Cancer is abnormal cell growth in the body that turns into malignant tumors that spread and threaten life. The causes of cancer come from “environmental factors” such as chemicals, cigarette smoke, viral infections, poor health care, or inappropriate eating behaviors, accounting for up to 90%, with only 10% being hereditary. This means everyone has a high chance of getting cancer. Currently, cancer is the leading cause of death. Therefore, taking care of your health by staying strong, exercising regularly, eating nutritious food, and having annual health check-ups and cancer screenings at risk ages is important and should not be overlooked to keep yourself safe and further away from cancer.
3 Deadly Cancers in Women: Truths Every Woman Should Know
Although research has shown that the incidence of cancer is higher in men than in women, due to environmental factors affecting cancer risk, the number of female cancer patients has been increasing continuously. Importantly, in “gynecologic cancers,” the number of patients has increased significantly compared to the past. The three most dangerous cancers for women today are as follows:
1. Breast Cancer: The Number One Bitterness for Women in the 4.0 Era
This is the most common cancer found in women today, usually occurring from age 35 onwards, though it can occasionally be found in women in their 20s. The main cause is hormonal, especially contraceptive pills. Long-term hormone exposure can cause cells to undergo abnormal changes and develop into cancerous tumors. The danger of breast cancer lies in its lack of symptoms. Most patients realize it only when they feel a lump in the breast or experience pain. Diagnosis is needed to determine the stage. If detected at stages 1-3, there is a chance for a complete cure. However, if found at an advanced stage, treatment focuses on controlling the disease to prevent further spread.
Truth to Know: Women who have had breast cancer in one breast have a chance of recurrence in the other breast. However, current treatments and disease control are more effective, increasing the chance of a complete cure. Treatment technology also allows for breast-conserving surgery or breast reconstruction, which helps boost confidence for breast cancer patients after treatment.
2. Cervical Cancer: If Understood Correctly, It Can Be Prevented
In the past, cervical cancer was the leading cause of death among women, mainly caused by infections and inflammation of the cervix. Risk factors include inappropriate sexual behavior or vaginal infections. Nowadays, cervical cancer can be effectively treated with methods such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and brachytherapy, which can control the disease efficiently. All women can undergo cervical cancer screening with a Pap smear, which helps detect the disease early and increases the chance of a quick cure when found at an early stage.
Truth to Know: Since it is now well known that “HPV virus” is a major cause of cervical cancer, a vaccine has been developed to prevent this virus. This makes cervical cancer prevention more effective by receiving the HPV vaccine and regular gynecological check-ups, along with maintaining good health. Following these steps can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
3. Ovarian Cancer: The Silent Threat Women Rarely Expect
Ovarian cancer is not very common and is often overlooked, but it remains a serious threat to all women. Risk factors include hormones and genetic abnormalities. Most ovarian cancer patients experience abdominal pain, but it takes a long time for the tumor to grow enough to cause pain. This means that when pain occurs and the patient seeks examination, the cancer may already be at an advanced stage. Therefore, as women age, ovarian ultrasound screening is an important preventive measure that should not be ignored. If detected early before spreading, ovarian cancer can be cured with chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before surgery to remove it completely, followed by medication to control the disease and achieve a cure.
Truth to Know: Women with breast cancer have a higher chance of developing ovarian cancer than the general population because some genes causing breast cancer also increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Therefore, breast cancer patients should monitor themselves for ovarian cancer, and women with ovarian cancer should not neglect breast cancer screening.
Cancer Can Be Treated Even in the Most Severe Final Stage
It is well known that cancer has a higher chance of cure if detected early. However, if left until the final or advanced stage, the chance of cure decreases. Despite the low chance of complete cure, statistics show that many patients in the final stage can receive treatment and control the disease, allowing them to live happily. Below is a success story of an advanced cancer patient shared by Dr. Winai Paul, a specialist in oncology, intended to encourage cancer patients and their families not to lose hope and to keep fighting alongside their medical team.
“…Around 2014, there was a case where a patient arrived at the emergency room with lungs full of tumors, experiencing severe shortness of breath, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Initially, the biopsy suggested lung cancer, but further tests revealed it was cervical cancer that had spread extensively. We did not give up. After chemotherapy, the tumor shrank, the patient was able to be taken off the ventilator, and the disease was controlled until now. The patient still comes for follow-up. This case shows that even in the final stage with lung metastasis at a critical condition, recovery is possible. Although some relatives had accepted the worst, we managed to treat the patient and gave her 5 more years as she wished—to see her child graduate and work. Now, her child brings her for follow-ups, has fulfilled his dreams of graduating, working, and ordaining to honor his mother. The patient is happier and more comfortable at each visit, which is a great feeling and a pride for us to help patients smile again and live longer…”
Phyathai 3 Hospital: Defining a Brighter New World for All Cancer Patients
Understanding that every second is precious for life, we are ready to offer better cancer treatment options with various effective innovations combined with personalized cancer care through the MDT Team For Cancer, a multidisciplinary team of specialists who collaborate to diagnose and plan appropriate, rapid treatment that delivers effective results. This ensures cancer patients receive the best treatment experience and can return to a happy life, spending more time with their loved ones.
