10 Things to Know on Prevention & Early Detection of Cancer in Women

Prevent and Early Detect = Curing Cancer

A stitch in time saves nine. A proverb many of us use in our conversations but often fail to follow. A simple mantra of prevention and early detection of cancer, if understood and practiced, can result in more than 95% chances of cure.

Many Indian Bollywood actors have openly shared their cancer diagnosis and treatment journeys, including Manisha Koirala, Irrfan Khan, Rishi Kapoor, and more recently, Sanjay Dutt. Their stories remind us that cancer can affect anyone.

The choices we make today can change our future for the better. Focusing on cancer prevention and early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve treatment outcomes.

Common Warning Signs of Cancer in Women

Being aware of changes in your body can help detect cancer at an early stage.

Breast

• Feeling a lump in the breast
• Breast asymmetry
• Skin or nipple retraction
• Blood-stained nipple discharge

Cervix

• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Excessive vaginal discharge

Colon & Rectum

• Change in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained anaemia
• Blood in stools
• Black-coloured stools

Uterine Cancer

• Post-menopausal bleeding
• Excessive vaginal bleeding in obese women

Ovarian Cancer

• Persistent bloating of the abdomen for more than two months that does not improve with medication

Cancer Preventive Strategies

Cervical Cancer Vaccine

Vaccination is effective against cancers caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, including:

• Cervical cancer
• Some oral cancers
• Esophageal cancers caused by HPV infection
• Vulval cancers

Hepatitis B Vaccination

Hepatitis B vaccination helps protect against Hepatitis B virus, which can lead to:

• Liver cirrhosis
• Liver cancer

Vaccination against Hepatitis B is therefore an effective preventive measure against Hepatitis B-related liver cancer.

Lifestyle Modification

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that 40% of cancers are preventable through healthy lifestyle and dietary modifications.

For more information, visit:
https://www.drarchitpandit.com/cancer-prevention-6-tips-to-reduce-your-risk/

Follow Recommended Cancer Screening Programs

Early screening plays a vital role in detecting cancer before symptoms develop.

Breast Cancer Screening

• Annual screening mammography is recommended for early detection of breast cancer.
• Detecting breast cancer at Stage 0 or Stage 1 can result in more than a 95% chance of cure.

Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer is one of the few preventable cancers.

• Cervical cancer vaccination helps prevent HPV-related cervical cancer.
• An HPV (Human Papillomavirus) test every 5 years or a Pap smear every 3 years can help detect cervical cancer at Stage 0 or Stage 1, resulting in approximately a 95% chance of cure when treated early.

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is commonly seen in:

• Obese women
• Postmenopausal women

One of the earliest warning signs is abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Recognising symptoms early and promptly getting an ultrasound of the abdomen can help detect:

• Endometrial cancer
• Ovarian cysts
• Ovarian masses

However, ultrasound is not currently part of a routine screening programme.

Colon & Rectal Cancer Screening

Testing stool for occult blood can help detect colon and rectal cancers at an early stage.

It is important to be vigilant about:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in stools

If you notice these symptoms, discuss appropriate screening tests with your primary healthcare physician.