Pink Prescriptions - October 2026

October 2026 Issue — Pink Prescriptions

Beyond the Pink
The Top 5 Cancers Affecting Women

The risks, warning signs and screenings every woman should have on her radar.

October turns the spotlight to breast cancer—and rightfully so. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, and breast cancer awareness has helped generations of women become more informed about screening, early detection and risk. But breast cancer isn’t the only cancer women need to know about.

Beyond the pink ribbons are four other cancers that can affect women in significant ways, each with its own risk factors, warning signs and screening recommendations. Taking an active role in our health means looking beyond one diagnosis and understanding the bigger picture.

Since October has us all thinking about cancer, we here at Pink turned to local expert physicians and asked them a simple but important question: What are the top five cancers women may face, and what should we know to help reduce our risk and protect our health?

Here’s what they told us—and we’re certainly glad we asked.

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By J. Eric Turner, M.D.
Beaufort Memorial Oncology Specialists

Ranked #1 — Breast Cancer

When should I have a screening?
Screening recommendations can vary depending on whether you are at average or increased risk. The American College of Radiology and the American Society of Breast Surgeons recommend women age 40 and older receive annual screening mammograms.

Your personal screening schedule may be different if you have a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer. Talk with your doctor about when you should begin your screenings and whether you need additional imaging.

What symptoms should I look for?
A new lump or mass in the breast is the most common symptom, but it’s not the only warning sign. Some breast cancers are detected on a screening mammogram before a person notices any symptoms.

Other possible symptoms include:
• Swelling of the entire breast or a part of the breast
• Skin dimpling or texture resembling an orange peel
• Red, dry, flaky or thickened breast or nipple skin
• Nipple retraction (turning inward)
• Irregular nipple discharge
• A change in breast size or shape
• Breast or nipple pain
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone

Many of these symptoms can have causes other than cancer, but any new or unusual changes in your breasts should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

What statistics should I know?
The American Cancer Society reports that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. besides skin cancers, accounting for 1 in 3 new cancers in women each year. Overall, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. The median age of a breast cancer diagnosis is 63; 1 in 10 women diagnosed with the disease are younger than 45.

How can I reduce my risk?
Some breast cancer risk factors, like age, genetics and family history, cannot be changed, but there are steps you can take to support your overall health and potentially reduce your risk for breast cancer.
• Limit alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay physically active
• Don’t smoke
• Choose a healthy diet

Lifestyle changes alone cannot eliminate the risk of breast cancer, but they’re an important part of a healthy approach to cancer prevention.

J. Eric Turner, M.D., is a board-certified, fellowship-trained medical oncologist with Beaufort Memorial Oncology Specialists. He treats patients with a wide variety of cancers at the Keyserling Cancer Center in Beaufort, employing therapies such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

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By John Daniels, DO | Southeast Lung Associates,
Novant Health Hilton Head Medical Center

Ranked #2 — Lung Cancer

When should I have a screening?
For women who are at a higher risk for lung cancer, annual screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended beginning at age 50. High risk individuals are those who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years and have a 20 pack per year smoking history. However, not everyone who develops lung cancer has a history of smoking. People with significant risk factors such as strong family history, substantial secondhand smoke exposure, radon exposure or previous radiation to the chest should talk with their healthcare provider about their individual risk and options.

What symptoms should I look for?
Lung cancer may not cause symptoms in the early stages, which is one reason why screening is important for those at an increased risk. Symptoms that can be present include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain, recurring respiratory infections (such as bronchitis or pneumonia), unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue or weakness, and persistent hoarseness. While these symptoms can have many causes other than lung cancer, they are among symptoms worth discussing with your healthcare provider. If you develop a new or persistent symptom, in particular a cough that doesn’t go away or coughing up blood, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider rather than waiting for the symptom to resolve on its own.

What statistics should I know?
• Lung cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in women, behind breast cancer.

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. More women die from lung cancer each year than from breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers combined.

• Lung cancer doesn’t only affect smokers. While smoking is the biggest risk factor and the leading cause, lung cancer can also occur in women who have never smoked.

