Women’s health Awareness at Amtan

Women are recommended to have a general check-up with their GP every year. Part of the check-up will involve talking to your doctor about your medical history, your family’s history of disease and your lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise habits and whether or not you smoke or drink alcohol.

Seeing your doctor for regular medical check-ups will help you stay healthy and pick up early warning signs of disease or illness. Many diseases such as cardiovascular (heart) disease, diabetes and some cancers can be picked up in their early stages, when treatment is often more effective.

If you are at high risk of a particular disease for example, if you have a family history of it. It is recommended that you get checked more frequently, and at an earlier age.

*Telehealth Appointments are available, please check with your Amtan Clinic for more information.

Cholesterol Check

This is a tool used to assess your risk for developing heart disease or stroke. If you’re age 20 or older, you should have your cholesterol measured at least once every five years, says the National Institutes of Health. Most healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years. More frequent testing might be needed if your initial test results were abnormal or if you already have coronary artery disease, you’re taking cholesterol-lowering medications or you’re at higher risk of coronary artery disease because you.

Pap Smear Test (sometimes called the Pap smear) has changed to the cervical screening test.

The new cervical screening test procedure is similar to a Pap smear test, for both tests a doctor or a nurse takes a sample of cells from the cervix. However the Pap smear test used to look for abnormal cells in the cervix, while the cervical screening test looks for HPV infection. The new test for HPV can identify women who could be at risk of cervical cancer earlier than the Pap test could.

Women aged 25 – 74 years of age should have a cervical screening test two years after their last Pap test. Subsequently, you will only need to have the test every five years if your results are normal.

Body Mass Index

It is recommended to screen all adults for obesity, which usually requires having your body mass index (BMI) calculated. While there are no hard and fast guidelines for how often your doctor should take this measurement, it’s an important number. Your BMI indicates whether or not you are obese, a condition that raises your risk of serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease.

Breast cancer health checks for women

Women aged between 50 and 74 years who have no personal or family history of breast cancer are recommended to have a screening mammogram (breast X-ray) every two years.

If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, your doctor can help you to decide how often you need to be screened.

If you notice any breast changes, be sure to visit your GP immediately.

Breast cancer health checks for women

Bowel Cancer is a common cancer and, if detected early, has a good recovery rate. A faecal occult blood test (FOBT) is used to screen for bowel cancer. It tests for blood in your stool (poo), which may be a sign of bowel cancer (or of other, unrelated things). If a positive result is returned, a follow-up test such as a colonoscopy will be recommended.

Skin Cancer Check / Skin Assessment

It’s important to perform regular self checks and bring to your GP’s attention of any changes (new or existing moles). At your skin examination your GP will carefully inspect the skin looking to recognise any early signs of skin cancer.

If you are at increased risk for skin cancer, or have a family history of it, talk to your doctor.

previous fracture, caused by a minor trauma such as a fall from a standing height.

Sexual Health

Sex continues to be important for many women as they age.

In the last few years there has been more research around sexual function during the menopause transition in areas such as low libido or pain during intercourse, but very little specifically focused on how important sex is to women during this time. Effective treatment for sexual dysfunction often requires addressing an underlying medical condition or hormonal change. Speak to your GP to discuss any concerns.

previous fracture, caused by a minor trauma such as a fall from a standing height.

Other health tests for women

You may need other regular tests not listed here, depending on your personal or family medical history. Ask your GP for further information.

Services include:

• Pap Smears
• Breast Screening
• Family Planning
• Contraception, including Contraceptive Implants and Intrauterine Device Procedures
• Fertility Advice
• Pre-conception Counselling
• Pregnancy Advice and Management (shared care)
• Post-natal check-ups
• Baby & Child Health Checks
• Menopause Advice and Management

Amtan Medical Centres provide a range of comprehensive health services. These include:

• Allergies
• Antenatal
• Asthma Management
• Blood Pressure
• Children’s Health
• Childhood/Adult Immunisations
• Chronic Illnesses GPMP
• Contraceptive Implants
• Driving Assessments
• ECG and Spirometry
• Health Plans
• Infectious Diseases
• Injury Management
• Intrauterine Device Procedures
• Medical Assessments
• Medico Legal Reports
• Men’s Health
• Minor Surgical Procedures
• Nutrition
• Plastering
• Psychology
• Skin Checks
• Weight Loss
• Women’s Health
• Work Cover
• Wound Care