Since the world observes “International Women’s Month” this May, let us discuss two of the most prevalent cancers afflicting women in the Philippines today. These are cancer of the breast and cancer of the cervix. Who are the women more likely to get breast cancer? These are women who have very close relatives (mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts) who have or have had cancer of the breast. Women who had early onset of menstruation and those whose menstruation stopped at a late age are also more proned to develop breast cancer. Although not yet definitely proven, some authorities blame fatty diets and an unknown environmental factor. Women who have been exposed to large amounts of radiation for postpartum mastitis and those given frequent x-ray examinations for T.B. and pneumothorax are at risk in developing breast cancer. So far, no virus has still been demonstrated to cause breast cancer. Women who have given birth and have milk are advised to breast-feed their babies. Many years ago, the usual age of women developing breast cancer was 35 and above. Sad to say, nowadays the age group in danger is getting younger. However, teenagers should not panic if they detect abnormal lumps in their breasts. Just consult your physician and if necessary when in doubt get a second consultation from an expert. What about cancer of the cervix and who are more likely to get this dreaded disease? These are women who married at a very early age and who have so many children.
Frequent sexual activity with numerous partners as well as improper sexual hygiene measures are also implicated. There are also viruses that have been pinpointed to cause cancer of the cervix.