Cancer affects millions of women worldwide, yet understanding which types pose the greatest risk can empower you to take preventive action. While the word “cancer” often triggers fear and uncertainty, knowledge about the most common cancers affecting women provides a powerful foundation for early detection and prevention.
From breast cancer that touches one in eight women to gynecological cancers that uniquely impact female reproductive organs, each type presents distinct warning signs and risk factors.
This comprehensive guide explores the seven most prevalent cancers in women, examining their unique characteristics, screening guidelines, and evidence-based prevention strategies.
You’ll discover how lifestyle choices, genetic factors, and regular screenings work together to reduce your cancer risk, along with practical steps you can take today to protect your health for tomorrow.
Feeling overwhelmed by cancer statistics? You don’t have to guess about prevention. My Clear Scan Plan gives you simple, evidence-based steps you can take right now to reduce risk and feel more in control of your health.
What Are the Most Common Types of Cancer in Women?
Seven types of cancer account for the majority of diagnoses in women, with breast cancer leading at 32% of all female cancer cases.
According to CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, breast, lung, and colorectal cancers combined represent 51% of all new cancer diagnoses in women. The most common cancers affecting women include:
- Breast cancer – 32% of all female cancer cases
- Lung cancer – Second most common, leading cause of cancer death
- Colorectal cancer – Affects 1 in 26 women
- Endometrial (uterine) cancer – Most common gynecological cancer
- Cervical cancer – 99.7% caused by HPV
- Ovarian cancer – 1 in 91 lifetime risk
- Skin cancer – Most common cancer overall
Approximately 38.9% of women will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime, based on National Cancer Institute data.
Breast Cancer in Women
Breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer among American women, with 316,950 new cases estimated for 2025.
The American Cancer Society reports that 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Most breast cancers occur after menopause, though rates are rising in younger women.
Early detection through mammography significantly improves survival rates, with 91% five-year survival when caught at localized stages.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Age remains the strongest risk factor, with risk increasing substantially after age 40. Women with a first-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer face double the risk. Genetic mutations, particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2, dramatically elevate risk – women with BRCA1 mutations have up to 72% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
Obesity after menopause increases risk through elevated estrogen levels. Even moderate alcohol consumption elevates risk, while extended hormone therapy use and dense breast tissue both increase cancer development risk.
Screening and Early Detection
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every two years starting at age 40. Women with high-risk factors may need earlier screening, including breast MRI. Monthly breast self-exams help women notice changes between mammograms. Clinical breast exams by healthcare providers complement mammography screening.
Gynecological Cancers That Affect Women
Five main gynecological cancers specifically affect women’s reproductive organs: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. The CDC reports these cancers have distinct symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
Uterine cancer ranks as the most common gynecological cancer, followed by ovarian and cervical cancers. Understanding weight and cancer risk becomes particularly important for gynecological cancers.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer affects 1 in 91 women during their lifetime, with 20,890 new cases expected in 2025. According to SEER statistics, the five-year survival rate reaches 91.7% when detected early, though only 20% of cases are caught at localized stages.
Most cases occur after age 63. Family history of ovarian or breast cancer elevates risk, particularly with BRCA mutations. Women with endometriosis or who have never had children face increased risk. No reliable screening tests exist for ovarian cancer.
Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
Endometrial cancer represents the most common gynecological cancer in developed countries. Obesity accounts for 57% of endometrial cancers, according to PMC research. Women with severe obesity face seven times higher risk compared to normal-weight women.
Other risk factors include unopposed estrogen therapy, late menopause, Lynch syndrome, PCOS, and diabetes. Abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause serves as the primary warning sign. Learn more about body fat and cancer risk.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer cases have declined dramatically due to screening and HPV vaccination. The CDC reports an 80% decrease in cervical precancers among vaccinated women aged 20-24. HPV causes 99.7% of cervical cancers. An estimated 13,360 new cases will occur in 2025, with 4,320 deaths. Prevention strategies include:
- HPV vaccination – Prevents up to 90% of HPV-related cancers
- Regular Pap tests – Starting at age 21
- HPV testing – For women 30 and older
- Safe sexual practices – Reduces HPV transmission
- Avoiding tobacco – Weakens immune system’s ability to clear HPV
Vaginal and Vulvar Cancer
These rare gynecological cancers primarily affect older women. Vaginal cancer accounts for only 1% of gynecological cancers. Both cancers share risk factors with cervical cancer, including HPV infection. Symptoms include unusual bleeding, persistent itching, and visible changes in genital tissues.
Lung Cancer in Women
Lung cancer ranks as the second most common cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer death. The American Cancer Society estimates 120,000 women receive lung cancer diagnoses annually. While smoking remains the primary risk factor, 20% of women with lung cancer never smoked.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Smoking causes 80% of lung cancer deaths in women. Secondhand smoke, radon exposure in homes, air pollution, family history, and previous chest radiation all increase risk. Prevention focuses on avoiding tobacco, testing homes for radon, and limiting exposure to environmental carcinogens.
Screening Guidelines
Annual low-dose CT screening is recommended for women meeting specific criteria:
- Ages 50 to 80 years
- 20 pack-year smoking history or more
- Currently smoke or quit within past 15 years
Early detection through screening reduces lung cancer mortality by 20%.
Colorectal Cancer in Women
Colorectal cancer affects 1 in 26 women, with 71,810 cases expected in 2025. The American Institute for Cancer Research identifies excess body weight as a strong modifiable risk factor. Rates have decreased in older adults due to screening but are rising in women under 50.
