Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women. Every year, 1.6 million worldwide are diagnosed with it. However, thanks to modern medicine, the mortality rate of this type of cancer has decreased by 30–50 %. The increased survival rate is due not only to modern systemic treatment methods but also to regular diagnostics and large-scale implementation of mammographic screening.

Many different factors influence the onset of the disease. Some are impossible to influence, such as heredity, early menstruation, and late onset of menopause. However, there are factors that can be controlled including excessive weight in postmenopause, alcohol abuse, and smoking.

Diagnosis

Women should constantly monitor the condition of the mammary glands on their own, and if any external changes, discharge, or seals are detected, immediately contact their doctor. The examination is usually carried out with mammographic screening, ultrasound, and MRI, depending on the age and physiological characteristics of the patient.

Young women with dense glandular structures of the breasts should have regular ultrasound scans and, if necessary, MRI scans. Mammographic screening for women under 40 years of age is ineffective.

For women aged 40 to 54, it is advisable to have an annual mammogram. After 55 years of age, the screening should be done once every two years.

Endometrial cancer

This type of cancer affects the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. It can occur at any age, but most often occurs during the postmenopausal period. The nature of endometrial cancer is still not fully understood. However, it most often develops in patients with a genetic predisposition. Genetic factors include Lynch syndrome type II (hereditary colorectal cancer without polyposis), endometrial cancer in close relatives (mother or sister), or a history of breast or ovarian cancer in the patient or her close relatives. A high level of estrogen may also be a factor in the appearance of the disease.

Diagnosis

If a woman notices abnormal vaginal bleeding or bloody discharge, she must see a doctor immediately. After examination, the gynecologist will refer for an ultrasound of the pelvic organs and an endometrial biopsy. If there is an obvious thickening of the uterine mucosa or the presence of a polyp, a hysteroscopy with a separate diagnostic curettage is performed. For some women, because of their medical history, the doctor may recommend an annual endometrial biopsy.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer represents 15 % of all the malignant diseases of the female reproductive system. The main cause of cervical cancer is papillomavirus infection (HPV). The more sexual partners a woman has, the greater the risk of cervical cancer, as there is a greater chance of contracting HPV. Risk factors also include a weakened immune system, age over 40, smoking, obesity, frequent abortions, and having given birth multiple times.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cervical cancer should begin at the beginning of the sexual activity. Between the ages of 25–65, HPV tests should be taken every 5 years. Women of reproductive age should also have an annual Papanicolaou test (PAP test), which is an evaluation of the cells of the female reproductive system, specifically the cervix.

Women over the age of 65 who have been regularly screened for cervical cancer in the past 10 years and have good results can afford to be diagnosed less frequently. But if you have a history of precancer of the cervix, you should continue to have regular screenings for at least 25 years after diagnosis, regardless of age.

Women who have had their cervix surgically removed for reasons other than cervical cancer or serious precancer need not be screened.

Women who have been vaccinated against HPV still need to follow the screening recommendations for their age groups.

Special cases (HIV infection, organ transplants, etc.) may require a different cervical cancer screening schedule. It will be prescribed by the doctor according to the patient's medical history.

Ovary cancer

This type of cancer most often occurs in pre-menopausal and menopausal women, although it can also occur in women younger than 40 years of age. This type of oncology is aggressive and rather difficult to diagnose.

It is believed that ovarian cancer develops in conditions of prolonged hyperestrogenism. Other risk factors include genetic predisposition, early menarche (menstruation), late menopause, and having had few pregnancies.

Diagnosis

If a cyst is discovered before the age of 35, it will be observed for 3 months, as it may disappear on its own. If the cyst is detected after the age of 35, it is necessary to take a CA125 and CA19.9 oncomarker test. If they are elevated, you should visit an oncologist as soon as possible and have an MRI and CT scan.

Cancer detected in its early stages is curable. Remember that and don't put off going to the doctor!

08 October 2021