Cancer is a disease that can occur in all genders and ages, especially in women whose bodies undergo significant and distinct changes at each stage of life. Additionally, the internal organs are more complex and require more care than men. Some symptoms, such as abdominal pain, which women often experience during menstruation, may lead to overlooking that the abdominal pain could be a warning sign of cancer.
Be vigilant… before the disease occurs
Many people often think that “By the time you realize you have cancer, it has already reached an advanced and difficult-to-treat stage.” This is not always true! If we regularly observe and take good care of our bodies, as soon as abnormalities or suspicious symptoms appear, promptly seeing a doctor for examination and diagnosis can help detect lesions at an early stage, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Which types of cancer and symptoms are common warning signs of cancer in women?
- Breast Cancer
Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death in women. This may be because most early stages show no symptoms until detected by mammogram. However, women can notice abnormalities themselves, such as:
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- Feeling a lump in the breast or under the armpit
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Irritation on the chest skin, itchy rash on the breast
- Skin on the breast dimpling like a dimple
- Ulcers on the nipple area
- Breast pain even outside of menstruation periods
- Discharge from the nipple that is not milk
- Colorectal Cancer
Few people may know that colorectal cancer is also one of the common cancers in women. Early-stage symptoms may not appear, but abnormalities develop as the disease progresses, such as:
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- Abnormal bowel movements, alternating diarrhea and constipation, or frequent bloating
- Stool that is thinner and longer than usual
- Stool mixed with fresh blood or very dark blood
- Fatigue or weakness, unexplained weight loss
- Frequent abdominal discomfort, fullness, or pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent pain during bowel movements or feeling of needing to defecate
- Anemia
- Liver Cancer
Early-stage liver cancer usually shows no symptoms. Symptoms become noticeable only when the disease progresses or worsens. People with risk factors, such as being carriers of hepatitis B virus or having cirrhosis from any cause, should undergo screening even if asymptomatic. Symptoms that can be observed include:
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- Abdominal pain, especially under the right rib cage or epigastric area
- Abdominal swelling with fluid accumulation
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue, loss of appetite
- Fever without known cause
- Palpable lump in the liver area
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Vomiting blood
- Cervical Cancer
Mostly caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer is another common cancer that can be transmitted through various routes. Even women who have never had sexual intercourse can be infected. Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women. Therefore, if you experience the following abnormal symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately:
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- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after recently ending menstruation or bleeding in postmenopausal women
- Heavy or prolonged menstruation
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse or pain during intercourse
- Vaginal discharge or abnormal vaginal fluid that is watery or thick with blood mixed in
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain that is not related to menstruation
- Lung Cancer
Many may not expect that “lung cancer” is also a common cancer in women and ranks high among cancer types. Importantly, it is a severe disease with a very high mortality rate. Symptoms usually appear when cancer reaches stages 3-4, such as:
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- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Abnormal breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing
- Chronic cough, coughing up blood-tinged sputum
- Chest pain or tightness all the time
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer caused by abnormal growth of white blood cells in the bone marrow, affecting the blood system’s function. Symptoms depend on the type of leukemia, including:
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- Loss of appetite, weight loss
- Anemia, easy fatigue
- Easy bleeding due to low platelet count
- Fever, chills
- Night sweats
- Easy bruising
- Bone and joint pain
- Immune system dysfunction, prone to infections
It can be seen that cancers in each organ often do not show symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, women should not be complacent about being safe from cancer. It is important to prioritize health check-ups and “cancer screening.” Another important aspect is to regularly observe changes in your body. If any abnormalities are found, even minor ones, you should promptly see a doctor.
Dr. Supachart Chompoonuch
Oncologist
Cancer Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
