sudden constipation, diarrhea, or difficulty passing urine. Risk factors for ovarian cancer are a family history of ovarian cancer, having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation (two genes that help repair cell damage), having Jewish ancestry, and endometriosis (a condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus in places like the ovaries, bowels, and bladder). Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS), which is characterized by multiple cysts on the ovaries, obesity, and insulin problems, may result in a 2-3-fold increase in risk for ovarian cancer. The use of estrogen as a hormone replacement for more than ten years can also increase your risk for ovarian cancer. There are no screening tests for ovarian cancer, but an ultrasound and a blood marker called CA-125 can detect it. It’s important to note that a Pap smear does not test for ovarian cancer.
Preventing cancer is a life-long journey that begins with our ancestor’s choices. We should be diligent to reduce our risks of multiple cancers by accessing our lifestyle and dietary habits, and also in realizing that our choices affect our families for generations to come.
We can access our body’s health by testing for Omega-3 fatty acids, hormone levels, and through other blood, saliva, and stool tests. Dietary changes must include eliminating sugar, avoiding fried and oxidized fats, engaging in daily aerobic exercise, and obtaining 7-8 hours of sleep. One also needs to eliminate unhealthy reaction to stress and have healthy relationships with family and friends. A healthy trust in God is the crowning ingredient for taking responsibility for our health today.