There’s rarely a single moment where all your screening comes up at once. A reminder text here, a form you meant to fill in there, a conversation you keep meaning to have with your GP. Before long it’s been a year, or longer, and you’re not entirely sure what’s actually up to date.
This month we’re bringing three of the most important checks for women together in one place: breast, cervical and bowel. None of them need to feel daunting, and you don’t need to have all three on your mind at once. Our team can check what’s due for you in a couple of minutes.
Breast
Getting to know what’s normal for you is the first step, so anything new (a lump, a change in shape, skin puckering, nipple changes) stands out and gets checked. One in seven Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, which is exactly why regular checks matter, not because something is wrong, but because catching changes early gives you the most options.
Depending on your age and risk factors, this might mean a free two-yearly mammogram through BreastScreen Australia, or a clinical breast check with your GP. If you’re not sure which applies to you, that’s a completely normal question to bring to your next appointment.
Cervical
Cervical screening has changed a lot over the past few years, and a lot of women are still working from an outdated picture of what’s involved. The cervical screening test now only needs to happen every five years for most women aged 25 to 74, and self-collection is now an option for many people, meaning you can take your own sample in a private area of the clinic rather than needing a traditional exam.
If it’s been a while (or you’ve never had one), there’s no judgement here. Our nurses can talk you through exactly what to expect before you book.
Bowel
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends a free home test kit in the mail every two years to eligible Australians. It’s quick, it’s done in your own bathroom, and it’s linked to a real reduction in the risk of dying from bowel cancer. If yours has gone missing, expired, or you’ve just never quite gotten around to it, our nurses can help you order a replacement or talk through how it works.
Bringing it together
None of these checks require you to already have a symptom or a specific worry. “I’d like to check what screening I’m due for” is a completely reasonable reason to book an appointment, and our GPs are used to covering more than one of these in the same conversation.
While you’re catching up on your own health this month, it’s also worth mentioning to us if anyone in the family is behind on a flu or shingles vaccination before winter fully wraps up. It’s an easy add-on to any appointment.
Book a time with your GP at your local Atticus Health clinic to check what’s due.
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