Symptoms and Major Warning Signs of Cancer in Women in 2023 and Precautions

Cancer is one of the major disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and women are no exception. Most of the People don't know about Symptoms and Warning Signs of Cancer in Womens. In fact, Cancer is one of the leading  causes of death among women in last few years across the globe. However, early detection of cancer and treatment can significantly improve the chances of survival. Therefore, it is essential for women to be aware of the Symptoms and Major Warning signs of cancer in 2023. In this article, we will discuss the most common types of cancer in womens , their symptoms and possible warning signs of cancer.

Symptoms and Major Warning Signs of Cancer in Women in 2023

1.Breast Cancer

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Breast Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. It is type of cancer that begin in breast tissue.

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump or mass in the breast or armpit Women usually neglect the symptoms and fail to notice the signs which can lead to complications in future. 

Some of the Symptoms and Warning signs of Breast Cancer one should keep a close eye on are:

(a) A lump in the breast or underarm area

It is very important you to check for any lump in breast or underarms area frequently, neglecting can lead to complications.

(b) A change in the size or shape of the breast

If you notice their  is change in size or shape of your breast over period of time which seem unusual then it is important to consult with your doctor immediately.

(c) Nipple discharge or retraction

Nipple discharge or retraction can be a Warning Sign of breast cancer in women. Nipple discharge is usually not a sign of breast cancer if it occurs only when the nipple is squeezed and is clear or milky in color. But if the discharge is bloody or occurs spontaneously without squeezing the nipple, then it can be a sign of breast cancer and should be consulted with your health care specialist immediately.

Nipple retraction, where the nipple is pulled inward, can also be a sign of breast cancer. 

(d) Skin Irritation,Dimpling or Redness 

If you have skin irritation, dimpling or redness then they are also some of symptoms of breast cancer you should not neglect.

(e) Breast or nipple pain

Some women with breast cancer may experience breast or nipple pain at the later stage of cancer. If you have such pain frequently or for longer period of time then you should not hesitate to consult with your family doctor as soon as possible.

(f) Swelling or lump in the armpit

Swelling and lumps in the armpit can be a sign of breast cancer in women. Breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit thus  causing swelling and lumps.

It is important to note that not all breast lumps are cancerous, but any changes in the breast should be noticed,by checking yourself regularly at home and should contact your doctor immediately if you feel any unusual changes.

2. Cervical Cancer

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Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix which is the lower part of the uterus and connects with Vagina. Cervical Cancer is usually seen in women over the age of 30 and is  caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection.

There are several symptoms and warning signs of cervical cancer that women should be aware of. They  may include:

(a) Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Women with Cervical Cancer may suffer  bleeding between periods, after sexual intercourse, or after menopause. So if you observe such signs then one should not neglect them and should consult with doctor.

(b) Unusual vaginal discharge

One can have unusual vaginal discharge which includes watery, bloody, or have a foul odor.

(c) Pelvic pain

Women suffering from Cervical cancer may have pelvic pain.This can be a dull ache or cramping that is persistent for longer period of time.

(d) Pain during sexual intercours

Ladies usually fail to notice this sign and may neglect, pain during sexual intercourse.This can be due to the growth of the cancer causing pressure or irritation in the cervix. 

(e) Changes in bowel or bladder habits

With age women faces several changes in bowel or bladder habits.This may include constipation, diarrhea, frequent urination, or blood in the urine. If you notice such signs then one should immediately get checked from nearby specialist with regular cervical cancer screenings, such as a Pap smear, can help detect the disease early.

3. Ovarian Cancer

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Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer in womens that affects the ovaries, the female  reproductive organs that produce eggs. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer related deaths in womens,with over 2 lakh death worldwide in 2022. Warning signs of Ovarian Cancer are very difficult to understand as they very common symptoms for other diseases ,that is why it called the 'Silent Killer'. 

Here are some of the some common signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of ovarian cancer in women including:

(a) Abdominal bloating, swelling or distention

Women having abdominal bloating, swelling, or distention can be seen as the one of the warning sign of ovarian cancer in women, but it can also be caused by many other conditions. This symptom occurs when the abdomen feels full, tight, or swollen, and followed by discomfort or pain.