• Nearly half of lung cancers are diagnosed after they have already spread; early detection is the best defense in optimizing outcomes. Talk to your healthcare provider about screening if you are at risk.

How can I reduce my risk / prevent lung cancer?
Not all lung cancers can be prevented, but there are several things you can do to lower your risk:

• Don’t smoke or stop smoking if you do. Smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer, and quitting lowers your risk at any age.

• Avoid secondhand smoke—keep your home and car smoke-free and avoid exposure whenever possible.

• Know your family and personal history—some risk factors cannot be changed, but knowing your history can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your risk.

• If you’re at high risk for lung cancer, ask about screening. Screening is the best form of early detection available. Don’t hesitate to ask your provider if you meet the screening criteria.

Dr. John Daniels is a board-certified pulmonology and critical care physician with 20+ years of experience. His areas of expertise include lung disease and sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. Dr. Daniels takes an individualized approach to patient care, taking the time to understand each patient’s unique needs and develop a treatment plan tailored to their health and lifestyle. Dr. Daniels is accepting new patients—call Southeast Lung Associates in Hilton Head at 843-682-3583 or visit www.selung.com to learn more.

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By Laura C. Knobel, M.D. | Laura C. Knobel, M.D. LLC

Ranked #3 — Colorectal Cancer

When should I have a screening?
Colon cancer has become one of the leading cause of cancer deaths and is growing in younger age groups. As a result, current screening guidelines suggest starting at age 45 for those at normal risk. People at high risk include those with a family member diagnosed under 60, or two family members with colon cancer, those with genetic predisposition (Lynch syndrome) or inflammatory bowel disease. In this group, we would start screening at 40, or 10 years younger than the earliest diagnosed cancer in the family, whichever comes first. We would stop screening when the person has less than a 10-year life expectancy, typically in their late 70’s due to an increased risk of complications.

What symptoms should I look for?
Colon cancer can be present without any symptoms, so it is important to make sure you’re screening appropriately. Some signs we can see would be rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, unexplained anemia or weight loss, change in bowel habits (typically new onset constipation) and less likely stomach pain.

What statistics should I know?
Current screening tests include the gold standard of colonoscopy, which should be done every 10 years in low-risk individuals. There are at-home tests like Cologuard® which are only indicated for people who are at low risk, with no history of polyps or family history of colon cancer and should be repeated every 3 years. There is a new blood test that should be second or third line as it is less accurate, and also should be repeated every three years.

In 2026, there were approximately 109,000 cases of colon cancer and 50,000 cases of rectal cancer accounting for 52,230 deaths. People over 65 accounted for 25.9% of cases, those age 55-64, 22.3%, those age 45-54 15.9% and rising, and age 35-44 5.3%, also rising. Men outnumber women 41% to 32%. There are also racial differences with Native Americans and Alaskan natives at the highest risk, followed by Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Asians, and Pacific Islanders in that order.

How can I reduce my risk / prevent colorectal cancer?
You can reduce your risk of colon cancer by following some simple guidelines. First, make sure you do your scheduled screenings, early detection can improve your 5-year survival to over 95%. Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly. Limit your alcohol use and stop smoking. For those with a family history, possibly doing genetic testing to assess risk. The earlier we detect colon cancer, the better the chances of survival. Don’t delay your screening.

Dr. Laura Knobel is a board-certified family physician with decades of experience in whole-person care. She and her team take time to understand your lifestyle, medications, and medical history to ensure Exomind and Emsella therapy safely complements your care. All functional wellness treatments are performed under physician care. Call 843-836-2200 or visit www.knobelmd.com to learn more.

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By Claude Tolbert, MD
OB/Gyn, Novant Health Riverside Women’s Care

Ranked #4 — Uterine Cancer

When should I have a screening?
Currently, no routine screening for uterine cancer exists for average-risk women without symptoms. The main tool is recognizing symptoms and seeing your doctor promptly when symptoms arise. An important exception to this rule is Lynch Syndrome, where endometrial cancer risk is markedly increased and surveillance with endometrial sampling is suggested (e.g. annually starting at age 35), and risk-reducing hysterectomy is part of prevention counseling.

