Cancer week focus on women

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 17, 17 September 1985, Page 5

Cancer week focus on women

A cancer awareness programme is being held in Raetihi and Ohakune this week, with special emphasis on women's health. Cancers of the breast are the most common cancers in women, and most of these are first discovered by the women themselves. Since breast cancers found early and treated promptly have excellent chances of cure, a woman should learn how to examine her breasts each month. The risk of breast cancer increases with age, but it is a good idea to start monthly breast self-examination by the early twenties. It is preferable to examine the breasts a few days after the menstrual perioii. After the change of life, choose a convenient day such as the first of the month. If you find a hard lump in a breast or armpit see your doctor as soon as possible. In most cases a lump in the breast is quite harmless, but only your doctor can decide if anything should be done. Pamphlets showing how to do breast self-examination will be available at awareness displays this week. Women should also have a pelvic examination and a cervical smear test (Pap smear) at least every two years. It is advisable to have a test annually after the age of 40. The Pap test, which can be done by the nurse at the local doctor's surgery, accurately detects pre-cancerous change in the cervix, as well as cancer of the cervix. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Common symptoms include irregular bleeding between periods, postmenopausal bleeding and increased vaginal discharge. Such symptoms are not sure signs of cancer, but they are important signals to see your doctor. Pre-cancerous changes may not produce any symptoms, but if changes are detected at this stage by a smear test, effectivp treatment can be given.

Leigh

Berry

Public Health Nurse