Cancer occurs when cells grow out of control and forms a tumor. Cancer cells invade and destroy healthy tissues and organs. They may spread to other parts of the body and form new tumors.

Cancers that are more likely to occur in women include are cancers of the cancers  ovary, cervix, uterus, vagina and vulva, breast, colon and rectum and lung.

What are the warning signs of cancer

Some of the warning signs of cancer include the following :

• changes in bowel or bladder habits
• indigestion
• difficulty  swallowing
• unusual bleeding and discharge
• a lump in the breast and other parts of the body
• a sore that doesn’t heal
• a change in a wart or mole
• nagging cough or hoarseness

These are not sure signs of cancer but may be an indication that something is wrong. If you notice any of these signs, talk to your doctor right away. Getting early treatment increases your chances of survival.

Life style changes that can help reduce your risk of cancer

• do not smoke
• eat high fiber foods
• limit your number of sexual partners
• get regular health checkups
• limit your fat intake especially trans fat and saturated fat
• exercise at least 30 minutes everyday
• have recommended exams and tests
• limit your alcohol intake
• limit your time in the sun and use sunscreen when you go outside

You should also consider screening test such as :

• mammogram for breast cancer. This is recommended for women 40 years and older
  • pap test for cervical cancer. This is recommended for women  ages 21 to 29 years old. There is also Co-testing (Pap
    test plus HPV test recommended for women 30 years and older
  • colon and rectal cancers have different screening tests recommended for women 50 years and older. These include
    • colonoscopy
    • fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical testing
    • flexible sigmoidoscopy
    • double  contrast barium enema test
    • fecal DNA test
    • computed tomography
    Content Sources
    Reducing your risk of cancer. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Reducing-Your-Risk-of-Cancer. Accessed March 21, 2016

    Cancer prevention: 7 tips to reduce your risk. Mayo Foundation. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816. Accessed March 21, 2016

    8 ways to lower your risk of cancer. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/8-ways-to-lower-cancer-risk. Accessed March 21, 2016