Cancer is one of the major killers of women throughout the world. The best way to prevent this killing spree is to know the symptoms and spot the cancer early, when it has not spread and is easier to treat.

This thing called cancer

Women’s bodies are constantly changing as they go through the different stages of life. Changes that seem normal now can, however, sometimes be the early signs of cancer.

Cancer is a life-threatening disease that may initially cause general symptoms like fever, extreme tiredness (fatigue) or weight loss − symptoms common to many other diseases. It is, however, very important that women pay attention to their bodies, especially to any new changes that take place and to have them checked out – just in case!

Cancer facts and figures

According to CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) the following female cancers are prevalent in South Africa:

  1. Breast cancer. This is the most common cancer in women of all races, with a lifetime risk of one in 33 in South Africa. Any changes in the breasts, be they lumps, breast or nipple size and shape changes, puckering of the skin or discharges from the nipple, should be checked out. Unusual swelling in the armpits and enlarged glands in the vicinity of the breasts could also spell trouble.
  2. Cervical (mouth of the womb) cancer. This is the second most common cancer that one in 42 women in South Africa will be diagnosed with. Symptoms include irregular vaginal bleeding, watery, vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odour, pelvic and back pain and pain during sex.
  3. Fallopian tube cancer. Symptoms may include irregular or heavy vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause or in-between periods, swollen stomach, clear, white, or tinged with blood vaginal discharge, or a pelvic mass or lump.
  4. Ovarian cancer. Advanced-stage ovarian cancer symptoms may include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, frequent need to urinate, constipation, weight loss and difficulty eating or feeling full quickly. It is very important that women with ovarian cancer symptoms, a strong family history of the cancer or a genetic predisposition to this cancer (BRCA mutation) seek help from their doctors. In the absence of an early detection test, they will have to be monitored regularly.
  5. Vaginal cancer. Possible signs of vaginal cancer include pelvic pain or pain when urinating, abnormal vaginal bleeding not related to menstrual periods, pain during intercourse or a lump in the vagina. However, vaginal cancer often does not cause early symptoms and may only be found during a routine pelvic exam and Pap test.
  6. Vulvar cancer. Symptoms may include a rash, sores or warts in and on the vulva, which are the external female genital organs. It may be accompanied by severe itching, pain and tenderness, abnormal bleeding and painful urination.
  7. Uterine (womb) cancer. Cancer of the uterus may cause abnormal vaginal discharges or abnormal high volumes of bleeding. It may also cause pain or a feeling of pressure in the pelvis.
  8. Non-melanoma skin cancer (basal and squamous cell carcinomas). The former are most often found on the head and neck and especially the nose. The typical lesion is a small pearly (waxy) nodule with a central depression and rolled border. It may form an ulcer, crusting, or bleeding. The latter are skin lesions found chiefly on the face, ears, hands and forearms. They often appear as a wart-like growth or scaly red patch with irregular borders that may bleed easily or as an open sore. Also, beware of any change in the size, shape or colour of a mole or other spot.

Don’t ignore the symptoms

The best way to spot some cancers early, when they’re small and easier to treat, is through routine screenings and tests. These screenings and tests can, in some cases, even prevent the cancer from developing in the first place. However, for those cancer types that have no screenings and for women who are too young to get routine screenings, being on the look-out for the symptoms mentioned above is usually the best way to beat the disease.

 

Also, contact your local CANSA Care Centre so that their staff can help guide you through the public health care system and offer you and your loved ones care and support.

Sources
Rath, L. Cancer symptoms women shouldn’t ignore. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com
Simon, S. 2014. Cancer symptoms you shouldn’t ignore. Retrieved from: http://www.cancer.org
Women and cancer. Retrieved from: http://www.cansa.org.za