SCREENING FOR CANCER

All women, regardless of their age, should begin regular breast exams, and if sexually active, regular screening for cervical cancer.

Early detection is one of the most important factors in successfully treating or preventing these diseases, and at Womens Health Clinic, our all-female service is designed to make it easy to get screened and comfortable discussing findings and other wamens health matters with your doctor or counsellor.

At our complex in Toukley situated on the Central Coast of New South Wales in Australia, Toukley Womens Health Clinic provides a range of womens health services to women.

Why should I get screened for breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women living in Massachusetts and is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related death among women.

Yet, if detected early, the five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer is 97 percent. Getting checked for breast cancer is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to keep yourself healthy.

Early detection of breast cancer means getting treatment faster, which can make a big difference in the outcome. Even if you perform regular breast self-exams, annual exams by a health professional are essential.

For women age 40 and older and those in high-risk groups, regular mammograms should be performed every one or two years. A mammogram can detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage—an average of one to three years before a woman can feel a lump.

Remember: Just because you have a breast lump, it doesn't mean you have cancer. There are many causes of lumpiness in breasts and, in fact, about 80 percent of all breast lumps are not cancerous. However, if you do feel a lump in your breast, it's important to get it checked.

 For more information visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation website.

Why should you get screened for cervical cancer?

In Australia, many new cases of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed each year. The good news is that it is one of the most treatable forms of cancer if detected early enough.

Pap smear tests can find cervical cancer at an early stage, when it is most curable, and even prevent the disease if precancerous lesions are found and treated. All women should begin getting a Pap Test within three years of onset of sexual activity or at age 21, whichever comes first, and should be screened at least every three years.

An irregular pap smear result does not always mean you have cancer; it can also be the result of a minor infection. Plus, it usually takes many years for pre-cancerous cervical cells to progress to cancer, and progression to cancer does not always occur. Your Womens Clinic doctor or counselor will help you get the testing you need to determine the cause of your problem and treat it appropriately.

If you are diagnosed with cancer, our clinic nurse and counselors will be there to support you, as well as advise you and guide you to make appropriate medical decisions and treatment choices. 

Toukley Womens Health Clinic can also provide case management, support and counseling, and referrals.

 For more information visit the Cancer Council website.