The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.
OVERVIEW
Around 46 000 South African women are diagnosed with cancer every year. According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (cansa.org.za), the top five cancers affecting us are breast, cervical, colorectal, uterine and melanoma. Each type of cancer has its own risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options.
As with other diseases, the sooner you get treatment, the better your outcome tends to be. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and screening recommendations for various types of cancer can help women take proactive steps to protect their health and seek medical attention if needed. Early detection is key to improving outcomes for women with cancer, so it is important to have regular screening.
Healthy lifestyle choices can also lower your risk of developing cancer:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get regular exercise
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Don’t smoke
- Limit alcohol consumption
COMMON CANCERS FOR WOMEN IN SOUTH AFRICA
CERVICAL CANCER
Cervical cancer affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among South African women, but the cancer women die of most. Women in South Africa have a 1 in 42 lifetime risk of developing cervical cancer. According to the international HPV Information Centre, every year over 10 000 new cases of cervical cancer are reported in South Africa, and almost 6 000 die from the disease.
MoreBREAST CANCER
This is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In South Africa, one in 27 women have a lifetime risk of breast cancer. This number is increasing, and along with cervical cancer, breast cancer has been identified as a national priority.
MoreOVARIAN CANCER
Ovarian cancer is cancer of the cells of one or both ovaries. The ovaries form part of the female reproductive organs that house the ova and are also responsible for the release of hormones that control the menstrual cycle, as well as the production of sex hormones. 1 in 434 South African women have a lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer.
MoreCOLORECTAL CANCER
Your colon is also known as the large intestine, and your rectum is the passageway that connects your colon to your anus. Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon and rectum and is often referred to as either colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer starts. While men are more prone to developing colorectal cancer, CANSA quotes the Globocan Cancer Observatory who estimate almost 4 000 women in South Africa are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year.
MoreUTERINE (ENDOMETRIAL) CANCER
Uterine cancer affects the lining of the uterus, or womb. Although the exact cause of uterine cancer is unknown, increased levels of oestrogen appear to play a role. High levels of oestrogen cause the lining of the uterus to thicken. If the lining builds up and stays that way, cancer cells may start to grow. Most cases of uterine cancer occur between the ages of 60 and 70 years, but a few cases may occur before age 40.
MoreMELANOMA
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that starts in the cells (melanocytes) of your skin. Melanocytes are responsible for giving your skin its colour (melanin). Melanoma is much less common than some other types of skin cancers, but it is more dangerous because it’s much more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not found and treated early. It has a poor survival rate when diagnosed late.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in South Africa with about 20 000 reported cases every year and 700 deaths. The risk of melanoma seems to be increasing in people under 40, especially women. People with fairer skins are more at risk for melanoma, however it can also affect people with darker skins.
Skin cancer is caused when over exposure to ultraviolet radiation (from sunshine or tanning beds) damages the skin cells, which triggers mutations and leads to melanoma formation. For women, melanoma is more often found on the arms and legs.
MoreFURTHER READING
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