Last Updated:
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide, yet many remain unaware of the risks.
World Cancer Day 2026: Raising awareness on women’s cancer, prevention, and early detection.
World Cancer Day is observed every year in India on February 4. The day aims to raise awareness about cancer prevention, the importance of early detection and the need for accessible treatments. World Cancer Day was established in 2000 by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), a leading international governmental organisation.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide, yet awareness of the risk is still low. Breast, cervical, ovarian, and lung cancers are among the most common types. While some cancers are widely recognised, others often go unnoticed until they reach advanced stages.
ALSO READ: World Cancer Day 2026: Date, Theme, Awareness And Prevention Tips
This World Cancer Day, it is crucial for women to understand the risks, prioritise early detection, and make informed choices to protect their health.
Cancer Awareness Facts For Women
Before looking at the most common types of cancer, it’s important to understand that certain cancers affect only women.
Cancers That Only Affect Women
The cancers unique to women primarily involve the female reproductive system. These include ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, uterine sarcoma, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer.
Together, these cancers affect different reproductive organs such as the ovaries, uterus, endometrium (the uterine lining), cervix, vagina, and vulva.
ALSO READ: World Cancer Day 2026: Healthy Workplace And Corporate Habits To Reduce Cancer Risk
While breast cancer is often included in this category, it is not limited to women. The condition can affect both men and women.
Common Risk Factors for Cancer in Women
- Family history: Having multiple female relatives with female-related cancers increases your risk.
- Obesity: Excess body weight can raise your chances of developing certain cancers.
- Smoking: Heavy tobacco use is a major risk factor.
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can increase cancer risk.
The Most Common Types Of Cancer In Women
Breast, lung, colorectal, skin, and uterine cancers are the most frequent cancers among women around the globe.
- Breast Cancer: One of the most common cancers in women, breast cancer can also affect men, though it is far more prevalent in women.
- Lung Cancer: Often linked to smoking, tobacco use, and environmental exposures, it is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
- Colorectal Cancer: It affects the colon or rectum. Early detection through routine screenings can significantly improve outcomes.
- Oral Cancer: Oral cancer is especially common due to high tobacco and betel nut use.
- Cervical Cancer: Associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical cancer is largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening.
- Blood Cancers: These cancers begin in the blood or immune system and include conditions such as leukaemia and lymphoma.
General Treatment Approaches
Cancer treatment varies depending on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient’s overall health. Often, a combination of therapies is used to achieve the best results.
Common treatment options include:
- Surgery: Through surgery, one can remove cancerous tissue when the disease is confined to a specific area.
- Chemotherapy: It uses medications to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy: This process uses high-energy rays to target and eliminate cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: These therapies include advanced procedures that target cancer cells more accurately and improve the body’s immune response.
How To Stay Safe
- Nearly half of all adult cancers can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. Key steps include:
- Avoid tobacco in all forms.
- Stay physically active and limit long periods of sitting.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Reduce intake of processed foods, red meat, sugary drinks, and refined grains.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Ideally, avoid alcohol altogether. If you do drink, limit it to no more than one drink per day for women.
- Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure by using sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Know your risk factors by understanding your personal and family medical history.
- Get regular health checkups and follow recommended cancer screening guidelines.
February 04, 2026, 07:15 IST