Health – Body needs ‘warrant of fitness’ checks

Screening is a tool we use to pick up changes in the body that may lead to poor health outcomes if not addressed. The process starts before birth with things such as maternal blood tests and ultrasound scans, and continues until late adulthood. Women will be familiar with two of these procedures – cervical screening (otherwise known as ‘smear’ tests), and mammograms.

We were all saddened to hear the recent news that Cabinet Minister Kiri Allen has been diagnosed with Stage 3 cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is preventable and can be avoided, if a woman has regular cervical screening tests.

During this test, a trained nurse or doctor inserts a speculum (a device that makes it possible to visualise the neck of the womb) into the vagina. A small brush with soft bristles is then used to remove some of the cells from this area. These are examined under a microscope. The test itself usually takes less than a minute. No one looks forward to this procedure, but it is so important to attend when invited, and really, it is not all that bad. Perhaps rewarding yourself with a nice brunch or a coffee with friends afterwards is a good incentive. Mammograms are breast scans which are offered to women between the ages of 45 and 69. Scans every two years are free and can pick up early breast cancers which would otherwise go undetected.

I am a real advocate for breast screening, particularly after my mother was diagnosed with early breast cancer after a mammogram in March, last year. Her doctor said she is a perfect example of the success of breast screening. She had no symptoms of the cancer, and did not feel any lumps or have any other signs. We have no family history of breast cancer but my mum, being a retired nurse, understood the importance of screening and hence attended for her mammogram. The cancer was picked up early, she had surgery and was put on medication and is doing extremely well, with no recurrence. The story could have been a lot different if she had not had that mammogram.  Think of screening as a ‘warrant of fitness’ for your body. You wouldn’t be happy driving a car that had not been checked. If it is really something you dread doing, please discuss these concerns with your doctor or practice nurse and we can make accommodations if needed. Having these tests could prevent a lot of heartache in the future.

One thing to point out here, is that if you do have any symptoms or signs, such as irregular vaginal bleeding, pain, a lump in the breast or skin changes, or any other symptoms which you are concerned about, please don’t hesitate to see your doctor.  Yes, screening does pick up some cancers but not always, so please do not ignore these signs, and make an appointment.

Info: the National Screening Unit website, www.nsu.govt.nz