Knowing Risks provides tools for Preventing and Treating Cancer

By: Ashley Finigan

Because of the bodily changes experienced by women during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause, women are usually more attuned to their bodies than men are. This knowledge, especially of the risks presented by cancers of the reproductive system can play a key role in detection of early-stage cancer when it is most treatable, treatment and prevention. In an op-ed in California’s North County Times, Dr. Jack Klausen provided some of the risk factors for gynecological cancers as a tool of treatment.

Risk factors surrounding breast cancer include a family history of the disease, having estrogen replacement therapy and ethnic background. While rates remain highest among black women, incidents of breast cancer are highest among white women. A lump in the breast is the most common symptom of the cancer, and an annual mammogram is highly recommended for women over the age of 40 to detect the disease.

Sexually active women are most at risk for cervical cancer. Pap smears, HPV typing and clinical exams are all used to detect cancer of the cervix. Cervical cancer develops gradually with normal cells developing into pre-cancerous ones which turn into cancer. While only some women with pre-cancerous changes will develop the disease, proper detection and treatment can prevent the disease or treat it when discovered.

Pos-menopausal women are most at-risk for uterine cancer, or cancer of the womb. An endometrial biopsy is used for detection and symptoms of the disease include pain during sex, painful urination and in the pelvic region and unusual vaginal bleeding.

Finally ovarian cancer symptoms carry many symptoms seen in other less-serious illness, including, fatigue, weight-loss and feeling bloated. The greatest risk factor is a family history of the disease, with older women facing the greatest risk. A clinical exam is the best means to detect and treat the illness.

As with all the various gynecological cancers, women can help avoid these illnesses through taking the steps to ensure early prevention and detection.