That is why mammograms are so important. A mammogram is an x-ray type of exam that detects lumps much smaller than ones that can be felt. Your chances of breast cancer may be increased if you have a history of breast cancer in your family. Doctors urge any woman over the age of 40 to have an annual mammogram. If there is a history of breast cancer in your family, you should have them done even sooner, see your doctor for a recommendation.
Ovarian cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women.
It is difficult to detect and therefore has a higher mortality rate than cancers that are easier to detect. Ovarian cancer is most common in women between the ages of 50 - 70, although it can occur in women of any age. Ovarian cancer has no symptoms in the early stages. It is most often detected when a doctor detects an enlarged ovary during a routine exam. In more advanced stages of ovarian cancer, the woman may experience intestinal problems, a sensation of fullness and abdominal or pelvic pain.