Common forms of cancer
Cancer is a complex group of diseases that can affect various parts of the body. There are many different types of cancer, and each type may have unique symptoms, screening recommendations, and ages at which screening should begin.
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Here's an outline of some common forms of cancer:
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. The ovaries are responsible for producing eggs (ova) and female sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer typically develops when normal cells in the ovaries undergo genetic mutations, causing them to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor.
Screening
Associated Forms of Cancers
Ribbon Color:

Teal
Awareness Month:
September
Symptoms:
Ovarian cancer is often called the "silent killer" because it can be challenging to detect in its early stages due to the lack of noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can be vague and easily attributed to other common conditions. Some of the common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
Abdominal bloating or swelling
Pelvic pain or discomfort
Changes in appetite, such as feeling full quickly or difficulty eating
Increased urgency or frequency of urination
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
More Info:
Multiple Myeoloma
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system. It is characterized by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of plasma cells within the bone marrow, leading to the formation of tumors in bone tissue. Multiple myeloma is also sometimes referred to as myeloma or plasma cell myeloma.
Screening
Associated Forms of Cancers
Ribbon Color:

Burgandy
Awareness Month:
March
Symptoms:
More Info:
Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. The uterus is a female reproductive organ where a fertilized egg implants and grows during pregnancy. Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer and primarily affects postmenopausal women, although it can occur in women of all ages.
Screening
Associated Forms of Cancers
Ribbon Color:

Peach
Awareness Month:
September
Symptoms:
Common symptoms of endometrial cancer may include:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting, particularly after menopause.
Unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual periods.
Pelvic pain or discomfort.
Pain during sexual intercourse.
Unexplained weight loss.
More Info:
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that connects to the vagina. Cervical cancer typically begins when normal cells in the cervix undergo genetic mutations, leading to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Over time, these cells can form a tumor and may spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Screening
Associated Forms of Cancers
Ribbon Color:

Teal & White
Awareness Month:
January
Symptoms:
Often asymptomatic in early stages; later stages may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse. Common symptoms of cervical cancer may include:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, after sexual intercourse, or after menopause.
Pelvic pain or discomfort.
Pain during sexual intercourse.
Unexplained weight loss and fatigue (in advanced stages).
More Info:
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.
Screening
Associated Forms of Cancers
Ribbon Color:

White
Awareness Month:
November
Symptoms:
Common symptoms of lung cancer may include:
Persistent cough, often with blood.
Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing.
Shortness of breath.
Unexplained weight loss.
Hoarseness.
Fatigue.
Recurrent lung infections, like bronchitis or pneumonia.
More Info:
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide.
Screening
Associated Forms of Cancers
Ribbon Color:

Pink
Awareness Month:
October
Symptoms:
Common symptoms of breast cancer may include a breast lump or mass, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge (other than breast milk), nipple inversion or changes, skin changes on the breast (redness, dimpling, puckering), and breast pain (though breast cancer is not typically painful).
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Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer, often referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the digestive system responsible for processing and eliminating waste from the body. Colorectal cancer typically starts as a growth of abnormal cells known as polyps in the inner lining of the colon or rectum and can then develop into cancer over time.
Screening
Associated Forms of Cancers
Ribbon Color:

Dark Blue
Awareness Month:
March
Symptoms:
Common symptoms of colorectal cancer may include a change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation), blood in the stool, abdominal pain or cramping, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and a feeling that the bowel does not completely empty.
More Info:
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the skin's cells. The skin is the body's largest organ and plays a crucial role in protecting the body from environmental factors, including harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Skin cancer typically develops when skin cells undergo abnormal changes and multiply uncontrollably.
Screening
Associated Forms of Cancers
Ribbon Color:

Black
Awareness Month:
May
Symptoms:
Changes in the size, shape, or color of moles or skin lesions, new growths, sores that don't heal.