What symptoms should I look for?
One of the most important warning signs of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This can include postmenopausal bleeding (even light spotting should be evaluated), heavier or longer periods than usual, bleeding between periods, bleeding after intercourse, or unusual vaginal discharge (particularly if new or persistent). It is important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by many conditions that are not cancer. However, any bleeding that is unusual for you—especially bleeding after menopause—should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

What statistics should I know?
Uterine cancer is the most common malignancy of the female reproductive organs. Roughly 68,000+ new US cases are projected for 2026, with an 81% 5-year survival rate overall. Uterine cancer primarily affects postmenopausal women, though cases appear to be rising in younger women and non-white racial/ethnic groups. As abnormal vaginal bleeding can be an early warning sign, most uterine cancer is diagnosed at an early stage.

How can I reduce my risk or prevent uterine cancer?
For average-risk women, risk reduction strategies include achieving and maintaining a normal body mass index, engaging in regular physical activity, breast feeding, and using hormonal as opposed to non-hormonal contraception. Hormonal contraception is protective. Postmenopausal women who are on hormone replacement therapy with an intact uterus should be on estrogen and progesterone combination. For patients at highest risk (e.g. Lynch Syndrome), prevention strategies include hormonal contraception prior to completion of childbearing and risk-reducing hysterectomy after childbearing is complete.


The take-home message that I stress to all of my postmenopausal patients is postmenopausal bleeding is never normal. Contact your gynecologist immediately if these symptoms develop.

With more than 20 years of experience caring for women and families in Beaufort County, Dr. Tolbert is passionate about building lasting relationships with patients through every stage of life. As a board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Tolbert combines compassionate, personalized care with advanced surgical techniques, including robotic and laparoscopic surgery, to support better outcomes and faster recovery. Dr. Tolbert is accepting new patients—call 877-291-5325 or visit www.novanthealth.org to learn more.

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By Tempest Allen, M.D., FACOG | Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists

Ranked #5 — Ovarian Cancer


When should I have a screening?
Currently, there is no screening test for ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer diagnosis requires multiple steps, including:

Examination: You undergo a physical examination, including a pelvic exam. During your exam, you explain your symptoms and your family and personal medical history.

Imaging: A transvaginal ultrasound helps identify abnormal growth in the uterus. With this screening, an OBGYN or another specialist inserts an ultrasound wand into the vagina. The wand emits sound waves, which a computer translates into images of the uterus. Other imaging technologies can help with diagnosis or treatment planning.

Laboratory testing: A simple blood draw can help identify problems in your blood. Tests detect low white or red blood cell counts, as well as the presence of markers that may indicate ovarian cancer.

Based on these results, your provider may prescribe a biopsy. For this procedure, a gynecologic surgeon removes a sample of tissue from your uterus. These abnormal cells then undergo laboratory testing to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer.


What symptoms should I look for?
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer is essential for diagnosis. Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Bloating that lasts for a prolonged period
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Feeling a sudden or frequent need to urinate

These symptoms may indicate cancer if they affect you for more than 12 days a month. You may also experience changes in your bowel habits, extreme fatigue or unexpected weight loss. In some cases, vaginal bleeding can occur, even if menopause has put an end to your menstrual cycle.

What statistics should I know?
Ovarian cancer is fairly rare, but because it often goes undetected for a long time, the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists reports that it’s the most common cause of gynecologic cancer death in the U.S. Recognizing the signs of the disease early can help your healthcare provider detect it as soon as possible.

How can I reduce my risk?
While there’s no proven way to prevent ovarian cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk. These include:

Birth control: If you’re at average risk for ovarian cancer, taking birth control pills helps reduce your risk. The longer you take the pill, the more protection you receive. Other birth control options, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), may also lower your ovarian cancer risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Carrying a child to full term before age 26 reduces your likelihood of ovarian cancer. Having additional children lowers your risk even further, as does breastfeeding for as long as possible.

Preventive surgery: Surgically removing your ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus makes you less likely to experience ovarian cancer. This approach is typically reserved for those with a strong family history of cancer.

Tempest Allen, M.D., FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists. She cares for patients in every stage of womanhood, with a particular clinical interest in menopause management.
Call 843-522-7820 or visit www.bmhsc.org to learn more.