The other women's cancers

Out of the 200 existing cancers, breast cancer is the most common one affecting women, accounting for one in three of cases, according to Cancer Research. But there are other common cancers, and you can reduce your risk of getting them by being not just 'breast-aware', but 'body-aware' too.

• The cancers only women can get
• Taboo cancers
• Common cancers that affect women

The cancers only women can get
'Gynaecological cancers' target the female reproductive organs in 14,000 women each year and they come in many different guises.

Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer and womb (endometrial) cancer are the fourth and fifth most common cancers among women in the UK, with approximately 6,900 and 6,000 new cases yearly respectively (Cancer Research UK).

With ovarian cancer, as with breast cancer, risks are higher if it runs in the family. Women who have close relatives who have encountered ovarian cancer - mothers, sisters or daughters - are advised to have yearly pelvic examinations.

Ovarian cancer's warning signs, which include bloating, indigestion, nausea, vaginal bleeding, pelvic or stomach discomfort, can be misconstrued for other conditions, like IBS or even menstruation. Womb cancer also has many symptoms in common with other 'gynae' conditions. Vaginal bleeding outside of the monthly period or during menopause and discharge or pain in lower abdomen are all signs.

What you can do: The advice is simple according to the ovarian cancer charity, Ovacome (www.ovacome.org.uk), 'Know the symptoms and pay attention to them'. If in doubt, get checked out by your GP.

Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer, which attacks the neck of the womb, is the second most common cancer affecting under 35s. Around 3,000 new cases are diagnosed annually.

Because cancer of the cervix is has few symptoms and can take years to develop, screening is the most effective form of prevention. A smear test is the popular name for the procedure where cells are quite literally smeared on to a slide, which is sent to the lab for closer examination. Regular smears can identify any abnormal changes in the cells that could potentially lead to cancer.

The good news is that this slightly uncomfortable test is working and the rates of cervical cancer are falling. Between 1988 and 1997, yearly death rates dropped below 1,000, according to the National Office of Statistics.

Abnormal cells are usually the result of a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus). Often these clear up with time but in a few women they can develop into cancer if untreated.

Women may be at a slightly higher risk if:

• they have used the Pill for over ten years
• they have many sexual partners increasing their chances of encountering HPV
• they have a weakened immune system
• they smoke, which doubles the likelihood of HPV cells appearing
• they have had an early first pregnancy. Risk increases with number of pregnancies

Eve, 35, from London was terrified of smear tests before abnormal cells were found during one of her checks. 'Every time I had a smear test, I would get worked up to the point of passing out, but it wasn't until things weren't quite normal, that things changed.' Eve's test revealed moderately abnormal cells, which were removed by minor surgery. 'Now I never miss a smear test and try to relax so that the nurse can take the sample quickly. Five years on, my cells - which could have been pre-cancerous - are back to normal.'

What you can do: Fighting cervical cancer is as simple as keeping a record of your next smear (every three years between the ages of 25 and 49 or five years between 50 and 64). Make sure your GP always has your contact details to send a reminder.