EVERY Oct, breast cancer awareness is heightened through various campaigns to bring to light the complexity of the condition and how it can be treated.
But there are other cancers affecting women which also need attention.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that the top cancers among women besides breast cancer are colorectal, ovarian and cervical cancer, and the numbers continue to rise each year.
Acknowledging this, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) is putting a spotlight on women's health and how they can take control of their own wellbeing with its #GirlPower campaign, which will run this month.
SMCV consultant oncologist, Dr Hafizah Zaharah, says women of all ages should take charge of their health so that they can do what is best for themselves.
"Women should be aware of the changes in their bodies at all times. Even when they are young, they have the risk of being diagnosed with cancer."
She adds that recently, we are seeing an increasing number of patients in the younger age group.
Irrespective of age, those who get their cancer detected early have a better outcome.
While some may be hesitant to make an appointment or go for respective screenings out of fear, Dr Hafizah explains that early detection is crucial, and that warning signs and symptoms must be paid attention to.
"A woman should get herself tested right away even if she is only experiencing one of the symptoms for any of these four cancers. This is because different patients may experience different types of symptoms." Some might have a few symptoms, and some may only experience one symptom such as a breast lump, she explains.
EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES
For women who have yet to undergo screenings, Dr Hafizah recommends that they get the specific health screening or test according to the symptoms they are experiencing.
These include mammograms and breast ultrasounds for breast cancer, colonoscopy for colorectal cancer, blood test and tumour marker for ovarian cancer and pap smear for cervical cancer.
For women who have had symptoms and have previously undergone these tests, they should get tested once again and may need a more extensive screening if they experience symptoms again after the first test.
It is advisable for women to go for health screenings once a year for women above the age of 40, and once every two years for those below 40.
"It is important to know the symptoms that they are having and even more important to get the right and designated type of screening test to know whether they have these four types of cancer, or any other cancer."
Women must be responsible for their own health before they can take care of others, she adds.
KNOW THE SIGNS
Breast Cancer
*Lump in the breast or armpit
*Changes in breast size, skin and shape
*Changes in the nipple
Colorectal Cancer
*Changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, narrowing of the stool for more than a few days)
*Rectal bleeding with bright or dark red blood
*Blood in the stool, making it look dark brown or black
*Constant cramping or abdominal pain
*Anaemia caused by iron deficiency
Ovarian Cancer
*Abdominal bloating or swelling
*Poor appetite and feeling full quickly
*Pelvic/ abdominal pain
Cervical Cancer
*Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after intercourse, bleeding and spotting
between periods)
*Unusual vaginal discharge
*Pain during intercourse
*Vaginal bleeding after menopause
*Pain in the pelvic region
