World Cancer Research Fund Internation found around 18.1 million cancer cases globally in 2020. Of these cases, 9.3 million were linked to men, and 8.8 million were women. With so many people facing cancer, it's crucial to focus on early detection and understanding the stages of cancer.
While most of you might know what is cancer, understanding the types and treatments is equally important. Also, when detected at early stages, the treatment for cancer can be really effective.
This article aims to walk you through the stages of cancer, the diagnosis, and treatment options.
Cancer diagnosis- Know your options for early detection and accurate assessment
As a woman, if you are wondering how can you detect cancer in advance so that treating it becomes easier, here are a few screenings that can help you along with determining the stages of cancer -
· Mammograms - If you are crossing 40, this is the right time to connect with your doctor and understand the need for mammograms. It’s a simple X-ray that can find breast cancer early when it's easier to treat. In some cases, the doctor might also suggest an MRI.
· Pap smears - This is suggested to those who have crossed 21 years of age. This test is a key to detecting cervical cancer early. This quick test is where your doctor checks for abnormal cells on your cervix. You should take this test once every 3 years or as your doctor suggests.
· Self-exams - You cannot detect cancer with precision when conducting self-exam. But in the case of breast cancer, you can check if there is anything unusual or if there is a lump. This is a proactive way to look after your breast health.
· Lab tests - Simple urine and blood tests can help the doctor identify abnormalities. If you're feeling unwell or if cancer runs in your family, these tests can provide important clues.
If you are at the later stages of cancer, then you might need to go with a biopsy or other imaging tests for further diagnosis and treatment.
Stages of cancer to know
Knowing the stages of cancer is essential as this will impact your treatment greatly. These are as follows -
· Stage 0 - It is the first stage or the start of the cancer. This is where the cancer cells exist but have not spread to other regions of your body. For instance, Stage 0 in breast cancer indicates non-invasive cancer cells confined to the milk ducts.
· Stage I - This is the stage where the cancer starts to spread and grow. It remains limited to where it started without spreading to nearby tissues. Say, in ovarian cancer, it might mean the cancer is confined to one or both ovaries, offering favorable prospects for treatment success.
· Stage II - When it comes to stages of cancer, this is where the cancer has grown larger or has started to spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues but not to distant parts of the body. You would need a more extensive treatment, but the success rate is still high.
· Stage III - At this stage, the cancer has advanced greatly. It has now spread extensively within the primary area and to several nearby lymph nodes or tissues. Here, you would need a more aggressive approach to treatment to control and manage the cancer.
· Stage IV - Considering the stages of cancer, this is the advanced stage. This is where the cancer has spread to distant organs or parts of the body. It is also known as metastatic cancer, and treatment here focuses on extending life and relieving symptoms.
Get better with the right treatment options
The stages of cancer determine the type of treatment that you would need. Here are the prominent treatment options -
· Surgery - This is often the first line of action that aims to remove the cancerous tissue. Some of the common surgeries are mastectomy (removal of the breast) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
· Radiation therapy - It uses high-energy rays like X-rays and gamma rays to target and kill cancer cells, often employed in breast and cervical cancers. The aim is to shrink tumors or eliminate residual cells post-surgery.
· Chemotherapy - Under this, drugs are used to kill cancer cells. It can be before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy). The administration is either directly injecting in vien or using chemo pills.
· Hormone therapy - This treatment is best for hormone receptor-positive like some breast cancers. It helps slow cancer growth by blocking the body's natural hormones.
· Targeted therapy - It targets specific genes or proteins contributing to cancer growth. It's becoming more common for conditions like HER2-positive breast cancer.
· Immunotherapy - It uses your immune system to fight cancer. It is used to boost your immune system to fight cancer and is great for certain types of advanced ovarian cancer.
· Palliative care - This is more than just treatments. It focuses on symptom relief and quality of life improvement.
The importance of support networks for women with cancer
Having a strong support network of friends, family, and fellow survivors plays a crucial role in a woman’s cancer journey. These circles offer much-needed emotional support, practical help, and shared understanding, greatly influencing your coping ability. This collective strength and encouragement during varied stages of cancer help foster hope on the path to recovery.
From identification to treatment of cancer, every step is quite crucial. Connecting with the doctor regularly or seeking help if you feel something abnormal can help prevent cancer. For added support at different stages of cancer, explore the women's-specific health insurance, HEALTH POWHER, offered by Future Generali.
