Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many have felt anxious about going to the GP and other health facilities, believing these places have a greater risk of transmission. Many of us have also had to juggle work, childcare and home-based education.
An inspiring article featured in The Conversation highlights the vital role of health checks for women. Authored by Jenny Doust, Clinical Professorial Research Fellow, and Gita Mishra, Professor of Life Course Epidemiology at The University of Queensland, this piece encourages women to prioritise their health and well-being. They advocate for proactive health measures, empowering women to take charge of their lives and embrace a healthier future.
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It's essential to recognise the impact of challenges on our health journeys. The number of women attending preventive health checks faced a significant drop, with 145,000 fewer breast cancer screenings conducted between January and June 2020 compared to the same period in 2018. However, we are now celebrating an inspiring resurgence, with an additional 80,129 screenings completed in 2022-23. This progress gives us hope for a healthier future.
Let this be a reminder that we have the power to overcome obstacles and prioritise our well-being, ensuring we don't let the pandemic lead to avoidable poor health.
Here are some primary health checks the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) recommends for women. These checks are recommended for women at average risk. However, women with a strong family history of any of these conditions should consult their GP to see if they need to begin screening earlier or consider different types of testing.
Cervical cancer screening
The National Cervical Screening Program in Australia recommends that women aged 25 to 74 undergo cervical cancer screening every five years.
In December 2017, a new screening test was introduced, changing the testing interval from two years to five years. This modification was recommended because the new test can detect changes earlier, resulting in fewer women being tested each month, with a noticeable decline starting from December 2019.
As of March 2024, data released on HPV Awareness Day indicates that more than 315,000 Australian women have opted for self-collection, accounting for 27% of all screening tests. This represents a significant increase from just 1% before the expansion of self-collection options.
Women diagnosed with cervical cancers through screening have an 87% lower risk of dying compared to those who have never undergone a cervical screening test.
Nationally, over 70% of cervical cancers occur in women who have never been screened or who are not up to date with their cervical screening.
Breast cancer screening
Breast Screen Australia recommends an x-ray of the breasts, called a mammogram, every two years for women aged 50-74.
Evidence for the benefits and harms of breast screening has been highly contested, so it's important women make an informed choice. Cancer Australia states that for every 1,000 women screened for 25 years from the age of 50, around eight will avoid dying of breast cancer. On the other hand, eight women in every 1,000 screened will be treated unnecessarily (usually with surgery) for cancers that would never otherwise have been diagnosed.
Screening works by finding cancer before a woman has any symptoms, but it also finds cancers that grow very slowly or even regress, and that would never have caused symptoms. More sensitive tests, such as MRI, see more of these "overdiagnosed cancers" than other tests.
Breast cancer survival has improved significantly in the past few decades. Still, most of this seems to be due to treatment improvements rather than screening improvements.
Ovarian cancer
Unfortunately, there is no method for early detection of ovarian cancer, and the symptoms can be vague, often leading to late diagnosis.
The most common symptoms are abdominal bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, appetite loss, feeling full quickly, indigestion, urinary frequency or urgency, constipation, unexplained weight loss or gain, and unexplained fatigue.
Women who have any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks should see their GP.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
About 1 in 20 women in their 20s will have a chlamydia infection, and 1 in 200 will have gonorrhoea. These increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. HIV, Hepatitis B and syphilis are less common but important to detect early.
There is no formal screening program, but the RACGP encourages sexually active women younger than 30 to have regular testing, especially if there has been a change in sexual partners.
Cardiovascular disease and diabetes
The leading causes of death in women in Australia are dementia, heart attacks, strokes, and lung cancer. The risks of these can be reduced with good preventive health.
Women shouldn't forget to get their blood pressure and cholesterol regularly checked.
The RACGP recommends women have their blood pressure checked every two years from age 18, cholesterol every five years from age 45, and checks for diabetes and kidney disease when at risk (for example, if you have a family history). GPs recommend a general health check for those aged 45 to 49, a heart health check for those over 45, or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people over 30.
Treating high blood pressure and cholesterol and reducing smoking rates has prompted a massive decline in Australian heart disease deaths since its peak in the 1960s. However, women are less likely to have all risk factors for heart disease checked, and younger women are less likely to be put on blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medication than men with the same risk level.
Bowel cancer
Over the past three decades, there has been a staggering 266% increase in bowel cancer incidence rates among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24. Those born in 1990 or later are at double the risk of developing colon cancer and four times the risk of developing rectal cancer compared to individuals born in 1950.
Bowel cancer screening is recommended by the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program for all Australians every two years between ages 50 and 74. This is done by a stool sample test using a kit mailed by the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and returned by post. This screening reduces deaths from bowel cancer by 16%.
GPs have worked hard to ensure their patient's safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. But it's also important the recommended preventive health checks are not delayed unnecessarily.
At Manuka Medical Centre, we prioritise your individual health needs and want to remind you of our commitment to ethical medical practice. This dedication is particularly vital when it comes to your healthcare, especially regarding cancer check-ups and screenings.
We believe in the importance of proactive healthcare tailored to you, ensuring you feel supported and cared for at every step of your health journey. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are here to work together for a healthier future, providing you with the support and care you need.
Importance of Cancer Check-Ups
Cancer check-ups are vital for early detection and treatment, significantly improving survival odds. General practitioners play a crucial role in this process by guiding patients through the complexities of screening recommendations, which can vary based on age, family history, and risk factors.
Types of Cancer Check-Ups
Guidance for patients
Regular Check-Ups
Schedule annual check-ups with your general practitioner, where your doctor can assess your overall health, discuss any symptoms, and recommend appropriate screenings.
Be Informed
Educate yourself on the types of cancer relevant to your age and family history. Understanding risk factors enables more proactive healthcare decisions.
Maintain Dignity and Respect
Approach your healthcare interactions with transparency. Be honest about your personal and family medical history, as this allows your healthcare providers to offer the best-tailored care.
Foster a Foundation of Trust
Establishing a solid trust with your healthcare providers is essential for your well-being. It's crucial to participate actively in conversations about your health; feel empowered to express your thoughts and concerns. Don't hesitate to probe deeper—ask detailed questions about the screening procedures and any follow-up recommendations they suggest. This open dialogue will not only enhance your understanding but also strengthen the partnership you have with your healthcare team.
Value Holistic Care
Cancer check-ups are part of a broader health maintenance strategy. Prioritise physical well-being, mental health, and lifestyle factors (such as diet and exercise), as these contribute significantly to overall health.
Prioritising cancer check-ups is an essential aspect of your overall health strategy. Early detection can significantly affect outcomes, and being informed and proactive is key. We encourage you to take charge of your health by scheduling regular check-ups with your general practitioner and discussing any concerns or symptoms. Remember, knowledge is power, and building a trusting relationship with your healthcare provider will empower you to make the best decisions for your health.
Don't wait—take the first step toward a healthier future today by booking your next appointment and ensuring you stay on top of your health. Your well-being is worth it!