Women’s Health | Free Breast Cancer Screening for Ages 50-74
Are you aged between 50-74? Are you up to date with your breast cancer screening?
If the answer is no to the above then it’s time to get screening.
According to the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, only half of women in the target age group are taking up their two yearly free mammograms to test for breast cancer.
Breast screening is important for the early detection of breast cancer. The earlier breast cancer is detected the sooner it can be treated with more favourable outcomes. Breast screening also helps to provide women with reassurance following a normal result.
Breast screening is performed using a machine called a mammogram that pushes pressure onto the breasts whilst images are taken. This usually lasts for 10 seconds at a time.
These images are then analysed by a specialist doctor and the results are sent to yourself and your GP. You will then be put on a register to remind you to return every 2 years until the age of 74.
If you have any concerns regarding breast cancer or would like advice on how to check your breasts come and see me in clinic today.
Hope you all have a fabulous weekend and enjoy the sunshine 😎🌞 Sunshine is a great source of vitamin D which is essential for bone health, the immune system, mood regulation and much more!
Always make sure that you use sunscreen at least SPF30 whilst in the sun and avoid the peak times of 10am-3pm.
For more advice on vitamin D come and see me in clinic.
It is estimated that in Australia there will be over 1000 new cases of Ovarian cancer in 2018. Ovarian cancer happens when the cells in one or both of the ovaries become abnormal and change into cancer.
The symptoms of Ovarian cancer can overlap with other less serious health problems. But there are four types of symptoms that occur most frequently: - abdominal or pelvic pain
- persistent bloating
- needing to urinate frequently
- feeling full after eating small amounts
Other symptoms to be aware of are:
- change in bowel habit
- unexplained weight gain or weightloss
- irregular bleeding
- back pain
- nausea
- fatigue
- pain during intercourse.
Treatment is best managed by a gynaecologist and may include chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
If you are concerned or have any of the above symptoms, come and see me in clinic today for a check up.
Research has shown that fewer then 10% of Australians eat the recommended amount.
Experts recommend that we have at least 5 serves of vegetables and 2 serves of fruit a day! 🥔🌽🥕🥒🍅🍇🥝 Fruit & vegetables contain lots of fibre, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants which all help to keep your body healthy and can protect against long term conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.
The recommended allowance is different for children and breastfeeding mothers, but you can find more information here: eatforhealth.gov.au
So when you’re out grocery shopping don’t forget to pick up that broccoli!
For more information on healthy eating drop by and see me in clinic today.
It’s National Skin Cancer Action Week. Two in three Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70 and more than 2000 people die of skin cancer each year.
Most skin cancers are preventable by the use of good sun protection:
- slip on sun-protective clothing 👚
- Slop on SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen ✋️
- Slap on a broad brimmed hat 🎩
- Seek shade ⛱
- Slide on sunglasses 🕶
It’s important to stay out of the sun from 11-3pm as that’s when the sun is strongest. If you need to step out make sure you keep exposure to a minimum and use protective gear.
Getting to know your skin and regularly checking your moles is a great way to notice any changes that you can alert to your doctor. Make sure you see your doctor if notice any change in the colour, size, shape of a mole or if they become itchy or bleed.
Skin checks are simple and easy and are a great way to prevent any long term problems.
Let’s join the #SunSmartGeneration with the Cancer Council Australia 😎
