Women's Health

Breast Cancer

Breast Examination

- Get to know your breasts! Look at them when you are dressing, and feel them when you are in the shower or bath.

- This way you will become aware of any changes that are not normal for you (breasts can change slightly during your monthly cycle).

- Look for any changes such as a lump or thickening in your breast or armpit, any unusual pain or discharge from the nipple, unusual changes in the outline, shape or size or any unusual sensation.

- There are many reasons for changes in your breast and most of them are harmless, but should be checked. If you find any changes, then see your doctor as soon as possible.

- It is possible for men to develop breast cancer too, although male breast cancer makes up less than 1% of all cases.

For more local information about Breast Screening click on this picture

Cervical Cancer

Cervical Smears

- Women between the ages of 20 - 64 are offered free cervical smear tests every 3 - 5 years.

- It's a simple test that should take no more than 5 minutes, and involves the doctor or nurse gently inserting an instrument into your vagina to open it up, then using a small spatula to take a sample of cells from the cervix.

- Though it can be slightly uncomfortable it should not be painful.

- The test can detect early cell changes, and help to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.

- if you are going to have a smear test, try to remember that the doctor or nurse will have done lots of smears, and will try to put you at ease.

For more information about Smear Tests (Cervical Screening) click on the picture below

 

HPV Vaccing (Cervical Cancer)

The HPV (cervical cancer) vaccine programme is offered in secondary schools. Year 8 girls can receive the vaccine in school but if you are born between 1st September 1991 and 31st August 1995 you are also eligable to receive the vaccine for free.

For further information about the vaccine and who to contact - click on the picture below 

 

Your Period

- A period is belleding through your vagina

- Your body is getting ready every month in case it has to support a fertalised egg.

- When no pregnancy happens, the lining of your uterus (womb) starts to break up (a mixture of blood and cells) and along with the unfertalised egg is squeezed out by the surrounding muscles.

- This is why some girls and women get period pains, or tummy ache.

- Sometimes you can get other symptoms such as tender breasts, or low backache. Everybody's different so you might not get any symptoms at all.

- Periods can start from any age, usually around 12 or 13, but some girls start as early as 8 and as late as 17. It will happen when your body is ready and not before!

- Periods come roughly once a month, but can take 2 or 3 years to settle into a regular pattern. Each one can last between 2 and 7 days, but the average is about 5.

Try to be prepared in advance, work out what sort of sanitary protection is best for you, and try to take it with you until your periods settle down into a regular pattern.

If you are at school, your school nurse will be able to give you information and probably help if you start unexpectedly.

PMS

Pre-Menstrual Syndrome in other words!

Some people get very miserable or snappy and feel irritable in the days before their period and this is called pre-menstrual syndrome.

Though you sometimes hear people making jokes about it, it isn't funny if you are suffering.

If you are struggling with painful periods or feel that you are suffering from PMS, it might be wise to talk to your doctor or chemist about it. If you have other questions about periods, you could call:

Brook Advisory Centre ~ Tel: (01534) 507981

Sexual Health Direct ~ Tel: 0845 310 1334