KARACHI, Jan 2: All women aged between 20 to 40 have been strictly advised to ensure medical checkups every third year, and all above 40 annual medical assessment to prevent breast, ovary, lung and gall bladder cancers.
Doctors say that these types of cancer are increasingly witnessed among local women who, to owing to lack of knowledge, often report their condition quite late to the doctors, hence diminishing their chances of treatment.
Nine out of every 10 breast-cancer patients can either be cured or at least their span of life can be increased provided they seek proper treatment at the very early stages of the disease.
Breast cancer is cited to be the commonest type contributory to the highest number of cancer induced mortality among women.
One out of every 10 women is reported to be inflicted with breast cancer, while 44,000 women are estimated to die from the condition every year.
It is commonly registered among women above 50 years of age, and who may have a family history of the ailment.
Under the given situation all women are strictly advised for personal assessment of breasts on a daily basis, while those between 20 to 40 are advised to approach any qualified doctor after every three years.
Those particularly needing to consult a qualified doctor are women noticing any painless growth in their breast or certain discharge from the nipple or any other change in it.
As for lung cancer, it is said that 10,000 women die from it every year, while those smoking or being wives of smokers are the most vulnerable group.
All those experiencing painful cough without any relief or with discharge of blood while coughing or feeling constant pain in the chest must contact doctors without any delay.
Pap smear test is suggested for women to avoid ovary cancer and its repercussions. Women above 18 must have the test each year. Those above 40 and with a history of obesity, no experience of bearing child and difficulty in regular periods are comparatively more prone to be inflicted with the disease.
Gallbladder cancer is the third most common cancer among women and is generally registered among women above 50. Early detection can protect three of every four patients of gallbladder cancer.
Those with a record of stomach diseases and with a family history of gallbladder cancer or even polyp are among the high- risk group. Acute pain in abdomen or blood discharge in excreta and change in the bowel pattern must be taken as a sign of alarm.
As for skin cancer, women with fair skin are more prone to have the disease. 2400 women are noticed to develop skin cancer each year.
Women have been advised to avoid direct exposure to sun for long hours. In case it is unavoidable the concerned individual should keep her face and other parts of the body properly covered. Any change in the skin condition must not be overlooked and doctors must be consulted.—APP
