Cancer 51

Cancer

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in American 

women. But thanks to improved cancer screening and treatment, 

you have a better chance of beating cancer than ever before. 

About 66 percent of people diagnosed with cancer between 

1996 and 2002 survived for at least 5 years. As the science of 

cancer detection and treatment continues to advance, even more 

people will survive cancer in the future.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal 

cells grow, divide, and spread, often 

forming a mass called a tumor. Although 

any abnormal growth is a tumor, some 

tumors are benign (bih-NYN) (not 

cancer) and some are malignant (muhLIG-nuhnt) (cancer). Cancers may 

invade nearby tissues and metastasize 

(muh-TASS-tuh-syz), or spread to other 

parts of the body. Cancer can develop in 

almost any part of the body. In two types 

of cancer, leukemia (loo-KEE-mee-uh) 

and lymphoma (lim-FOH-muh), tumors 

do not form. Instead, cancer cells spread 

throughout the blood and the immune 

system, respectively.

Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with 

cancer, it is important to know that there 

are steps you can take to:

l	 reduce your chances of getting 

cancer

l	 detect cancer early

l	 make sure you get the treatment you 

need

What causes cancer?

A number of factors may affect your cancer risk—your chances of developing cancer in your lifetime. Your family history, 

personal history, and environment all play 

a part. Some risk factors are beyond your 

control, such as age and family history. 

But you can change some aspects of your 

behavior or environment to reduce your 

risk. Keep in mind that most women with 

these risk factors will never have cancer.
52 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

Body Parts That Can Be 

Affected by Cancer

Trachea

Blood and 

Blood Vessels

Others:

Glands

Muscles

Nerves

Bones

Brain

Eyes

Mouth

Spinal Cord

Thyroid

Lung

Kidney

Stomach

Pancreas

Large Intestine

Small Intestine

Bladder

Vagina

Heart

Skin

Esophagus

Liver

Ovary

Uterus

Cervix

Age

Age is the most important risk factor 

for cancer. Most cancers—77 percent—

occur in persons who are 55 years old or 

older. For this reason, you will need more 

tests and checkups to detect early signs 

of cancer as you get older.

Inherited risk

Inherited genetic mutations, on their 

own, cause very few cancers. Several 

common types of cancer tend to run in 

families. These include breast cancer, 

ovarian cancer, colon cancer, melanoma 

(me-luh-NOH-muh), and lung cancer. 

However, environment and behavior also 

affect the development of these cancers.

If you have a family history of a certain 

type of cancer, it does not mean that you 

will develop that disease. Talk to your 

doctor about cancer in your family. You 

may need to take steps to reduce your 

risk or be screened more often or at an 

earlier age.

Tobacco use

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes 

of cancer. It increases the risk of cancers 

of the lung, larynx, mouth, nose, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, bladder, 

liver, cervix, and stomach. Tobacco use 

causes 30 percent of all cancer deaths 

and 87 percent of lung cancer deaths in 

the United States.

Smoking not only causes cancer in 

smokers, but also may raise the risk of 

lung cancer for nonsmokers who breathe 

in secondhand smoke.

You can reduce your risk of lung cancer 

and other cancers by not smoking or using other tobacco products. You should 

also avoid secondhand smoke. If you 

currently smoke, quitting can lower your 

risk of cancer. 

Genetic Mutations

Changes to a cell’s DNA, called genetic mutations, may cause the cell to 

become cancerous. Most of the mutations that cause cancer are caused by 

the environment, behavior (such as 

smoking cigarettes), or chance. But 

some cancer-causing mutations are 

inherited. For more information about 

genetics and health, see page 408 of 

the Appendix.

For more information on the benefits 

of quitting smoking, see the Respiratory 

Health chapter on page 279. 
Cancer 53

Excessive alcohol intake

Drinking alcohol is a risk factor in cancers of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, 

larynx, and liver. It may increase your 

risk of breast, colon, and rectal cancers. 

When drinking alcohol is combined 

with tobacco use, the risks of mouth, 

pharyngeal, and esophageal cancers are 

further increased. However, low or moderate alcohol intake may lower your risk 

of heart disease.