Ovarian cancer can cause abdominal bloating or distention in women because the tumor grows in or on the ovaries, which are located in the pelvic area. And as the tumor grows in or no the ovaries, it will put pressure on the surrounding organs and tissues including the intestines, bladder, and stomach which will ultimately leads to bloating or distention.

(b) Pain or discomfort in the pelvic region

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If you have pain or discomfort in the pelvic region it can be also the sign of Ovarian Cancer in Women.Pain or discomfort in the pelvic region increases as the tumor grows in or on the ovaries,but putting more and more pressure on the pelvic region thus you will feel tightness,pain and discomfort in that area.

(c) Urinary urgency or frequency

Urinary urgency or frequency can be symptoms of various medical conditions, including ovarian cancer. However, it is important to note that these symptoms are non-specific and can be caused by many other factors, such as urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, or pelvic floor dysfunction.

(d) Constipation or diarrhea,Fatigue or low energy levels ,Unexplained weight loss or gain, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge are some of the other warning signs of Ovarian Cancer.If  these signs persist for more than two weeks, it is essential to see a healthcare specialist.

4.Endometrial Cancer

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Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium. It is one the most common type of cancer of the uterus and primarily affects postmenopausal women, it can also affects the women befor the menopause.

Some of  Symptoms and Warning Signs of Endometrial Cancer in Womens as follows 

(a) Abnormal vaginal bleeding

The most common warning signs of endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding in females, which may include spotting between periods, heavy periods, bleeding after menopause, or bleeding during or after sexual intercourse. 

(b) Pelvic pain or pressure

Another symptom in Endometrial cancer is  they can cause pain or pressure in the pelvic area, especially as the tumor grows and increases pressure on the nearby organs thus increasing pain and  discomfort.

(c) Pain during urination or bowel movements

As endometrial cancer keeps growing and spreading then it can put pressure on the bladder or rectum thus causing pain or discomfort during urination or bowel movements in women.

(d) Changes in bowel habits

Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, or other changes in stool consistency or frequency is also one of signs of Endometrial Cancer in womens 

(e) Weight loss

If you go through untimely unexplained weight loss then it can also be a sign of advanced endometrial cancer.

These sign should be noticed without negligence and if they keep on persisting for longer period of time then should contact your doctor.

5. Lung Cancer

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Lung cancer is a type of cancer that affects  our lungs and it can happen to both men and women. 

Some of the he most common symptom and signs of lung cancer are: 

(a) Cough,Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath:

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Persistent coughing that worsens over time, chest pain, shortness of breath, and wheezing can occur in womens due to the tumor as it grows, it will obstruct the air passages in the lungs.When  Cancerous cells starts growing they can invade into the lung tissue thus causing inflammation and triggering coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

(b) Fatigue or weakness

Fatigue or weakness is one of the symptom of lung cancer in women. These cancer cells require a lot of energy to grow and multiply in order to survive ,thus leaving the body feeling drained and tired ,naturally one will get fatigue or weakness.

(c) Loss of appetite or weight loss

Loss of appetite or weight loss is also one of the concerning warning signs of Lung Cancer in womens. Loss of appetite or weight loss occurs due to the cancer cells consuming nutrients,as we know cancer cell multiply in order to grow, they require engery to do so,thus they consume all nutrients from our body thus leading to loss of appetite or weight loss.

(d) Coughing up blood or phlegm

Coughing up blood or phlegm is also one of symptom of lung cancer. Tumors cells grows in the lung will weaken and damage the blood vessels and airways of our lungs thus causing blood to mix with the phlegm that is coughed up. 

(e) Hoarseness 

Hoarseness or changes in voice among cancer women is quite common. It occurs if the tumor in the lung grows and they presses against the nerve that controls the vocal cords. 

(f) Recurrent infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia

Cancer cell as they grow in lungs make our immune system weak. Thus these recurrent infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia come backs again and again when our immune system gets weak due to growth of cancer cell as they  obstruct the air passages by the  making it difficult to clear mucus and bacteria from the lungs.

