One in five cancer deaths is due to lung cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. A woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer in her lifetime is one in 78. Cancer is prevalent in our lives; there is no denying this.  

But there are also screening and diagnostic tools that can help us limit the harmful impacts of many cancers. There are 100+ diagnostic tests and procedures available for detecting a wide range of diseases and monitoring their progression, and many of these can address cancer. Innovations in cancer diagnostics provide access to vital health information, helping women and their families make more informed decisions about their health at every stage of their lives. Screening and diagnostic tests for cancer can lead to better understanding of risk or earlier detection of disease, improve health outcomes, and contribute toward reducing health disparities among women. 

The SWHR Value of Diagnostics within Women’s Health series explores these topics, with a special focus on lung cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. 

Lung Cancer

Any cancer that begins in the lungs is lung cancer, and there are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, which makes up 80-85% of cases) and small cell lung cancer (which makes up 10-15% of cases). Lung cancers may spread to other organs (commonly the lymph nodes or brain), and cancers from other organs can spread to the lungs. Lung cancer is the second most common non-skin cancer in women, and it is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States – for both women and men. One in 17 women will develop lung cancer in her lifetime. For women who smoke, this risk increases. Risk factors for developing lung cancer include smoking and secondhand smoke, exposure to environmental toxins and certain workplace carcinogens, air pollution, and a family history of lung cancer. Imaging tests, cytology tests, needle biopsies, bronchoscopies, and biomarker tests are all ways to diagnose lung cancer. Learn more in the SWHR Value of Diagnostics within Women’s Health: Lung Cancer fact sheet. 

Breast Cancer 

While breast cancers occur in both men and women, they occur disproportionately in women—up to 100 times more often. A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime is one in eight. Nearly 3.7 million women are living with breast cancer in the United States today, and it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Risk factors for breast cancer include age; having dense breasts; family history of breast cancer, breast disease, or ovarian cancer; and having certain genetic mutations (such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes). Women who are at average risk for breast cancer may begin annual screening at age 40. Those aged 45-54 should get screened every year, and after age 55, every one or two years as long as they are in good health. Always talk to your health care provider about your breast cancer risk and related family history in order build a screening plan that is tailored to you. Read more about breast cancer screening options in the SWHR Value of Diagnostics within Women’s Health: Breast Cancer fact sheet.

Ovarian Cancer 

Although it is not the most common cancer, ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer. A woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is one in 78, and her lifetime chance of dying from ovarian cancer is one in 108. An estimated 233,000 women are living with ovarian cancer in the United States currently, and it is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Currently, there are no recommended screening guidelines for ovarian cancer, so it is challenging for women to get the benefit of early detection for this disease. Common symptoms women with ovarian cancer might experience include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating, or urinary symptoms. Women should be mindful of any such symptoms they are experiencing and raise concerns with their health care providers if symptoms increase in frequency or severity over time. Having an open and ongoing conversation wiht your providers about your cancer risks is important. Check out more in the SWHR Value of Diagnostics within Women’s Health: Ovarian Cancer fact sheet. 

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States overall, but with the proper screening and diagnostic tools – and by raising the conversation with your friends, family, and care providers – we can work to minimize the impact of these diseases on our lifelong health.