You can reduce your risk by avoiding 

drinking alcohol to excess. If you drink 

alcohol, do it in moderation.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays

The sun’s UV rays cause most skin cancers. The amount of UV rays in sunlight 

depends on the time of day, season, and 

location. There are more UV rays at midday, during the summer months, and 

at locations close to the equator. However, you may be exposed whenever you 

are outdoors during the day—even on 

cloudy days. Water and snow, which reflect sunlight back toward your skin, can 

also increase your UV exposure.

You can reduce your risk by protecting 

your skin from UV rays.

l	 Avoid sun exposure between 10 am 

and 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are the 

most damaging. 

l	 Wear protective clothing and a hat 

that shades your face. 

l	 Avoid artificial UV rays from tanning 

beds or sunlamps.

l	 If you plan to spend time outside, apply sunscreen 30 to 60 minutes before 

you go out. 

Breast and Ovarian Cancer: 

Inherited Risk Factors

Women with a family history of breast 

or ovarian cancer may inherit mutated 

genes that increase their risk of developing these diseases. Mutations of 

the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are most 

strongly linked to these cancers, but 

other genes also play a role. Inherited 

mutated genes cause only about 5 to 

10 percent of breast and ovarian cancers. And even women who inherit these 

mutated genes may not develop cancer.

If you have a family history of breast or 

ovarian cancer, talk to your doctor. Genetic counseling can help you decide 

if testing for BRCA mutations might 

be helpful. If you do test positive, your 

doctor may suggest:

• additional screening tests

• taking tamoxifen or an aromatase 

inhibitor, a drug that reduces breast 

cancer risk

• surgery to remove the breasts or 

ovaries to prevent cancer

For more information about genetics 

and health, see page 408 of the Appendix. 
54 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

l	 Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen 

with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 

at least 15. Reapply it after sweating or 

bathing. 

Some medications

The female hormones estrogen and progesterone (proh-JESS-tuh-rohn) affect 

the growth and development of certain 

cancers. Drugs that contain these female 

hormones affect cancer risk.

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) 

relieves the symptoms of menopause and 

may prevent osteoporosis (OSS-tee-ohpuh-ROH-suhss). There are two types of 

MHT. Both types affect cancer risk:

l	 Estrogen-only MHT increases the 

risk of endometrial cancer and ovarian 

cancer. Progestin is added to MHT to 

reduce endometrial cancer risk.

l	 Combined MHT, which contains estrogen and progesterone or progestin, 

increases the risk of breast cancer. But 

it lowers the risk of colon cancer.

Birth control pills also contain female 

hormones. The pill lowers the risk of 

endometrial and ovarian cancers. But it 

may increase the risk of cervical, liver, 

and breast cancers. Today, birth control 

pills contain lower hormone levels than 

in the past. So the effects of the pill on 

cancer risk may be reduced.

Drugs used to suppress the immune 

system during an organ transplant may 

also lead to cancer, especially lymphoma. 

Chemotherapy drugs, used to treat many 

types of cancer, may cause leukemia. 

Cancer survivors are at higher risk of this 

disease.

You can learn more by talking to your 

doctor about the benefits and risks of 

these medications.

Substances in the home, workplace, and 

the environment

Some chemicals, particles, metals, radioactive materials, and other substances can 

increase your risk of developing cancer.

l	 Radon is a radioactive gas. It can 

build up in underground spaces, such 

as basements, if there is not enough 

airflow.

l	 Asbestos is a fibrous material that was 

widely used in building insulation 

until 1980. 

l	 Secondhand smoke includes smoke 

from burning cigarettes and exhaled 

smoke.

l	 Air pollution is caused by substances 

and fine particles released into the air. 

Sources may include motor vehicles, 

power plants that burn fossil fuels, and 

factories.
Cancer 55

l	 Chemicals and metals in pesticides, 

solvents (paint thinners, grease removers, and dry cleaning chemicals), and 

other substances may increase cancer 

risk.

Workers in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and other industries may be 

exposed to carcinogens more often and 

at higher concentrations. Therefore, they 

may have an even greater cancer risk.

You can reduce your risk by avoiding 

or reducing your exposure to cancercausing substances at home and at work. 