It is very important to note that some people with lung cancer may not experience any of these symptoms until the cancer is reached to the advanced. 

6. Colorectal Cancer

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Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon and rectum and it can affect both men and women. But it is important to understand that women may experience different warning signs than men due to differences in the anatomy and physiology of their reproductive systems.

Thus here are the warning signs of colorectal cancer in women which  include:

(a) Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools

(b) Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool

(c) Abdominal pain or discomfort, such as cramping or bloating

(d) Unexplained weight loss

(e) Fatigue or weakness

(f) Nausea or vomiting

(g) A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely

(h) Anemia (low red blood cell count)

7. Skin Cancer

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Skin cancer is a type of cancer that affects the skin and it can happen to both men and women.

Some of  common symptoms and Warning Signs of Skin Cancer in Women are as follows:

(a) Changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other spot on the skin

People having Moles or spots on the skin can see change in size, shape, or color then it can be a sign of skin cancer. This may include moles that become larger with time, have irregular borders or have different shades of color.

(b) Bump or a Sore that does not heal

People usually see new growth on the skin that may looks like a bump or sore which may does not heal and it can be a sign of skin cancer. These may include a new spot on the skin that appears red, shiny, or scaly.

(c) A scaly or rough patch of skin

Females having a scaly or rough patch of skin that can bleed or crust over may be a signs of skin cancer. If they have  patches of skin that become rough or scaly then they are suffering from cancer and these may not respond even if they apply moisturizers.

(d) A spot on the skin that itches, burns, or is painful

People having a spot on the skin that itches, burns, or is painful can be a sign of skin cancer. These spot on the skin are usually very sensitive to the touch, itches, or burns and can be painfull.

(e) Dark streaks under the nails or on the palms or soles of the feet

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If your having a  Dark streaks under the nails or on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet then it can  be a sign of skin cancer. If you see these dark streaks or bands on the nails, or dark spots on the skin of the palms or soles then you should immediately contact with nearby skin  specialist.

Precautions for Cancer in Women

There are several precautions which women can take to reduce their risk of developing cancer:

1. Maintain a healthy diet: 

One should maintain healthy diet by eating a healthy, balanced diet as it  can help reduce the risk of cancer. Women should include a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins as they help to provide the nutrients and antioxidants that the body needs to fight off cancer.

2.Stay physically active:

Women usually don't give much focus to the physical activity. They should have Regular exercise as it can  help reduce the risk of several types of cancer. You should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Physical exercise will help you stay fit and help you to fight against any time of disease.

3.Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol:

People having the habit of smoking and alcohol should be stopped immediately.Specially women should not smoke and avoid tobacco products as they can increase the risk of several types of cancer, including lung, throat, and bladder cancer. Therefore it is very important Limit or completely stop alcohol intake inorder reduce the risk of several types of cancer.

4.Protect your skin from the sun: 

Female should protect themselves from exposing to ultraviolet (UV) radiation which be emitted from the sun as these ray can  increase the risk of skin cancer. Inorder to protect your skin,you should wear protective clothing, seek shade during peak sun hours and use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

5.Get regular screenings: 

Women's should have Regular cancer screenings as it can help them to detect cancer early when it is most treatable. Regular screening or check up is very important to have update regarding your health.Women should discuss with their doctors about what screenings are recommended for their age and risk level.

6.Know your family history: 

One should know the history of your family, regarding health issues your ancestors had.Some types of cancer can run in your families. If you Know your family health history of cancer then it can helpfull to understand the risk and take steps to be taken to reduce it.

By following these precautions one  can help themselves to reduce their risk of developing cancer and increase the chances of early detection and successful treatment.

Conclusion: 

Cancer is a very serious disease that affects millions of women worldwide. Usually the symptoms and warning signs of cancer vary depending on the type of cancer. But it is essential for women to understand and be aware of any changes in their body and report them to a health Specialist. Early detection of Cancer and required treatment can significantly improve the chances of survival. Regular cancer screenings or checkup can also help detect cancer early. It is important to be self-aware of your body and condition of your health to fight any disease.