Female Cancers

The information below is taken from a leaflet by the Cancer Research Campaign.  Always seek professional advice if you have concerns, even if you think you might be panicking.  It is best to be safe and they do not mind being troubled.

Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is by far the most common type of female cancer, affecting 1 in every 12 women - almost 30,000 a year.  Of these, almost 18,000 survive at least 5 years.

Caught early enough, it can be treated with a high level of success.  Breast screening, for example, can detect cancer long before it is perceptible.

You should become breast aware, and be familiar with the normal feel and appearance of your breasts.  Understand the changes that occur during your monthly cycle and anything that might need medical attention.  Most changes are harmless, but anything out of the norm should be discussed with a medical professional without delay.

Signs to be aware of:

• Any changes in the outline or shape of your breasts.
• Any discomfort or pain confined to one breast.
• Any small lump in the breast or armpit.
• Any dimples, dents or puckering of the skin, especially those that do not heal easily.
• Any rash on the nipple.
• Any discharge from the nipple, especially if not milky.
• Any change in the nipple, such as being pulled inwards or pointing in a different direction.

Spotting the signs early can save your life - so check regularly.


Ovarian Cancer

About 5000 women in the UK are diagnosed every year - making it the second most common form of cancer in women.  Early detection is more difficult as early symptoms are mild, and sometimes non-existent.

Signs to be aware of:

• Swelling of the abdomen
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Cervical Cancer
This is the most common cancer in the under-35 age group, and the third most common female cancer in the UK.  Over 4000 women are diagnosed each year.  Around 3 out of 5 survive for over five years.

The chances of survival increase significantly as a result of cervical smear tests, which can detect abnormalities - often in the pre-malignant stage.

Symptoms include any unusual pain, vaginal discharge, or abnormal bleeding.


Uterine Cancer
The fourth most common female cancer in the UK, cancer of the womb (or endometrial cancer) is diagnosed in almost 4000 women, mostly between the ages of 55-70.

Early diagnosis is frequent because symptoms appear soon after onset, so the survival prospects are bright - with 7 out of 10 women surviving over 5 years.

A high level of oestrogen is known to be a major risk factor and symptoms include abnormal bleeding.

You can reduce your risk of developing cancer...
...by making simple lifestyle changes as recommended by the European Cancer Code.

It is suggested that a third of cancer deaths are linked to smoking, a third linked to diet (as in what you eat) and around 1 in 30 with excessive alcohol consumption.

You can help yourself by adopting these healthy goals:

• Give up smoking - or at least cut down to as little as possible
• Moderate your alcohol consumption
• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
• Eat high fibre food and limit processed and fatty foods
• Avoid being overweight and increase physical activity (ideally 30 minutes a day, broken up is fine)
• Avoid excessive exposure to the sun, and avoid sunburn - especially to children
• Have cervical smears regularly
• Be breast aware.  If you are over 50, have a mammogram at regular intervals.

More cancers can be cured or detected early and improve survival chances, if... 

...you see your doctor if you notice a lump or sore that does not heal (including in the mouth), a mole which changes shape, size or colour, or any abnormal bleeding.

...you see your doctor if you have persistent problems, such as a cough, hoarseness, a change in bowel or urinary habits, or unexplained weight loss.

Prevention, awareness and early detection - the keys to controlling cancer.


The UK is fortunate to have the most up to date and effective cancer treatments through the NHS.  This means that, with early detection, most forms of female cancer are capable of being treated successfully.

However, the survival rate would be far higher if women became more aware and took responsibility as to their personal risk factors and aiding early detection.  Sometimes only simple changes need to be made, and it is possible to get professional help with those changes.

The "five years" mentioned here refer to the 5-year survival rate, beyond which people are usually able to go back to leading normal lives, free from cancer, with no greater chance of developing it than anyone else of the same age and gender.