Infections

Some infections may increase your risk 

of developing cancer.

l Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the 

most common sexually transmitted 

infection in the United States. HPV 

is the primary cause of most cervical 

cancers. There is a new HPV vaccine 

available for girls and young women. 

This vaccine and regular screening 

can reduce infections and cancer risk. 

(See page 134 of the Sexually Transmitted Infections chapter for more 

information.)

l Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses

may be transmitted by injected drug 

use, intimate sexual contact, or contact 

with infected blood. Infection may 

lead to liver cancer. These viruses are 

more common in Asia than in the 

United States. Because of this, Asian 

American women who have recently 

Ten Most Common Cancers in 

American Women*

Breast cancer

Lung cancer

Colon and rectal cancers

Endometrial cancer

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Melanoma (skin cancer)

Ovarian cancer

Thyroid cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Leukemia

*2000–2004

Ten Cancers Responsible 

for the Most Deaths Among 

American Women*

Lung cancer

Breast cancer

Colon and rectal cancers

Pancreatic cancer

Ovarian cancer

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Leukemia

Endometrial cancer

Brain tumors

Myeloma
56 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

immigrated have a higher risk of infection and liver cancer.

l	 Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria

cause a common stomach infection 

that increases the risk of developing 

stomach cancer. H. pylori is more common in developing countries than in 

the United States. Recent immigrants 

from Asia or Latin America have a 

greater chance of infection and risk for 

stomach cancer.

You can reduce your risk by taking 

steps to prevent infection when possible. 

Vaccines are available for HPV and the 

hepatitis B virus. If you think you may be 

at high risk for any of these infections, 

talk to your doctor about tests and 

treatments.

Types of cancer

The following chart lists some common 

types of cancer in women, along with 

their risk factors and symptoms. Some 

of these symptoms can be caused by 

conditions other than cancer. Even if you 

have these symptoms, you may not have 

cancer.

Cancers Affecting Women: Risk Factors and Symptoms

Brain tumors

Risk factors* • Age

• Family history

Symptoms† • Severe headaches

• Nausea

• Problems with speech, vision, or hearing

• Loss of balance

• Changes in mood or personality

• Memory loss

• Seizures

• Numbness in extremities
Cancer 57

Cancers Affecting Women: Risk Factors and Symptoms

Breast cancer

Risk factors* • Age

• Family history

• High breast tissue density

• Hyperplasia (an increase in number of cells in the breast; detected by a 

biopsy)

• X-ray exposure, particularly at young ages or high doses

• Early onset of menstruation and/or late menopause

• Never having children

•	 Having	first	child	after	age	30

• Use of birth control pills (within 10 years of stopping use, risk returns to 

normal)

• Overweight or obesity after menopause

• Use of menopausal hormone therapy containing both estrogen and 

progestin

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Inherited mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes

Symptoms† • Abnormalities (may be detected by a mammogram‡)

• A lump in the breast (may be detected by a mammogram‡) 

• Changes in the breast (See page 160 of the Reproductive Health chapter 

for more information.)

Cervical cancer

Risk factors* • Human papillomavirus (HPV); a vaccine can now prevent infection with 

strains of the virus responsible for most cervical cancers; condoms also 

offer partial protection

Symptoms† • Abnormal cells (can be detected by Pap test‡)

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Colon and rectal cancers

Risk factors* • Age

• Family history

•	 History	of	inflammatory	bowel	disease

• Obesity

• Smoking

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Inherited genetic mutations

Symptoms† • Polyps or tumors (can be detected by screening tests‡)

• Blood in stool (may be detected by screening tests‡)

• Changes in bowel habits

• Pain or cramping
58 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

Cancers Affecting Women: Risk Factors and Symptoms

Endometrial cancer

Risk factors* • Use of estrogen-only menopausal therapy (in women with an intact uterus)

• Early onset of menstruation and/or late menopause

• Never having children

• Obesity

Symptoms† • Abnormal uterine bleeding, especially after menopause

Leukemia

Risk factors* • Exposure to benzene or ionizing radiation

• Cancer radiation treatment

• Down syndrome and some other genetic abnormalities

• Retrovirus human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus-1 (HTLV-1)

