Understanding Cancer Prevention in Women

Understanding Cancer

Cancer is a serious health concern for women, but there are more options for care now, giving women more reasons to feel hopeful. Regular screening, early detection, better treatments, and more awareness are helping many women live longer, healthier lives. Still, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women in the U.S., accounting for about 18% of deaths nationwide. The positive takeaway is that many types of cancer can be prevented or treated more effectively when detected early.

Cancer happens when cells grow out of control and may spread to other parts of the body. Whereas some cancers develop slowly, others progress quickly. Being aware of the risks and scheduling regular screenings are powerful tools for maintaining good health and catching cancer early, when it's most treatable.

How Cancer Risk Is Different for Women

Cancer affects women and men differently. Some cancers are more common in women. Additionally, women younger than 50 are nearly twice as likely as men in the same age group to develop cancer.

Common cancers for women include:

• Breast cancer (the most common cancer in women)
• Gynecologic cancers (cancers that affect women's reproductive organs)
• Pancreatic cancer
• Colorectal (colon) cancer
• Lung cancer

Health care providers and researchers are still learning why cancer is different in women than it is in men. Differences in the body, symptoms, and how treatments work may help explain why cancer shows up differently in women compared with men.

Understanding Cancer Risk Factors

Some cancer risk factors can be changed, and others cannot. 

Many things can raise or lower the chances of getting cancer. Some risks can't be changed, but other risks can be lowered by making healthy choices.

Risk factors that cannot be changed:

• Family history (genetics), such as having close relatives with cancer
• Age (because cancer risk increases as people get older)

Talk with a health care provider about cancer risks and ways to stay healthy. 

How to Lower Cancer Risk

Although not all cancers can be prevented, adopting healthy habits can help lower the risk:

• Eat whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Stay active and keep a healthy weight.
• Avoid tobacco products, including cigarettes.
• Limit alcohol use.
• Protect one's skin from the sun.

Even when risk factors are present, regular screenings, healthy habits, and working with a health care provider can help lower the risk of getting cancer and help find it early.

Learn More About Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Family Planning and Cancer

Although some cancer treatments can make it harder to have children, there are options and resources available to help. Talking with a health care provider before treatment can provide possible options to consider, such as freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos.

Learn more:

• Female Fertility and Cancer - National Cancer Institute
• Cara's story, from the CDC's Bring Your Brave campaign: Cara shares how she managed her breast cancer diagnosis and made a plan to protect her chances of having children.

How Health Care Providers Can Help

Questions to Ask a Health Care Provider About Cancer

To Help Prevent Cancer

• What can I do to lower my chances of getting cancer?
• Should I change how I eat or exercise?

About One's Risk

• Do I have a higher chance of getting cancer?
• What cancers should I be checked for?
• How often should I get checked?

About Tests and Screenings

• What cancer tests do I need?
• How do the tests work?
• Are there any risks with the tests?
• How should I get ready for the tests?
• When will I get my results?

Why Early Detection Matters

Finding cancer early can help save lives. Screenings help identify cancer before symptoms appear and reduce the chances that it will spread. These include:

Screening Test	Who Should Get It	How Often
Mammogram (breast cancer)*	Women ages 40-74	Every 1-2 years
Pap smear (cervical cancer)	Women ages 21-65	Every 3-5 years
Colonoscopy (colon cancer)	Adults ages 45+	Every 10 years

Cancer Treatment and Support

A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it is also a moment to lean on others, find inner strength, and embrace hope. Support and treatment can make a powerful difference. Taking care of emotional and mental health is just as important as treating the body.

Cancer can be treated many ways. The right treatment depends on the type of cancer, whether it has spread, overall health, and personal wishes. Common treatments include using one or a combination of these therapies:

• Surgery - Removes cancer from the body
• Radiation therapy - Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
• Chemotherapy - Uses medicine to stop cancer from growing
• Hormone therapy - Blocks hormones that help cancer grow
• Targeted therapy - Attacks cancer cells without harming normal cells
• Immunotherapy - Helps the body's immune system fight cancer

Health care providers can explain treatment options, answer questions, and help create a care plan that will work best.

People going through cancer treatment can also:

• Learn more about their diagnosis and treatment options
• Talk with family members, friends, or a support group
• Take breaks, rest, and do things that bring comfort
• Meet with a mental health professional who helps people with cancer

Help is available. Health care providers can connect people to counselors, support groups, and other helpful resources.

• Support Services for People with Cancer - National Cancer Institute
• Coping with Cancer - National Cancer Institute

Survivor Stories

Cancer survivors show the power of strength and resilience. Their stories can inspire others to speak up, take action, and find support during their cancer journeys.