Harcourts Women’s 5km walk/run takes place on Sunday March 2. The aim? To not only raise the profile of breast cancer and raise much needed funds for the Tasmanian Cancer Council but for women to have fun and be active.
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Director Cancer Control and Quit Services, deputy chief executive officer of Cancer Council Tasmania Dr Kathryn Terry shares advice for women on how to look out for and prevent cancer :
Finding cancer early improves your chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.
Look for:
- Lumps, sores or ulcers that don’t heal
- Unusual changes in your breasts – lumps, thickening, unusual discharge, nipples that suddenly turn inwards, changes in shape, colour or unusual pain
- Coughs that don’t go away, show blood, or a hoarseness that hangs around
- Weight loss that can’t be explained
- Any loss of blood, even a few spots between periods or after they stop
- Moles that have changed shape, size or colour, or an inflamed skin sore that hasn’t healed
- Blood in a bowel motion
- Persistent changes in toilet habits, or
- Persistent abdominal pain or bloating.
Symptoms often relate to more common, less serious health problems. However, if you notice any unusual changes, or symptoms persist, visit your doctor.
Check for early breast cancer
Check for early breast cancer
If you are over 40 you can, have a free BreastScreen Australia mammogram (breast x-ray) every two years. Mammograms look for early breast cancers in women without symptoms.
Regular mammograms can reduce your risk of breast cancer death by 25%, particularly women in the 50-69 age group for whom benefit is highest.
Have a regular Pap smear
Have a regular Pap smear
Have a Pap smear every two years from the age of 18, or within one to two years of becoming sexually active. Pap smears can detect early changes in the cells of the cervix, so that they can be treated before cancer develops. Up to 90 per cent of cervical cancers can be prevented through regular Pap smears.
In Australia, women can access a vaccine that can protect against the cause of most cervical cancers, human papillomavirus (HPV). However, the vaccines do not protect against all HPV types that cause cervical cancers, therefore all vaccinated women will still need regular Pap smears.
There are currently no screening tests for ovarian, uterine, endometrial, vulvar or vaginal cancers. Fortunately, these cancers are very rare. Be aware of what is normal for you and if you notice any changes or symptoms that persist, visit your doctor.
Ask about screening for bowel cancer
Ask about screening for bowel cancer
Early detection of bowel cancer greatly improves chances of successful treatment. Your risk of bowel cancer increases with age. If you are over 50, you should be tested for bowel cancer every two years.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening program uses the faecal occult blood test (FOBT) to detect hidden blood in bowel motions. People without symptoms aged 50, 55 and 65 are eligible to participate.
From 1 July 2013, people turning 60 will be included; people turning 70 will be added in 2015.
Some people have known risk factors which put them at increased risk. If you do, your doctor will talk to you about regular surveillance.
Ways to reduce your cancer risk
Ways to reduce your cancer risk
Stop smoking
– lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australian women.
Be SunSmart
– protect yourself in the sun and take care not to burn.
Stay in shape
– aim for a healthy body weight
Move your body
– be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most or all days.
Eat for health
– choose a varied diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and limit your intake of red meat.
Avoid or limit alcohol
– no more than two standard drinks a day (recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council) and try one or two alcohol-free days a week.
Remember, if you have any concerns or questions, please contact your doctor.
Visit the Cancer Council Tasmania website here: http://www.cancertas.org.au/
To sign up for the 5km walk/run click here http://womens5k.com/
Start fundraising today! Click here to find out more http://5km.gofundraise.com.au