Symptoms† • Fatigue

• Paleness

• Weight loss

• Repeated infections

• Fever

• Easy bruising

• Nosebleeds

Liver cancer

Risk factors* • Age

• Family history

• Hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection

• Cirrhosis (sur-ROH-suhss)

•	 Exposure to a toxic substance, aflatoxin, in mold that grows in nuts, seeds,

and legumes

Symptoms† • Abdominal pain on the right side

• Abdominal swelling

• Weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue 

• Nausea

• Jaundice

• Fever
Cancer 59

Cancers Affecting Women: Risk Factors and Symptoms

Lung cancer

Risk factors* • Smoking

• Exposure to airborne carcinogens such as asbestos, radon, secondhand 

smoke, some chemicals and metals, and air pollution

Symptoms† • Cough that does not go away

• Cough that produces blood

• Chest pain

• Repeated pneumonia (noo-MOH-nyuh) or bronchitis

Lymphoma (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas)

Risk factors* • Reduced immune function due to autoimmune (aw-toh-ih-MYOON) disorders

• Infection with HIV, retrovirus human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus-1 

(HTLV-1), or hepatitis C

• Family history

• Workplace exposures to herbicides and other chemicals

• Medications that reduce immune function for organ transplant 

Symptoms† • Swollen lymph nodes

• Night sweats

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Fever

Myeloma (cancer of plasma cells in blood)

Risk factors* • Age

• History of a condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance	(MGUS)

Symptoms • Pain in or broken bones of the back and spine

• Fatigue

• Thirst

• Repeated infections or fevers

Oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers

Risk factors* • Tobacco use (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco 

products)

• Excessive alcohol consumption

Symptoms† • Sores that bleed and/or do not heal

• Lumps or thickening

• Ear pain

• A mass on the neck

• Cough that produces blood

• Red or white patch that does not go away

•	 Difficulties	chewing	or	swallowing
60 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

Cancers Affecting Women: Risk Factors and Symptoms

Ovarian cancer

Risk factors* • Age

• Use of estrogen-only menopausal hormone therapy 

• Overweight and obesity

• Personal or family history of breast cancer

• Mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes

• Personal or family history of hereditary nonpolypsis colon cancer (HNPCC)

Symptoms† • Bloating

• Pelvic or abdominal pain

•	 Difficulty	eating	or	feeling	full	quickly

• Digestive problems

•	 Urinary	problems	(urgency	or	frequency)

• Fatigue

• Back pain

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Pancreatic cancer

Risk factors* • Smoking

• Chronic pancreatitis (PAN-kree-uh-TYT-uhss)

• Diabetes

• Cirrhosis

• Obesity

Symptoms† • Weight loss

• Abdominal discomfort

• Jaundice

Skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell cancers)

Risk factors* • Personal or family history of skin cancer

• Many moles or large moles

• Sunburning easily

• Natural blonde or red hair

• Personal history of major sunburns and use of tanning booths

• Workplace exposure to certain substances

Symptoms† • Changes in the skin, such as a new growth, change in an existing growth, or 

sores that do not heal
Cancer 61

Cancers Affecting Women: Risk Factors and Symptoms

Thyroid cancer

Risk factors* • Age

• Family history

• Exposure to radiation or x-rays, especially at young ages

• Diet lacking iodine

• Workplace exposure to certain substances

Symptoms† • Lump at the front of the neck

• Swollen lymph nodes

•	 Difficulty	swallowing,	speaking,	or	breathing

• Throat or neck pain

*The factors listed have been shown to increase the risk of developing cancer. These factors are not listed in 

any particular order. Many people without any risk factors may develop cancer, whereas most people who are 

at risk will never have the disease.

†Some of these symptoms are common and may be caused by conditions other than cancer. Most women 

who experience these symptoms do not have cancer.

‡Screening tests may detect some cancers, or conditions that may lead to cancer, before you notice any 

symptoms. See below for more information about cancer screening.

These cancers can affect women from diverse racial or ethnic groups differently. Recent studies have shown 

that African American women are more likely to develop aggressive types of breast cancer. Cancers of the 

stomach, liver, and cervix are caused by infections. These infections are more common in Latin America and 

Asia. Therefore, rates of these cancers are higher among women who have emigrated from these regions. For 

more information on cancers caused by infection, see pages 55 and 56.

