Cancer in Women

• What are some of the early signs of cancer?
   
  There are seven common ones. They are often called the Seven Danger Signals of Cancer:
  • Change in bowel or bladder habits.
  • A Sore that does not heal.
  • Unusual bleeding or discharge.
  • Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere.
  • Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
  • Obvious change in wart or mole.
  • Nagging cough or hoarseness.
  You should at once consult a doctor upon the appearance of any sign.
   Uterine Cancer - It affects women over 50 years. Hormone treatment, high fat diets, smoking and drinking, obesity, diabetes and high BP are risk factors. The Pap smear is again an early warning tool.          
  Cervical Cancer or Cervix: The most common of women's cancer in India. Women, who menstruate early, marry early, with many sex partners, many children and poor anti natal care, as well as poor genital hygiene are likely to get this cancer. Intake of vitamin A, C and B foliate are good as preventives. Intake of tobacco increases the chances of getting this cancer by 50%. This is a slow growing cancer that can easily be detected by a Pap smear. The Pap test (sometimes called Pap smear) is used to check cells from the cervix. The doctor scrapes a sample of cells from the cervix. A lab checks the cells for cancer or changes that may lead to cancer (including changes caused by human papillomavirus, the most important risk factor for cancer of the cervix). Women should begin having Pap tests 3 years after they begin having sexual intercourse, or when they reach age 21 (whichever comes first). Most women should have a Pap test at least once every 3 years.                                     Rest in next part.