Over the years, cancer has become one of the most critical health issues, affecting people of all genders and spreading at an alarming rate. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) National Cancer Registry Programme, the estimated incidence of cancer cases in India in 2020 was 13,92,179, and the figures increased to 14,26,447 in 2021 and 14,61,427 in 2022. With the increasing incidence of cancer mortality, it is imperative to generate awareness about the disease, and emphasize on the importance of early detection as it remains the key to successful treatment and improves the overall prognosis of the disease.   While both men and women are affected by cancer, however, women are often at a higher risk of certain types of cancer. Let’s take a closer look at the five most prevalent cancers that are mainly impacting women in India.

 Common Cancers in Women

 Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is the most prevailing type of cancer in women globally, and it is also the most pervasive among Indian women. Furthermore, breast cancer is increasingly becoming the top cancer diagnosed in women in India. Breast cancer accounts for 27% of all cancer cases in Indian women, with the prevalence of the disease increasing, and over 200,000 new cases are expected to be diagnosed by 2030, according to a report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).Certain factors such as family history, gene mutations, late childbirth, early menstruation, and late menopause increase the risk of breast cancer, which highlights the need for women to be vigilant about their breast health. Early detection of breast cancer has a high survival rate and has become crucial for effective treatments. Women are advised to get routine breast cancer screenings to help detect the disease early, which can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes.

Oral Cancer: Oral cancer is a type of cancer that can occur in different areas of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, and lining of the cheeks. While men are traditionally more susceptible to developing oral cancer, women can also be affected by this disease. The risk factors for oral cancer in women include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV). Additionally, women who have a family history of oral cancer or who have had previous oral cancer themselves are at an increased risk. Symptoms of oral cancer in women may include mouth sores, persistent pain in the mouth or throat, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and changes in speech. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving the chances of a successful outcome. Women are encouraged to regularly see their dentist for oral cancer screenings and to discuss any concerning symptoms with their healthcare provider.

Colorectal Cancer: Another prevalent cancer type affecting women in India is colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer is often overlooked or not discussed openly, possibly due to stigma or discomfort associated with the rectum and colon. Nonetheless, it is a significant health issue in women, and increasing awareness about the disease and the importance of screening is crucial. If left undetected and untreated, colorectal cancer can be perilous as it has the potential to metastasize to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs, which can make the treatment more complicated and decrease the chances of survival. Moreover, symptoms of colorectal cancer are not apparent until the disease has progressed, underscoring the importance of early detection through screening. Some of the risk factors of colorectal cancer in women include being overweight or obese, having a family history of the disease, having a history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, leading a sedentary lifestyle, consuming a diet high in processed foods and red meat, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption. Women over the age of 50 are also at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer. Early signs of colorectal cancer in women may include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss, but they may not cause noticeable symptoms initially. It is important to speak with a doctor if any of these symptoms persist.

Cervical Cancer: In India, cervical cancer affects women more frequently than any other type of cancer. It affects the cells of the cervix, which is the opening from the vagina to the uterus. According to a WHO report, cervical cancer affects more than 500,000 women worldwide yearly, mostly aged between 35 and 44, and causes more than 300,000 fatalities. Furthermore, 14% of all cancer cases in Indian women are cervical cancer cases, according to the ICMR. Cervical cancer is linked to various risk factors, such as contracting the human papillomavirus (HPV), engaging in sexual activity at an early age, having multiple sexual partners, smoking, having a weakened immune system, taking birth control pills for a long time, having many children, and having a family history of cervical cancer. Practicing safe sexual behavior, HPV vaccination, and routine cervical cancer screenings can all help lower the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it does not show any noticeable symptoms during the initial stages. This cancer may have some vague and nonspecific symptoms and can be mistaken for other conditions, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Some of these symptoms include abdominal bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms. Risk factors for ovarian cancer include age, family history, inherited gene mutations, personal history of breast or colon cancer, endometriosis, and never being pregnant or having trouble getting pregnant. Women with a family history of ovarian cancer are more likely to acquire the disease and should have regular ovarian cancer screenings.

Early Detection: The Need of the Hour

There is no denying the fact that cancer has become a more severe concern affecting every gender. And, when it comes to women, one out of every three will be diagnosed with cancer at some point. As a result, women are advised to undergo regular cancer screening tests because early detection can increase the chances of successful treatment and reduce the risk of cancer spreading to other parts of the body. Screening tests can also detect cancer before symptoms appear, which is particularly important for cancers that are difficult to detect in their early stages, such as ovarian cancer. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol can also help lower the risk of developing cancer.