Finding out if you have cancer

Cancer symptoms

At first, cancer may not produce any 

symptoms. As a tumor grows, you may 

feel discomfort or pain at the tumor site, 

abnormal bleeding, fatigue, and weight 

loss. Other symptoms may depend on 

the location of the cancer. (See chart 

starting on page 56 for symptoms of several common types of cancer.)

Cancer screening

Depending on your age and risk factors, 

you should be screened for some cancers. 

This is important even if you feel healthy. 

Screening can allow your doctor to find 

and remove abnormal cells before they 

turn into cancer. These tests can also 

detect cancer early, before you feel any 

symptoms.

Screening is not recommended for all 

women or for all types of cancer. Screening tests are not completely accurate, and 

they can have harms. Talk to your doctor 

about the benefits and harms of commonly used screening tests. Tests may 

produce false-positive results, meaning 

they may show you have cancer when 

you don’t. This can cause worry and unneeded medical procedures. Tests may 

also produce false-negative results that 

miss cancer. Your doctor will need to do 

more tests to confirm the results. Your 

primary care doctor may also refer you to 
62 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

an oncologist for more tests. An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in cancer.

The chart below lists the screenings recommended for women with average risk 

for some common cancers. If you think 

you may have higher than average risk, 

talk to your doctor about your risk factors. You may need additional tests. (See 

pages 418–421 of the Appendix for more 

information.)

Breast cancer

You should be screened for breast cancer on the following schedule: 

•	 In your 20s and 30s, you should have a clinical breast exam every 3 years. After you turn 40, you should

have a clinical breast exam every year.

• Starting at age 40, you should have mammograms (an x-ray examination of the breasts) every 1 to 2 

years.

• At any age, you should be familiar with the normal feel and appearance of your breasts. Report any 

changes to your doctor right way. 

Discuss breast cancer risk with your doctor. If you are at higher risk, you may need mammograms at an 

earlier age. You may also need more frequent exams or additional tests.

Cervical cancer

Beginning 3 years after the start of sexual activity or at age 21, you should have a Pap test each year. A

Pap test is a microscopic examination of cells taken from the cervix. After three normal tests, you only need 

to be tested every 3 years. If you are older than age 65 and have had three normal tests, you may choose

to stop being testing. If you have had your cervix removed as part of a hysterectomy, you do not need to be 

screened (unless the hysterectomy was performed to treat cancer). 

Colorectal cancer

Beginning at age 50, you should be screened for colorectal cancer on one of the following schedules.

• You may have a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (a test that checks for blood in the stool) once each year.

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy (examination of the lower colon) may be performed once every 5 years.

•	 FOBT each year may be combined with flexible sigmoidoscopy once every 5 years.

• You may have a colonoscopy (examination of the colon) every 10 years.

• Computed tomography (tuh-MOG-ruh-fee) (CT) scans of the colon (“virtual colonoscopy”) are used at 

some medical centers for screening.

Talk to your doctor about which type of testing is best for you. If you are at high risk of colon cancer, your 

doctor may recommend additional testing.

Diagnosis

Once a tumor is found, your doctor will 

collect a tissue sample. This procedure is 

called a biopsy. Your doctor will examine 

the tissue to find out whether it is cancer. 

More tests may be needed to determine 

the cancer’s stage or how advanced it is. 

The stage is based on the location and 
Cancer 63

size of a tumor and whether the cancer 

has spread. At earlier stages, cancer is 

easier to treat.

Cancer treatment

After diagnosing and staging the cancer, 

your doctor will discuss cancer treatment with you. Treatments may include 

measures aimed at curing the cancer and 

therapies that ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Depending on the 

type of cancer and its stage, doctors may 

recommend one or more of the treatments below. 

l	 Surgery alone may be able to remove 

the cancer if it has not spread beyond 

the tissues where it began. Surgery 

may also be combined with other 

treatments.

l	 Chemotherapy, or chemo, uses 

drugs to destroy cancer cells. It may 

cure cancer, prevent it from growing 

or spreading, or relieve symptoms. 

Chemo may also harm healthy cells. 

