Cancer touches nearly every family and circle of friends. Most of us know someone who is facing, or has faced, this devastating disease. While both men and women are susceptible to many of the same cancers, gender-specific risks and recommendations mean it’s especially important for women to prioritize certain screenings throughout their lives.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re focusing on three essential cancer screenings every woman should consider to catch disease early, before it becomes life-threatening.
Breast Cancer Screenings
October is a time to raise awareness of breast cancer and honor the women fighting it around the world. One of the most effective ways to reduce breast cancer mortality is through early detection. That’s why routine screenings are essential. They allow doctors to detect issues before they become life-threatening.
The general recommendation is that women begin annual mammograms at age 40, though your healthcare provider may advise starting earlier based on personal or family history. Although only 10-11% of new breast cancer diagnoses occur in women under 45, for women who have a family history of breast cancer, it’s critical to be on top of your mammograms and consider beginning screening earlier.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Breast cancer often develops silently in its early stages, sometimes without any noticeable symptoms—no pain, no lump, no warning signs. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please consider scheduling a mammogram as quickly as possible:
- A lump or mass in the breast or armpit
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Skin dimpling or irritation
- Nipple discharge
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swelling in the armpit
Common Types of Breast Cancer
It’s also important to understand the different types of breast cancer. Depending on tumor location or size, breast cancer diagnosis may be classified differently and require different avenues for treatment.
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: Most common
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Less common
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: More aggressive and harder to treat
- Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: Often responsive to hormone therapy
Lung Cancer Screenings
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women, surpassing breast cancer despite being less frequently diagnosed. This is largely due to late detection—many early-stage cases show no symptoms. However, awareness of risk factors and early warning signs is critical for improving outcomes.
Annual screening with low-dose CT scans is recommended for women who meet specific criteria—generally those aged 50–80 with a significant smoking history—to catch potential cancer development as early as possible. Detecting lung cancer in earlier stages (Stage I or II) significantly increases the chances of survival.
Although men have historically had higher lung cancer rates, the gap has narrowed due to trends in smoking and environmental exposures. Women are also more likely to develop certain genetic mutations, such as EGFR, which can influence both risk and treatment options.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider immediately:
- Persistent or worsening cough
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Chest or shoulder pain that does not go away
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Coughing up blood or unusual mucus
- Swelling in the face or neck, which may indicate superior vena cava syndrome
- Recurrent respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
Common Types of Lung Cancer
The type of lung cancer you have influences treatment approaches and prognosis. The most common types include:
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Most common type; subtypes include adenocarcinoma (which is the most frequent subtype in women and non-smokers; often located in the outer regions of the lungs), squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma.
- Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): Less common but highly aggressive, often spreads rapidly.
- EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer: More common in women, especially non-smokers, and responds well to targeted therapies.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in women and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Yet, it’s also one of the most preventable through timely screening.
Screening methods such as colonoscopy, stool-based tests (FIT or FOBT) and sigmoidoscopy can detect precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers, dramatically improving survival rates. Detecting colorectal cancer in earlier stages (Stage I or II) significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment and long-term survival.
Although colorectal cancer is more common in women over the age of 45, risk factors such as family history, inflammatory bowel disease or certain genetic syndromes may necessitate earlier screening. Women should discuss their individual risk profile with their healthcare provider to determine the best screening schedule.
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to contact your healthcare provider and set-up testing as soon as possible:
- Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stools
- Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
- Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
- A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely
Common Types of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancers can develop in different parts of the colon or rectum, and the location and type influence treatment options and prognosis. The most common types include:
- Adenocarcinomas: Most common, originating from the cells lining the colon or rectum.
- Carcinoid tumors: Slower-growing tumors that start in hormone-producing cells of the intestines.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): Rare, arise from the supporting tissues of the colon.
- Lymphomas and sarcomas: Rare but aggressive..
Why Cancer Screenings Matter
Cancer affects countless women and their families, making regular screenings essential for early detection and improved survival. Key screenings every woman should consider include breast, lung and colorectal cancer. By detecting cancer at Stage I or II, women dramatically improve their chances of successful treatment and long-term survival. Recognizing symptoms early—and knowing your risk factors—can make all the difference.
If you’re due for a screening or have concerns about symptoms, reach out to your provider to schedule an appointment. Don’t wait—prioritize your screenings today!