PUT YOUR HEALTH FIRST THIS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH HEALTH
March 8th is International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political, accomplishments of women around the globe. At The Doctors Clinic Group, we believe that empowering others to take control of their health is paramount to a happy life. Therefore, on this International Women's Day we wish to share with you some information and tips specific to women's health. Improving women’s health matters to women, to their families, communities and societies at large. Some health risks are specific to women and we believe education through knowledge is the key to empowering everyone to take control of their health.
CANCER
While cancer impacts everyone, there are certain variations that specifically impact women. Here us what you need to know about them:
Breast Cancer
It is important to be breast aware, consider the “Five-point code”
- Know what is normal for you
- Look and feel
- Know what changes to look for
- Report any changes without delay
- Attend for breast screening if aged 50 or over
Cervical Cancer
Cervical screening is a way of preventing this cancer. It tests for a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). High risk HPV can cause cervical cells to become abnormal. Virtually all cases of cervical cancer are linked to high-risk HPV.
Ovarian cancer
Is caused by abnormal cells in the ovary growing in an uncontrolled way. You should arrange to see your doctor if you have any of these signs and symptoms:
- Feeling full quickly
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in your tummy (abdomen) or lower part of your abdomen that doesn't go away
- Bloating or an increase in the size of your abdomen
- Needing to wee more often
Womb Cancer
The most common symptom of womb cancer is abnormal bleeding from the vagina.
Vaginal cancer
This is very rare. It starts in the vagina and is more common in older women.
Vulval cancer
This is also a rare cancer. It can start in any part of the female external sex organs, the vulva. Symptoms such as a constant itch or lump.
Menopause/HRT
The main effect of the menopause is a greatly reduced production of the hormone oestrogen. Some menopausal women suffer psychologically. The most common symptom is hot flushes affecting the face and neck. These vary greatly in frequency and duration. Other symptoms include night sweats, insomnia, headaches, weight gain and general irritability.
HRT is the most effective treatment available to improve menopause symptoms, for the majority of women the benefits outweigh the risks.
Endometriosis
The symptoms of endometriosis can vary. Some women are badly affected, while others might not have any noticeable symptoms.
The main symptoms are:
- Pain in your lower tummy or back – usually worse during your period
- Period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain when peeing or pooing during your period
- Feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee during your period
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- You may also have heavy periods. You might use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through your clothes
Contraception
There are many methods of contraception to choose from and it is worth taking the time to find out more about each one so that you can choose contraception that suits you. There are two methods of contraception specifically for men – the male condom and male sterilization – and 13 for women.
Some of the things you might want to think about are:
- Whether you want to become pregnant fairly soon, many years away or not at all
- How you want contraception to suit your lifestyle
- Whether you want to use the method every day, every time you have sex or less often
How the Doctors Clinic Group can help
The Doctors Clinic Group offers a range of women’s health services and checks that cover many tests and examinations including breast exams, smear tests and contraceptive advice. So, whether you need to speak to a GP about specific symptoms or want a full health check, we’re here for you in full confidence. No matter what your concern, our GPs can help you understand your symptoms and discuss possible treatments. We hope this has helped give you the confidence to take control of your health and that you have a very empowering International Women's Day!