This causes side effects such as fatigue, 

nausea, hair loss, weight loss, and 

anemia (uh-NEE-mee-uh).

l	 Radiation therapy targets cancer cells 

with a type of energy called ionizing 

radiation. It may destroy a tumor or 

shrink it, and it may harm healthy cells 

near the area being treated.

l	 Biological therapy stimulates the 

body’s immune system to fight the 

cancer. It may also ease the side effects 

of other cancer treatments.

l	 Hormone therapy may be used to 

treat breast, ovarian, and endometrial 

cancers. Female hormones help these 

cancers grow. Hormone therapy reduces or blocks the effect of these 

hormones.
64 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

l	 Complementary or alternative medicines are treatments that are not part 

of standard medical care. These treatments include herbal medicines, massage therapy, acupuncture, meditation, 

and others. These practices or medicines are called “complementary” when 

they are used along with standard care. 

When they are used in place of standard treatments, they are called “alternative.” You may find complementary 

medicine helpful for relieving cancer 

symptoms. It may also help with the 

side effects of other treatments. Talk to 

your doctor before trying complementary or alternative medicine. Your doctor can make sure it will not interfere 

with other treatments. 

Scientists are working to improve existing treatments to target cancer cells 

without damaging healthy cells. New 

types of treatment include gene therapy 

(changing the genetic material in cells) 

and vaccines. These treatments may be 

used to treat some cancers in the future.

Fertility

Depending on the site of your cancer 

and type of treatments, cancer may affect 

your ability to have children. Before you 

start cancer treatments, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Some treatments 

may make it difficult or impossible for 

you to have children. You may wish to 

consider procedures that protect fertility 

before treatment. Options may include:

l	 freezing embryos, eggs, or ovarian 

tissue

l	 moving ovaries to another part of the 

body to protect them from radiation

l	 surgeries that remove cancer but do 

not cause infertility

If you decide to become pregnant after 

cancer treatment, talk to your doctor or a 

doctor who specializes in fertility issues 

or reproductive problems. You may have 

special health risks or problems conceiving. You may also wish to consider 

whether your cancer is likely to come 

back.

What you can do to feel better

Coping with fatigue and pain

Fatigue—feeling weak or tired—is 

one of the most common symptoms of 

cancer. It can have a big effect on your 

quality of life, day-to-day activities, work 

life, and relationships. Many people with 

cancer experience pain, either from the 

For more information, see the Complementary and Alternative Medicine chapter on page 367. 
Cancer 65

cancer itself or from cancer treatments. 

It is important to talk to your doctor 

about these and any other symptoms 

or side effects you experience. There are 

treatments that can help you feel better.

Taking care of your emotions

Cancer and cancer treatment can affect your emotional well-being in many 

ways. For example, you may feel shock, 

anger, or fear when you learn you have 

cancer. Cancer may change your sense of 

yourself and your future. And the disease 

or treatments may alter your appearance, abilities, and body image. These 

and other factors can lead to depression, 

which affects one-third to one-half of all 

women diagnosed with cancer.

It’s important to take care of your emotions after a cancer diagnosis. You may 

find it helpful to seek additional support.

l	 Join a cancer support group where you 

can discuss your feelings with others 

who share your experience.

l	 Talk to your doctor if you are feeling 

depressed or anxious. There are medications that may help.

l	 Seek counseling or therapy to help 

cope with your emotions.

l	 Seek support from your family and 

friends.

l	 Talk with a spiritual advisor or 

religious leader.

Surviving cancer

Thanks to improved screening and treatment, more and more women are surviving longer after a cancer diagnosis. 

Cancer may affect your health, emotions, 

work, and relationships long after your 

treatment ends. As a cancer survivor, you 

need to continue to take care of your 

physical and emotional health.

l	 Talk to your doctor about any symptoms you have, such as pain, fatigue, or 

depression.

l	 Set up a schedule for follow-up care 

with your doctor. At follow-up appointments, your doctor can address 

any side effects of treatment and check 

to see if the cancer has returned or 

spread.

l	 Talk to your health care team about a 

wellness plan that can improve your 

health and may reduce the chances 

that your cancer will return.

l	 Take care of your emotions and seek 

support when you need it. n
66 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

One Woman’s Story

I

have been a nurse for more than three decades and am currently working as a home 

health nurse and a professor. Cancer is not who I am—it’s what is happening to me. 