Regular screening can prevent colorectal cancer by detecting and removing precancerous polyps. Explore 8 ways to reduce cancer risk.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
Age over 45 marks increased risk, though younger adults are increasingly affected. Family history, inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, physical inactivity, high red meat consumption, and heavy alcohol use all contribute to risk. Warning signs include blood in stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, and bowel habit changes lasting more than a few days.
Prevention Strategies
Regular screening starting at age 45 remains the most powerful prevention tool. Maintaining healthy weight, engaging in 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, limiting red and processed meats, increasing fiber intake, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol to one drink daily all reduce risk.
Skin Cancer in Women
Skin cancer represents the most common cancer type overall, with 44,410 women diagnosed with melanoma expected in 2025. UV radiation from sun exposure and tanning beds causes 95% of skin cancers.
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma, the most common, rarely spreads but can cause local damage. Squamous cell carcinoma can spread if untreated. Melanoma, though less common, accounts for 75% of skin cancer deaths. Women under 40 have higher melanoma rates than men in the same age group.
Prevention and Early Detection
Sun protection strategies significantly reduce skin cancer risk. Prevention and early detection methods include:
- Daily sunscreen use – Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ even on cloudy days
- Avoid peak sun hours – Stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Protective clothing – Long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats
- Never use tanning beds – Increases melanoma risk by 75% before age 35
- Monthly skin self-exams – Check for new or changing moles
- Annual dermatologist visits – Professional skin checks
What Percentage of Women Get Cancer?
The National Cancer Institute calculates that 38.9% of women will receive a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. Breast cancer alone affects 12.9% of women, while colorectal cancer impacts 3.9%.
These percentages vary by race and ethnicity. Understanding personal risk helps women make informed decisions about screening and prevention. Consider reading about anti-inflammatory foods to reduce cancer risk.
Causes of Cancer in Women
Cancer develops through complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While some causes like inherited mutations and aging remain uncontrollable, many risk factors are modifiable. Research shows that 42% of cancers are preventable through lifestyle modifications.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
Tobacco use causes 30% of cancer deaths. Excess body weight links to 13 cancer types through hormone imbalances and chronic inflammation. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of seven cancer types. Physical inactivity, poor dietary patterns low in fiber and high in processed meats, and UV exposure from sun and tanning beds all contribute to cancer development.
Genetic and Hormonal Factors
Inherited gene mutations like BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome significantly elevate risk, though they account for only 5-10% of cancers. Family history, age, reproductive history including age at first period and menopause timing, natural hormone levels, and dense breast tissue all influence cancer risk.
Prevention Strategies for Different Types of Cancer
Evidence-based prevention strategies can reduce cancer risk by up to 40%. Regular screening detects precancerous changes early, while vaccination prevents virus-related cancers. Maintaining healthy weight alone reduces risk for 13 different cancers.
Key prevention strategies include maintaining healthy weight, adhering to screening schedules, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol to one drink daily, protecting skin from UV radiation, exercising 150 minutes weekly, receiving HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines, and understanding family cancer history. Learn about common misconceptions about dairy and cancer.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Early detection saves lives. Schedule regular check-ups and cancer screenings according to guidelines. Any persistent, unexplained symptoms lasting more than two weeks warrant medical evaluation. Trust your instincts about your body. Document symptoms including timing, severity, and patterns.
Seek immediate medical attention for these warning signs:
- Unusual bleeding – vaginal bleeding after menopause, between periods, or blood in stool/urine
- Unexplained weight loss of 10+ pounds without diet changes
- Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits lasting more than a few days
- Breast changes including lumps, skin dimpling, nipple discharge
- Skin changes such as new moles or sores that don’t heal
- Persistent pain without clear cause
- Difficulty swallowing or persistent indigestion
- Persistent cough or hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks
Understanding the types of cancer that most commonly affect women empowers you to take control of your health through prevention, screening, and early detection. While cancer statistics may seem daunting, remember that many cancers are preventable through lifestyle choices, and survival rates continue to improve with advancing treatments.
Stay informed about your personal risk factors, maintain regular screening schedules, and partner with your healthcare team to create a comprehensive prevention plan tailored to your individual needs.
Knowledge is power, but action changes outcomes. Thousands of women have already used my Clear Scan Plan to take back control of their health during and after cancer.
Grab your free guide today and start building your prevention plan.
References
- Siegel RL, Miller KD, Wagle NS, Jemal A. Cancer Statistics, 2025. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2025;75(1):7-33. doi:10.3322/caac.21871
- National Cancer Institute. Cancer Statistics. Updated 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics
- American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2025. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2025. https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-cancer-facts-figures/2025-cancer-facts-figures.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Is Gynecologic Cancer? CDC. Updated 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/about/index.html
- National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Ovarian Cancer: Statistics.SEER. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/ovary.html
- Torre LA, Trabert B, DeSantis CE, et al. Ovarian Cancer Statistics, 2018. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(4):284-296. doi:10.3322/caac.21456
- Smid M, Culp MB, Ekwueme DU, et al. Trends in Ovarian Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the United States, 2001–2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2025;74(6):145-151. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a4.htm
American Institute for Cancer Research. Top 7 Cancers That Affect Women — and How to Reduce Your Risk. AICR Blog. 2025. https://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/top-7-cancers-that-affect-women-how-to-reduce-your-risk/
