Overview of Traditional Methods of Diagnosis and Treatment for Women-Associated Cancers

Abstract

Cancer is a global health issue affecting the world population and a leading cause of mortality among women. Due to epidemiological transition, much of the burden of cancer incidence and mortality occurs, particularly in the less developed countries. The women in undeveloped countries continue to appear in later stages of disease with fewer treatment choices than women in developed countries. The inadequate access to screening, early detection practices and treatment strategies along with a combination of poor social policies and unfair economic arrangements result in overall higher cancer deaths among women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although cancer diagnosis and treatment modalities are available, they are associated with adverse side effects, hence there is a crucial need to find novel and efficient therapies. In addition to treatment, prevention, screening and early detection interventions are needed to combat different types of women-associated cancers in both high- and low-resource settings. This chapter summarizes the global cancer burden in women, trends, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancers affecting women.