Early in October 2006, I felt pain in my upper left breast and noticed a lump. My doctor 

ordered	a	mammogram	and	an	ultrasound,	and	then	a	biopsy.	I	was	horrified	when	the	

biopsy revealed that it was, in fact, cancerous. After careful consideration, I elected to 

have a bilateral mastectomy because of the high possibility of reoccurrence in my right 

breast. A plastic surgeon performed the reconstruction at the same time. I am grateful 

for such cutting-edge treatment, and I am 

thankful to the federal government for mandating that insurance companies cover 100 My body may 

percent of reconstructive breast surgery.

When I found out I had cancer, I was initially be beaten and 

in denial—devastated and numb. Two previous biopsies I had were negative; I was the 

picture of health and was rarely sick. It turns tired, but I am not 

out the hardest thing about being diagnosed 

with breast cancer was breaking the news to 

my family.

defeated.

Now,	even	though	I	pretend	to	be	fine,	I	still	

have moments of uncertainty. Every day is 

truly a miracle for me. The hair loss has been hard, and the chemotherapy leaves me 

tired and drained. The taste in my mouth is probably the worst. My favorite food, enchiladas, don’t taste right. I still maintain a healthy diet because I know it’s in my best interest. 

Surviving cancer has been challenging, to say the least, but a good outlook helps. So 

does having a strong support team at work and at home. My body may be beaten and 

tired,	but	I	am	not	defeated.	Cancer	doesn’t	define	me	and	I	will	not	let	it	win.	I	am	a	

survivor; through cancer I have learned not to take things, people, situations, and life for 

granted. Every day is precious, and I must give it my best and be a testimony for others 

who may be facing breast cancer this very day. 

Bettie

Las Cruces, New Mexico
Cancer 67

For More Information...

Office on Women’s Health, HHS

200 Independence Ave SW, Room 712E

Washington, DC 20201

Web site: www.womenshealth.gov/

breastcancer

www.womenshealth.gov/quitsmoking

www.womenshealth.gov/faq/bsefaq.htm

www.womenshealth.gov/faq/pap.htm

Phone number: (800) 994-9662, 

(888) 220-5446 TDD

National Breast and Cervical Cancer 

Early Detection Program, CDC

4770 Buford Hwy NE, MS K-64

Atlanta, GA 30341-3717

Web site: www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp

Phone number: (800) 232-4636,

(888) 232-6348 TTY

National Cancer Institute, NIH

6116 Executive Blvd, Room 3036A

Bethesda, MD 20892-8322

Web site: www.cancer.gov 

Phone number: (800) 422-6237,

(800) 332-8615 TTY

National Center for Complementary and 

Alternative Medicine, NIH

PO Box 7923

Gaithersburg, MD 20898

Web site: www.nccam.nih.gov

Phone number: (888) 644-6226, 

(866) 464-3615 TTY

American Cancer Society

250 Williams St

Atlanta, GA 30303

Web site: www.cancer.org 

Phone number: (800) 227-2345,

(866) 228-4327 TTY

American Institute for Cancer Research

1759 R St NW

Washington, DC 20009

Web site: www.aicr.org 

Phone number: (800) 843-8114

CancerCare

275 Seventh Ave, Floor 22

New York, NY 10001

Web site: www.cancercare.org

Phone number: (800) 813-4673

Fertile Hope 

65 Broadway, Suite 603

New York, NY 10006

Web site: www.fertilehope.org

Phone number: (888) 994-4673

Gynecologic Cancer Foundation

230 W Monroe, Suite 2528

Chicago, IL 60606

Web site: www.thegcf.org

Phone number: (800) 444-4441

Lance Armstrong Foundation

PO Box 161150 

Austin, TX 78716-1150 

Web site: www.livestrong.org

Phone number: (866) 467-7205

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

500 NE Spanish River Blvd, Suite 8

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Web site: www.ovarian.org 

Phone number: (888) 682-7426

Susan G. Komen for the Cure

5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250

Dallas, TX 75244

Web site: www.komen.org 

Phone number: (877) 465-6636