Types of Cancer in Women: Understanding Female Cancers

What are Female Cancers?

When we talk about types of female cancer, we usually mean cancers that either occur only in women (like cervical or ovarian cancer) or are especially common in women (like breast cancer). These cancers can affect a woman’s breasts, reproductive organs, digestive system, lungs, skin, blood and more.

“Female cancers” is not a medical term but a practical way to group the cancers that most often impact women’s health and quality of life. Because women go through unique hormonal phases—puberty, periods, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause—their risk pattern also looks different from men’s, and so do some of the symptoms.

Understanding cancer in women is not about creating fear; it’s about recognising patterns. When you know which cancers are common, what early warning signs to watch for, and what screening tests exist, it becomes easier to take timely action. Early detection, combined with modern treatment, means that many women can live long, healthy lives after a cancer diagnosis.

Definition and Overview of Gynaecological Cancers

Gynaecological cancers are cancers that start in a woman’s reproductive organs. These include cancers of the:

• Cervix (neck of the womb)
• Ovaries
• Uterus (womb / endometrium)
• Vagina
• Vulva

Together, they are sometimes called women’s reproductive cancers. Some, like cervical cancer, can often be prevented or picked up early with screening and HPV vaccination. Others, like ovarian cancer, are harder to catch early and need more awareness of vague, ongoing symptoms such as bloating or pelvic pain.

Gynaecological cancers are best managed by specialists in women’s cancers (gynaecologic oncologists), because treatment often affects fertility, sexuality and hormonal health, not just the tumour.

The Most Common Types of Cancer in Females

Across the world and in India, the most common type of cancer in females is breast cancer, followed by cancers like cervical, ovarian, colorectal, uterine (endometrial) and lung cancers. Skin cancers, thyroid cancer, blood cancers and lymphomas also occur in women, though patterns vary with geography and lifestyle.

These common female cancers share some risk factors—like increasing age, family history, hormonal influences, obesity, smoking, alcohol, physical inactivity and certain infections (especially HPV). Many of them have screening tests or early warning signs, but these are often ignored or confused with “routine women’s issues”, piles, infection or age-related changes.

The aim is not to remember every technical detail but to know:

• Which cancers women are most likely to face
• What symptoms should never be ignored
• When to ask for a screening test or second opinion

The rest can be guided by your doctor and specialist teams like those at Onco Life Cancer Centre.

Breast Cancer: A Leading Concern for Women

Breast cancer in women is the single most common cancer in females. It can occur at any adult age, though risk rises after 40–45 and especially after menopause.

Early signs may include a new breast lump, a change in breast shape, skin dimpling, or nipple changes (inversion, discharge, or scaling). Many women avoid check-ups out of fear, but when female breast cancer is found early, treatment is often less aggressive and outcomes are significantly better.

Screening with mammography (as advised by age and risk), regular self-exams, and clinical breast exams by a doctor are key tools to catch breast cancer early—often before a lump is even felt.

Understanding Lung Cancer in Women

Lung cancer in women has been rising, not only among smokers but also in non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke, indoor pollution, biomass fuel, and high pollution levels in cities.

Symptoms of female lung cancer can include a persistent cough, breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood, or repeated chest infections. Because women often put family first and delay their own tests, lung cancer is frequently detected late. Any cough lasting more than 3–4 weeks, especially with other red flags, deserves a proper evaluation.

Colorectal Cancer in Females

Colorectal cancer in women (cancer of the colon and rectum) is more common after the age of 45–50 but can occur earlier, especially with strong family history or lifestyle risks.

Early signs of female colon cancer can include rectal bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhoea, or thinner stools), unexplained weight loss or anaemia. Many women assume “piles” or “gas” and self-medicate. If bleeding or bowel changes continue for more than a few weeks, a medical check-up and appropriate tests (like colonoscopy or stool tests) are very important.

Key Gynaecological Cancers

Some of the most important gynaecological cancers types—those affecting the reproductive system—are:

• Cervical cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine (endometrial) cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulval cancer

Each has unique risk factors, symptoms and screening possibilities. Being aware of what’s “normal for you” and what feels new or persistent is critical.

Cervical Cancer: Prevention and Early Detection

Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). It is strongly linked to persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV (human papillomavirus).

Early cervical cancer symptoms may include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after intercourse, between periods, after menopause)
• Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

The powerful part: cervical cancer is largely preventable with:

• HPV vaccine (ideally before sexual activity begins, but also useful later within recommended age ranges)
• Regular Pap smears and HPV tests to detect pre-cancerous changes
• Timely treatment of pre-cancer lesions before they turn into invasive cancer

Ovarian Cancer: The Silent Killer

Ovarian cancer is sometimes called a “silent” or “whispering” cancer because early symptoms are vague and easily mistaken for gas, acid, or menstrual discomfort.

Common ovarian cancer symptoms may include:

• Persistent bloating or abdominal swelling
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Feeling full quickly after small meals
• Needing to urinate more often or urgently
• Unexplained fatigue or weight changes

Unlike cervical cancer, there is no widely recommended ovarian cancer screening test for the general population. For women with strong family history or known genetic risks (like BRCA mutations), doctors may advise closer monitoring with ultrasound and blood tests. Awareness of persistent, daily symptoms is crucial for others.

Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer

Uterine cancer, most commonly endometrial cancer, starts in the lining of the womb. It is more frequent after menopause but can occur earlier, especially with obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), diabetes or unopposed estrogen.

