Top Tips for Managing Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are common: As many as 8 in 10 women in the United States have hot flashes around the time of menopause. And though hot flashes may be a fact of life, there’s no need
What are the warning signs of cancer?
Certain changes in your body may be signs of cancer, including:
- a change in bowel or bladder habits
- a sore that does not heal
- unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
- thickening or a lump in the breast or other parts of the body
- skin changes, including a wart or mole that changes in color or size
- indigestion or trouble swallowing
- a nagging cough or hoarseness
- unexplained weight loss
- extreme tiredness (fatigue) even after sleep
These are not always signs of cancer, but they can be clues that something is wrong. If you notice something different in how your body looks or feels, contact your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn).
How can I reduce my overall risk of cancer?
The following lifestyle changes may reduce your risk of cancer:
- Stop smoking.
- Limit your time in the sun, use sunscreen, and do not use tanning beds.
- Limit how much alcohol you drink to no more than one drink per day.
- Limit your number of sexual partners.
- Stay at a healthy weight. Body mass index (BMI) is a tool that is used to measure body fat based on height and weight. To find out your BMI, you can use an online calculator. A person with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is at a normal weight.
- Maintain a healthy diet. Limit how much processed and red meat you eat. Have at least 2 to 3 cups of fruits and vegetables daily. Choose brown rice and whole wheat bread instead of white rice and white bread.
- Exercise regularly. Get 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense exercise per week.
- Get cancer screening tests and vaccines as recommended for your age group and health history.
What types of cancer should women be aware of?
Some common types of cancer in women include the following:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Colon cancer
- Endometrial cancer (cancer of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus)
- Skin cancer (including melanoma)
- Ovarian cancer (cancer of the ovary)
- Cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix)
- Vulvar cancer (cancer of the vulva)
How can I reduce my risk of breast cancer?
The main risk factors for breast cancer—being a woman and getting older—cannot be controlled. But there are some things you can do that may lower your risk of breast cancer:
- Stay at a healthy weight. A person with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is at a normal weight.
- Exercise regularly. Get 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense exercise per week.
- Limit or avoid alcohol.
Breastfeeding also may lower your risk of breast cancer.
What should I know about mammograms?
Mammography screens for breast cancer. Finding breast cancer early makes it easier to treat. Women at average risk of breast cancer should be offered mammography starting at age 40. If you have not started screening in your 40s, you should begin having mammography no later than 50. Screening should be done every 1 to 2 years until at least 75.
Women at high risk of breast cancer, such as those with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, may need to have more frequent screening. You and your ob-gyn should talk together about what age to begin screening. See Mammography and Other Screening Tests for Breast Problems for more information.
How can I reduce my risk of lung cancer?
Most cases of lung cancer are caused by cigarette smoking. The best way to protect yourself from lung cancer is to not smoke. As soon as you stop smoking, your risk will begin to decrease. You also should avoid being around people who are smoking.
How can I quit smoking?
Ask your ob-gyn for advice on how to quit or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. This national network for quitting smoking will connect you to counselors in your state. These counselors can offer resources and advice about quitting.
Is there screening for lung cancer?
Yes. Women between ages 55 and 80 with a history of smoking should ask their ob-gyn or other health care professional about annual screening for lung cancer. Screening is recommended for women who are currently heavy smokers or who have quit within the past 15 years.
How can I reduce my risk of colon cancer?
Colon cancer often begins as a polyp. Routine screenings can help detect polyps before they become cancer. Removing precancerous polyps can prevent colon cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends getting a colon cancer screening test starting at age 45. These tests may include:
Tests that look through the colon with a small camera
- Colonoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
X-ray tests
- Virtual colonoscopy
Tests that examine stool for blood or abnormal genetic material
- Fecal occult blood test
- DNA stool test
Talk with your ob-gyn about which screening test is right for you. Also, limiting how much processed and red meat you eat and having at least 2 to 3 cups of fruits and vegetables every day may reduce your risk of colon cancer.
How can I reduce my risk of endometrial cancer?
Most cases of cancer that affect the lining of the uterus cannot be prevented. But there are a few steps you can take that may reduce your risk:
- Stay at a healthy weight. A person with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is at a normal weight.
- Exercise regularly. Get 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense exercise per week.
- Get treated for any endometrial problems before they become cancer. Symptoms of problems can include spotting or bleeding outside of your menstrual period or after menopause. Treatments may include birth control pills, progestin pills or injection, an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases progestin, or a vaginal progesterone cream.
- Talk with your ob-gyn if you have a strong family history of cancer. A genetic condition known as Lynch syndrome may increase your risk of endometrial cancer and other types of cancer.
How can I reduce my risk of skin cancer?
- Avoid being out in the sun, especially between 9 am and 3 pm standard time (10 am and 4 pm daylight saving time).
- Use sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection and a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
- Wear sunglasses that block UV rays, clothing that covers your arms and legs, and hats that shade your head and neck.
- Do not use tanning beds or sun lamps.
- Watch the moles and spots on your skin. Tell your ob-gyn if you notice any changes. Ask for a skin exam during your regular check-ups.
How can I reduce my risk of ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is hard to detect, so women should be aware of changes in their bodies. See your ob-gyn if you have any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks:
- Abdominal swelling or pain
- Pelvic pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
There are some medical treatments that may reduce your risk.
Birth Control Pills. Using birth control pills lowers the risk of ovarian cancer. The benefit is greater if you have used the pill for several years. Talk with your ob-gyn about the possible benefits and risks of taking birth control pills.
Surgery. Women at high risk of ovarian cancer may consider surgery to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This surgery may reduce the risk of cancer. Women at high risk include those with a history of ovarian cancer, BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, or Lynch syndrome. The timing of surgery may depend on your desire to have children in the future. Women at average risk of ovarian cancer also may consider surgery to remove the fallopian tubes, if they are already having abdominal surgery for another reason.
How can I reduce my risk of cervical cancer?
- Have cervical cancer screening. Screening can find cervical problems early, before they become cancer. Screening may include the Pap test, an HPV test, or both, depending on your age and health history. See Cervical Cancer Screening for details.
- Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is given as a series of shots and protects against the HPV types that are the most common cause of cancer, precancer, and genital warts. Vaccination works best when it is done before a person is sexually active and exposed to HPV. But vaccination can still reduce the risk of getting HPV for people who have already been sexually active. The ideal age for HPV vaccination of girls and boys is 11 or 12, but it can be given starting at age 9 and through age 26. See Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination for details.
- Stop smoking. Smoking can affect your risk of getting HPV.
- Use condoms. Condoms help prevent HPV infection, but they do not give full protection.
What if I am older than 26 and want the HPV vaccine?
If you are older than 26, have not been vaccinated, and are at risk of a new HPV infection, you and your ob-gyn can talk about whether you need the HPV vaccine. The vaccine is approved for people through age 45.
How can I reduce my risk of vulvar cancer?
There is no screening for cancer of the vulva, so be aware of common symptoms. These include itching, burning, or abnormal skin that may be bumpy, smooth, or a different color like white, brown, or red. Precancerous changes to vulvar skin often are caused by HPV infection. You can reduce your risk of cancer of the vulva by taking the following steps:
- Get the HPV vaccine.
- Stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk of getting vulvar cancer.
Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
What is the vulva? The external female genital area is called the vulva. The outer folds of skin are called the labia majora and the inner folds are called the labia minora. When should I
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