“TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY, IT’S THE ONLY PLACE YOU HAVE TO LIVE IN”
PAP SMEARS
Women between the ages of 21 and 65 years should have a pap smear. Either done in a Doctors surgery or Clinic. Pap smears should be done every 3 years unless otherwise indicated by your Doctor or Clinic Sister or if you notice unusual signs and symptoms.
During the pap test, the Doctor or Nurse will use a plastic or metal instrument called a speculum. This helps the Doctor or nurse examine the vagina and the cervix and collect a few cells and mucus from the cervix and the area around it. The cells are placed on a slide or in a bottle and sent to the laboratory. This is a screening test for cervical cancer. Appointments can be made at MKEM’s Women’s Health clinic for a routine smear. 021 9485706 and ask for Christine in the Clinic.
MAMMOGRAMS AND BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION
Recommended Screening – age 40 – yearly Mammograms and Clinical Breast Examinations
Breast Self-Examination should be performed at the same time each month by the individual. It takes little time and costs nothing. Contact a Health Care Professional if you discover any changes. Monthly self-examination should start from the age of 20. Women under 40 with either a family history of Breast Cancer or other concerns about personal risk should consult with a trained medical professional about RISK assessment and when to begin Mammography.
PSA TEST (PROSTATE SERUM ANTIGEN)
The Prostate is a sex gland which lies just below the bladder in men. It provides fluid to help produce sperm. The Prostate surrounds the tube (urethra) that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis. Because of this, problems effecting the prostate gland can sometimes effect how you urinate as well as possibly changing your sexual function. Risk is greater for men who have a family history and is more common in Western countries, suggesting that there may be a link with lifestyle factors such as diet. PSA is a blood test. A raised level may mean you have prostate cancer. However other conditions which are not cancer can cause higher PSA levels in the blood. Your Doctor will also examine you rectally (bottom) with a gloved finger to feel the prostate gland. Benefits of PSA Testing – reassurance if test normal and early detection of Cancer. Recommended from the age of 50 or 40 and 45 if you fall into a RISK group.
EVERY MAN HAS ONE….ITS IMPORTANT TO THEIR SEX LIFE, YET FEW MEN KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THEIR PROSTATE OR WHAT CAN GO WRONG WITH IT.