Get checked - Women
This month Melville Medical Group has a focus creating A cancer prevention plan for women
Finding cancer early improves your chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.
Look out for:
· Lumps, sores, or ulcers that don’t heal
· Unusual changes in your breasts – lumps, thickening, unusual discharge, nipples that suddenly turn inwards, changes in shape, colour, or unusual pain
· Coughs that don’t go away, show blood, or hoarseness that persists
· Weight loss that can’t be explained
· Any loos of blood, even a few spots between periods or after they stop (menopause)
· Moles that have changed in shape, size or colour, or inflamed skin sore that has not healed
· Blood in a bowl motion
· Persistent changes in toilet habits
· Persistent abdominal pain or bloating
These symptoms can often be related to less serious problems. However, if you notice anything unusual book an appointment with your doctor.
Check early for Breast cancer
If you are over 40 you can have a free Mammogram (Brest x-ray) every two years. Mammograms look for early Breast cancer in women without symptoms.
Regular Mammograms can reduce your risk of Breast cancer death by 25%
Breast cancer is estimated to be 13% of all new cancer cases in 2021
It is estimated that 20,030 women were diagnosed with Breast cancer in 2021
Have a regular cervical screening test
Have a cervical screening test every five years from the age of 25.
A pap smear and a cervical screening test while they are similar in its procedure, they are slightly different in that the cervical screening program now tests for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. The Cervical screening test has replaced the pap test since 2017. If you have had a pap smear you should have your Cervical screening two years after that pap test.
In Australia women can access a vaccine that can protect against the cause of most cervical cancers, HPV. However, it does not protect against all HPV types which is why women still need regular cervical screening tests.
There is currently no screening test for ovarian, uterine, endometrial, vulva, or vaginal cancers. Fortunately, these cancers are rare. Be aware of what is normal for you and if you notice any changes visit your doctor.
In 2021 It is estimated that 913 cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed.
Ask about screening for bowel cancer
Early detection of bowel cancer greatly improves chances of successfully treatment.
Your risk of bowel cancer increases with age. If you are over 50 you should be tested for bowel cancer every two years.
The National bowel screening program, using FOBT is offered free to all Australians aged between 50-74 every two years. If it’s time for you to do a bowel test speak with your doctor.
It is estimated that 1 in 20 females will be diagnosed with bowel cancer by the age of 85
