$4.7 million on Endometriosis?…What’s that? 🤔 Well let me explain.
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 Australian women and it is when the cells similar to those in the womb grow in other parts of the body. This can lead to a number of debilitating symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful irregular periods, bowel problems, exhaustion and mental health problems just to name a few.
And here’s the great news! 👏🎉 A National Action Plan for Endometriosis has just been launched in Australia. The government will be putting $4.7 million towards researching better treatment, raising more awareness and understanding over the next 5 years.
The National Action Plan will come as a great relief to a lot of women as Endometriosis is currently under-diagnosed and it will allow patients to access better diagnosis and treatment pathways.
I’m looking forward to being part of this movement.
If you have any questions or are concerned about these symptoms please pop by and see me in clinic.
This evening I attended an informative women’s health update event held by Pindara Private Hospital.
In case you didn’t know, the cervical screening program has changed and it’s now offered to those aged 25-74 every 5 years. You will be due your first test aged 25 or 2 years after your last PAP smear. And of course if you have any symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, pain or discharge seek medical advice sooner.
Medicine is always changing and it’s vital as a General Practitioner to keep up to date to give you the best possible treatment.
We covered other topics such as breast disease including lumps and skin changes, the new guidelines around polycystic ovarian syndrome and the controversial vaginal mesh.
I’m looking forward to sharing it all with you very soon.
If you have any concerns or questions please feel free to pop by and see me in clinic.
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.
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.
