Cardinal Steps for Exclusive Women Cancer Prevention
19 Sept 2025 10:20 AM IST19 Sept 2025 10:20 AM IST
Women tend to be the health pillars of families. By taking care of their own health through vaccination, changes in lifestyle, screening, and awareness, they not only protect themselves but also the people close to them.
Representational Image
Cancer has become a top health issue among Indian women. The five most common cancers in Indian women, according to GLOBOCAN 2022, are:
1. Breast Cancer
2. Cervical Cancer
3. Ovarian Cancer
4. Oral Cancer
5. Esophageal Cancer
Together, they represent the majority of Indian women's cancer cases. The good news is that the majority of these cancers are preventable or can be diagnosed early, when the cancer is most treatable.
The following are the key steps every woman can take to reduce her risk.
1. Breast Cancer: Lifestyle, Screening, and Awareness
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in Indian women and keeps on growing, particularly in urban areas.
• Lifestyle counts: Obesity, alcohol use, and a sedentary lifestyle raise risk. Healthy eating, maintaining weight, and regular exercise are protective.
• Breastfeeding reduces risk: Six or more months of breastfeeding decreases both breast and ovarian cancer risk.
Self-awareness: Regular monthly self-exams and immediate attention to breast/nipple changes or lumps are essential.
Screening: Clinical breast exams monthly and yearly mammograms between 40–45 years (earlier if high family history).
2. Cervical Cancer: Preventable by Vaccination and Screening
Cervical cancer is still the second most frequent cancer among Indian women but the most preventable.
• HPV vaccination: Guards against the strains responsible for almost 90% of cases. Ideally between ages 9-26 years.
• Frequent screening: Pap test or HPV testing from age 21 every 3–5 years. Picks up precancerous abnormalities before they are cancer.
• Safe behavior: Postponing early marriage, limiting multiple early pregnancies, and being safe in sex decreases risk.
3. Ovarian Cancer: The Silent Threat
Ovarian cancer is frequently referred to as the "silent killer" because symptoms are nonspecific and diagnosis tends to be late.
• Risk reduction: Prior pregnancies, breastfeeding, and prolonged use of oral contraceptive pills reduce risk.
• Be vigilant for symptoms: Bloating, abdominal discomfort, pelvic fullness, or changed bowel habits are not to be dismissed.
• High-risk women: Women with a strong family history or with BRCA mutations should receive genetic counseling, with preventive measures when indicated.
4. Oral Cancer: A Neglected Risk in Women
Oral cancer, although more prevalent among men, is a serious cancer in Indian women, particularly in rural regions because of the consumption of smokeless tobacco and areca nut.
• Quit every type of tobacco: Gutka, khaini, paan, and areca nut are established cancer-causing agents.
• Early checks count: Regular dental/oral check-ups identify precancerous white or red patches, which are readily curable.
• Awareness: Chronic ulcers, pain or swelling in the mouth need to be assessed early.
5. Esophageal Cancer: Diet and Lifestyle Related
Esophageal cancer is one of the top five cancers in Indian women. It is higher in some areas because of lifestyle and food habits.
• Steer clear of irritants: Spicy/preserved foods, hot drinks, and high alcohol consume risk.
• Smoking and smokeless tobacco cessation: Both heavily increase risk.
Balanced diet: Intake of plenty of fruits, vegetables is protective.
Warning signs: Swallowing difficulty, persistent chest pain, or sudden weight loss necessitate immediate medical assessment.
General Protective Precautions against Women's Cancers
Among these five cancers, some general preventive precautions emerge across them:
Vaccination: HPV and hepatitis B vaccines are effective tools.
Exercise: A minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
Healthy diet: Fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, and native spices such as turmeric.
Stress reduction: Yoga, meditation, and robust social support enhance immunity.
Environmental protection: Limit indoor smoke, secondhand smoke, and cancer-causing household chemicals.
Screening and Early Detection: The Lifesaving Habit
Breast cancer: Clinical breast exam at age 30, mammogram at age 40.
Cervical cancer: Pap/HPV test every 3–5 years after age 21
Ovarian cancer: No population screening, but genetic testing in high-risk women.
Oral cancer: Dental/oral examinations, particularly with tobacco use.
Esophageal cancer: No screening is routine, but early recognition of swallowing trouble or unexpected weight loss is essential.
Conclusion
The top five cancers in Indian women—breast, cervix, ovary, oral, and esophagus—account for most of the burden according to GLOBOCAN 2022. However, many of them are largely preventable or curable if detected early.
Women tend to be the health pillars of families. By taking care of their own health through vaccination, changes in lifestyle, screening, and awareness, they not only protect themselves but also the people close to them.
The article has been authored by By Dr.Vishwanath Sathyanarayanan, Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist & Academic Advisor, Apollo Hospitals Bangalore
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
Next Story