Like many young and middle-aged women, you may assume you’re immune to cancer. But statistics tell otherwise: among American women age 59 and younger, nearly 54,000 deaths occur from cancer each year. And while a woman’s chance of developing cancer between birth and age 39 is only 1 in 52, it jumps to 1 in 11 starting at age 40.
And the risk continues to rise from there.
Starting in the premenopausal years, women should exercise increased vigilance in cancer screening. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends a cancer-related checkup every three years for women ages 20–39, and every year for women 40 and older.
The following is advice from ACS on how to watch for four of the most common cancers in young and middle-aged women. Since screening tests and exams are the best way to catch cancer early—when it’s most curable—carefully check to make sure you’re getting all you need.
These are general recommendations for women at average risk. No one is average, though, so get personalized screening recommendations from your doctor—especially if you’re at increased risk for cancer. Your life could depend on it.
Breast Cancer
How frequent?
In women, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer other than skin cancer and the second most-common cause of cancer deaths (following lung cancer ). In 2001, breast cancer caused 192,200 new cancers and 40,200 deaths. Even though only about 15% of breast cancer occurs in women under age 50, it is the leading cause of death for women in their 40s.
In women, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer other than skin cancer and the second most-common cause of cancer deaths (following lung cancer ). In 2001, breast cancer caused 192,200 new cancers and 40,200 deaths. Even though only about 15% of breast cancer occurs in women under age 50, it is the leading cause of death for women in their 40s.
Screening tests
The best cancer protection is to use all three of the following screening tests:
The best cancer protection is to use all three of the following screening tests:
Breast self exam – examine yourself monthly starting at age 20.
Clinical breast exams – your health care provider can check your breasts for suspicious lumps or other signs of cancer. Schedule an exam at least every three years between ages 20 and 39, then yearly starting at 40.
Mammograms – this x-ray test is less accurate before menopause since pre-menopausal women have denser breast tissue. Even so, it is the most effective screening test we have for breast cancer. The ACS recommends getting a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 39, followed by yearly mammograms starting at age 40. Other professional organizations have somewhat different recommendations. For a personalized recommendation, discuss the exact frequency with your doctor.
Cervical Cancer
How frequent?
Thanks to widespread screening with Pap smears , cervical cancer has declined an estimated 50% over the past 30 years. Still, about 12,900 new cancers and 4,400 deaths each year are associated with cervical cancer.
Thanks to widespread screening with Pap smears , cervical cancer has declined an estimated 50% over the past 30 years. Still, about 12,900 new cancers and 4,400 deaths each year are associated with cervical cancer.
Screening tests
The major barrier in detecting cervical cancer is failure to get screened. Groups of U.S. women who are often not screened regularly include older women, the uninsured, ethnic minorities, and those who live in rural areas. The answer continues to be seeing your doctor regularly for a Pap smear.
The major barrier in detecting cervical cancer is failure to get screened. Groups of U.S. women who are often not screened regularly include older women, the uninsured, ethnic minorities, and those who live in rural areas. The answer continues to be seeing your doctor regularly for a Pap smear.
When to start – get your first Pap smear when you become sexually active or turn age 18, whichever comes first.
How often – after three normal annual Paps, have a repeat test every 1–3 years at the discretion of your doctor. If you’re at high risk for cervical cancer you may need more frequent Pap smears.
Ovarian Cancer
How frequent?
Though relatively uncommon, ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate of all cancers affecting the female reproductive organs. It causes about 23,300 new cancers and 13,900 deaths each year, making it the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women.
Though relatively uncommon, ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate of all cancers affecting the female reproductive organs. It causes about 23,300 new cancers and 13,900 deaths each year, making it the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women.
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