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Cancer

• More information on cancer in English
• Más recursos en español (Additional resources in Spanish)

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow, divide, and spread. In most cancers, these abnormal cells form a mass called a tumor. (Not all tumors are cancer.) Cancers found in the blood or immune system do not form tumors. Most cancers are named for where they start. For example, lung cancer starts in the lung, and breast cancer starts in the breast. But cancers can spread. They can invade nearby tissues and organs. Or, they can break away and spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms and treatment depend on the cancer type and how advanced it is.

Latinos have lower rates of new cancer cases than other minority groups. And, when you combine all types of cancer, they have lower death rates compared to other groups. But Latinos have higher rates of certain cancers that are linked to infections. These include cancers of the stomach, liver, and cervix.

A number of factors can affect a woman's cancer risk. Some factors, such as getting older and family history, cannot be controlled. Yet, you can lower your risk of some cancers by changing some aspects of your life:

• Don't smoke. If you smoke, try to quit. For help along the way, check out our Quitting Smoking section.
• Keep a healthy weight.
• Eat healthy foods. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Make physical activity a habit. Health benefits are gained by doing the following each week:
  • 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity
    or
    
  • 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity
    or
    
  • A combination of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity
    and
    
  • Muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days of the week
• Limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day.

Women also can protect themselves from cancer by getting regular checkups and screenings. Screening tests can help find cancers such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer. This way, if cancer develops, it is likely to be found early. Treatment often works best when cancer is found early. Also, there is a vaccine that can protect women from infections that can cause cervical cancer.

Many Latinos don't get routine screening tests or checkups. Not having health insurance, a regular doctor, or ability to pay are important reasons why Latinos have lower screening rates. Some people don't understand risk factors for cancer or the benefits of screening. One study found that many Latinas think that nothing can be done to stop breast cancer, so they do not get screening. These reasons also explain why some Latinos don't always stick with cancer treatment once cancer is found.

We don't always know why one person develops cancer and another does not. Yet with a healthy lifestyle and routine screening, you will feel good knowing you are doing what you can to lower your cancer risk.

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More information on cancer in English

Read more from womenshealth.gov

• Ovarian Cancer Fact Sheet — This fact sheet explains what ovarian cancer is, why you should be concerned about it, and where you can get more information.
  http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/ovarian-cancer.cfm

Explore other publications and websites

• Cancer Health Disparities in Hispanics/Latinos (Copyright © University of Texas Health Sciences Center) — This publication discusses the continuing disparities that exist in illness and death from cancer experienced by Hispanics/Latinos compared to the U.S. population as a whole.
  http://www.redesenaccion.org/disparities.html
• Colorectal Cancer Screening — This publication gives information on colorectal cancer and its risk factors. It also describes the tests commonly used to screen for colorectal cancer and the benefits and risks of screening.
  http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/colorectal/Patient/page3
• Financial Assistance and Other Resources for People With Cancer — This Internet site provides links to financial information, legal information, and insurance information for people who have cancer.
  http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/financial-legal
• Inside Knowledge Campaign: Get the Facts About Gynecologic Cancer — This site is designed to spread awareness to women about the different types of gynecological cancers. With early detection, treatments for gynecological cancers are very effective.
  http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/knowledge/
• Liver Cancer Overview (Copyright © American Cancer Society) — This online publication provides an overview of liver cancer. It defines liver cancer and talks about risk factors. It also explains why early detection and diagnosis are so important for treatment.
  http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/LiverCancer/OverviewGuide/index
• Reducing Health Disparities in Cancer — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has created a number of strategies to help decrease the amount of inequalities seen among minorities. This brief fact sheet describes these efforts.
  http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/healthdisparities/basic_info/disparities.htm
• What You Need to Know About Cancer — An Overview — This publication describes some of the warning signs of cancer and stresses the importance of early detection. It also explains how this disease is diagnosed and treated and has information to help people deal with cancer if it affects them or people they know.
  http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/cancer
• What You Need To Know About Stomach Cancer — This booklet on stomach cancer discusses symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, emotional issues, and questions to ask the doctor. It also includes a glossary of terms and a list of other resources.
  http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/stomach

Connect with other organizations

• American Cancer Society
  http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp
• Foundation for Women's Cancer
  http://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/
• National Alliance for Hispanic Health
  http://www.hispanichealth.org
• Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
  http://www.ovariancancer.org/

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Más recursos en español (Additional resources in Spanish)

Content last updated May 18, 2010.

Resources last updated May 18, 2010.

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