Cancer is a term used to describe diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. It is not a new disease and was first described in Egypt as far back as 3000 BC, although the word cancer was not in existence then.
The origin of the word “cancer” is credited to Hippocrates who is considered the father of Medicine. In Greek, these words refer to a crab, most likely applied to the disease because of the finger-like spreading projections. In those early days, it was noted that this condition had no treatment. However, medicine has evolved enormously since then; cancers can be prevented and many can be cured if diagnosed early.
As a gynecologist, some of the questions that I am asked frequently are: Doctor what are the common cancers that can affect a woman? Will my condition turn into cancer – i.e premalignant conditions? How can I reduce my risk of cancer? If I have cancer will my daughter get it too?
What are the most common cancers that afflict Indian women?
The most common cancers in Indian women are Breast, Cervical, Colorectum, Ovary, Lip, and Oral cancer.
Until a few years ago, cervical cancer was the most common cancer in Indian women. However, this has been overtaken by breast cancer especially in the metros, for reasons poorly understood.
Breast Cancer
This is the most common cancer in Indian women and accounts for 27% of all cancers in women. About 1 in 28 women are likely to develop breast cancer during their lifetime. In the urban areas, the incidence is 1 in 22 as compared to the rural areas where 1 in 60 women develop breast cancer. The incidence begins to rise in the early thirties and peaks at the age of 50 – 64 years.
How can I reduce my risk? Can breast cancer be prevented?
The cause of breast cancer is not known. Hence it is not known if it can be prevented completely. Studies have looked at the link between breast cancer and diet and exercise. Although there are no definite conclusions, there are benefits for women who exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, do not smoke, and have a low intake of alcohol. Women who breastfeed are also at a lower risk of breast cancer.
Breast cancer cannot be prevented however if it is detected early it is easier to treat. In the past breast, self-examination was advocated to help pick up cancer early. However, breast exams are no longer a part of the screening recommendations because research does not show they provide a clear benefit. Still, the American Cancer Society says all women should be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and report any changes to their doctor immediately. Mammograms are advocated as screening procedures to pick up early cancer. These can be done from the age of 45 onwards at regular intervals as recommended by your doctor.
In some cases, breast cancer may have a genetic disposition and this has to be discussed with your doctor
Cervical Cancer
The incidence of cervical cancer in India is 22.86% making it the second most common female cancer in India. The average age of affliction is 38 years with a range of 21 – 67 years. It is thought to be caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) through sexual contact. It is not common in women who are not sexually active. It is more common in rural women and less common in Muslims.
How can I reduce my risk? Can cervical cancer be prevented?
Ways of reducing the risk of cervical cancer include using condoms, not smoking, getting regular Pap smears done, being vaccinated against the HPV virus, and not having multiple partners.
Cervical cancer is most often preceded by a pre-cancerous stage. This stage can be detected with preventive screening tests such as the Pap smear and HPV test. If a pre-cancer is found it can be treated, stopping cervical cancer before it really starts. Most invasive cervical cancers are found in women who have not had regular Pap tests.
The HPV vaccine is now available and helps reduce the risk of cervical cancer. It is primarily given to adolescent girls. They will however have to continue to have regular Pap smears once they are sexually active.
Cervical cancer does not have a genetic or familial predisposition and hence will not affect any other female member of the family.
Ovarian Cancer
The incidence of ovarian cancer in India is between 0.9 – 8.4/per 100,000. The risk starts increasing from age 35 and peaks between the ages of 55 – 64. The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. The risk is increased after the age of 50, it can run in families with a history of ovarian, breast, and colorectal cancers, personal history of breast cancer, endometriosis, being overweight, and fertility pills continuously for more than one year also increase the risk. Factors that reduce the risk are a full-term pregnancy before the age of 26, birth control pills used for 3 – 6 months or more, and tubal ligation or sterilization. There are no specific screening methods for this disease and therefore unfortunately it is detected only in the later stages. However, some of the non-specific warning signs are bloating of the abdomen, feeling full quickly after eating, frequent urination, abdominal pain, loss of weight, and nausea. So if you have any of these symptoms it is better to consult your gynecologist.
And Finally………
Lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, diet (fried foods, red meat), alcohol, sun exposure, environmental pollutants, infections, stress, obesity, and physical inactivity can cause 90–95% of cancers. The evidence indicates that of all cancer-related deaths, almost 25–30% are due to tobacco, as many as 30–35% are linked to diet, about 15–20% are due to infections, and the remaining percentage is due to other factors like radiation, stress, physical activity, environmental pollutants, etc. Therefore, cancer prevention requires smoking cessation, increased ingestion of fruits and vegetables, moderate use of alcohol, caloric restriction, exercise, avoidance of direct exposure to sunlight, minimal meat consumption, use of whole grains, use of vaccinations, and regular check-ups.
Remember most importantly, that prevention is better than cure, and especially in the case of cancers, some of them are curable if caught early in the disease.