Typical womb cancer symptoms include:

• Any post-menopausal bleeding
• Heavy or irregular bleeding before menopause
• Watery or blood-tinged discharge in older women

Any bleeding after menopause should always be checked. Early endometrial cancer is often picked up quickly and treated successfully with surgery.

Vaginal Cancer: Understanding a Rare Type

Vaginal cancer is quite rare. It may present with:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• A lump or mass in the vagina
• Pain during intercourse
• Persistent discharge

Because it is uncommon, any of these symptoms will need thorough evaluation to rule out more common causes first, and then this rare cancer if needed.

Vulval Cancer

Vulval cancer (or vulval cancer symptoms) may include:

• Persistent itching, burning or soreness of the vulva
• Skin changes (white, red, or dark patches, thickening)
• A lump, ulcer or sore that does not heal
• Pain during urination or intercourse

Women with chronic vulval skin conditions or long-standing itching should have regular checks so changes can be picked up early.

General Symptoms of Female Cancers to Watch For

While each cancer has its own pattern, certain female cancer symptoms are common warning signs, especially when they are persistent:

• Unusual bleeding
  • Between periods, after sex, after menopause, blood in stool or urine
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Significant change without dieting or obvious reason
• Persistent fatigue
  • Feeling exhausted most of the day, despite rest
• Lumps or swelling
  • In breast, armpit, neck, abdomen, groin or vulva
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
  • New constipation, diarrhoea, frequent urination or difficulty urinating
• Persistent pain
  • Pelvic, abdominal, back or bone pain that doesn’t settle
• Non-healing sores or skin changes
  • In the mouth, on the vulva, or on the skin
• Breathlessness or persistent cough

These signs of cancer in women do not always mean cancer—but if they last more than 2–3 weeks or keep returning, they should not be ignored.

Risk Factors for Female Cancers

Different cancers have different triggers, but common female cancer risk factors include:

• Age – risk generally increases as women get older
• Family history and genetics – BRCA mutations, strong family clusters
• Hormonal factors – early periods, late menopause, hormone therapy, not having children or having first child late
• HPV infection – especially for cervical, vulval, vaginal and some anal cancers
• Lifestyle factors – smoking, alcohol, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet
• Chronic infections or inflammation – long-standing untreated infections, chronic skin conditions
• Environmental and occupational exposures – pollution, certain chemicals

You cannot change your age or genes, but you can influence lifestyle, screening and vaccination—three powerful levers against many causes of cancer in women.

Diagnosis and Screening at Onco Life Cancer Centre

At Onco Life Cancer Centre, female cancer diagnosis starts with listening. Doctors take a detailed history, ask about symptoms, family history and risk factors, and then decide which tests are actually necessary.

For cancer screening for women, depending on age and risk, your plan may include:

• Clinical breast exam and mammography
• Pap smear and HPV testing for cervical health
• Pelvic ultrasound for uterine and ovarian evaluation
• Colonoscopy or stool tests in appropriate age groups
• Oral and skin checks when relevant
• Blood tests and imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET-CT where indicated)

The idea is not to order every test for everyone, but to personalise screening and diagnostics to your situation—avoiding both neglect and unnecessary panic.

Our advanced diagnostic facilities, including PET/CT imaging, are conveniently accessible across our regional centers to support your screening and treatment journey.

Advanced Treatment Options for Women’s Cancer

Female cancer treatment has advanced enormously. At Onco Life, care for women’s cancers is usually planned in a multidisciplinary way—surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and supportive care teams work together.

A simple leaflet-style overview:

1. Surgery
• Removal of the tumour with safe margins
• Breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy for breast cancer
• Hysterectomy, oophorectomy (removal of ovaries), debulking surgery for gynaecological cancers
• Minimally invasive or laparoscopic approaches when suitable
2. Radiation Therapy
• External beam radiation or brachytherapy (internal radiation)
• Often used after surgery, or as primary treatment in certain cancers (e.g., cervical cancer)
3. Chemotherapy
• Drugs that kill or slow rapidly dividing cancer cells
• Used before surgery (to shrink tumours), after surgery (to reduce recurrence risk), or for advanced disease
4. Hormone (Endocrine) Therapy
• Used in hormone-sensitive cancers like some breast and uterine cancers
• Tablets or injections that block or modify hormone signals to slow tumour growth
5. Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
• Newer drugs that target specific pathways or help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells
• Used based on tumour profile and staging
6. Supportive & Rehabilitative Care
• Pain management, nutrition support, physiotherapy, counselling, fertility and sexual health guidance

Every plan is tailored to the woman’s age, cancer type and stage, overall health, fertility wishes and personal preferences.

Why Onco Life Cancer Centre is Your Partner in Women’s Health

Choosing where to go for cancer care is as important as the treatment itself. At Onco Life, we aim to be more than a hospital—we want to be a partner in women’s health, from prevention to survivorship.

You’ll find:

• Women’s cancer specialists in India experienced in breast and gynaecological cancers
• A strong focus on early detection, patient education and second opinions
• Advanced imaging and treatment technologies integrated under one roof
• A respectful, private and compassionate environment for sensitive examinations and discussions

“When I first heard the word ‘cancer’, I felt my world collapse. At Onco Life, the doctors didn’t rush me—they explained my options, included my family in discussions, and gave me time to decide. Today, I’m back at work, back with my children, and I know I chose the right team to fight beside me.”

From the first suspicious symptom or screening test, through treatment and into life after cancer, Onco Life Cancer Centre walks with you every step of the way.

To ensure every woman has access to this supportive partnership, we provide world-class oncology expertise at our specialized facilities across Maharashtra.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)