This year was a big one for cancer treatment.

Many cancers are not detected until it's too late. But there are some early signs of cancer that women might overlook. Knowing the symptoms to look for can help a doctor diagnose cancer early, which can boost the odds of successful treatment.

Earlier this year, the American Cancer Society released the latest figures on the state of the nation's battle against the world's most dreaded disease. The good news is that cancer death rates are down across the board. The not-so-good news is that less educated Americans are dying prematurely in greater numbers.