Health Information

Here are a range of links and resources relating to various women’s health concerns. Whilst CWHC does not directly offer medical services, we will certainly be able to put you in touch in medical professionals to address all your physical health related concerns!

CERVICAL CANCER | BOWEL CANCER | BREAST CANCER | SKIN CANCER

 Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—having a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years is now the best way to prevent it.

Why is this screening program important?

A Cervical Screening Test prevents cervical cancer by detecting the human papillomavirus (HPV).  HPV is the cause of almost all cervical cancers. 

Most women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Australia have not had regular Cervical Screening Tests (or the Pap test prior to December 2017).

Where can I go for my cervical screen?

You don’t have to see your family doctor for cervical screening – the test can be performed by a local GP or nurse. Find out where you can have your cervical screening test and book your appointment. 

For more information visit: the cancer institute nsw

Bowel Cancer Screening

Australia has one of the highest incidence of bowel cancer in the world. Bowel cancer is a malignant growth occurring generally in the lining of the large bowel—it is the second biggest cancer killer in both Australia and NSW. 

Why is this screening program important?

There were 5,083 new bowel cancer cases and 1,695 deaths in NSW during 2017. Bowel cancer is common—it kills more people in NSW than prostate cancer, breast cancer or melanoma. 
If detected early, bowel cancer can be successfully treated in more than 90% of cases.

What you need to know:

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers free screening for bowel cancer to eligible Australians aged 50 - 74ys, every 2 years.

  • Survival rates are significantly improved when bowel cancer is detected and treated early. Bowel cancer screening saves lives—it can detect cancer before symptoms appear.

  • Know the symptoms of bowel cancer and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

  • Understand how to reduce your risk of bowel cancer—take measures such as eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals and whole grains, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active.

  • Understand more about lifestyle risk factors

For more infomration visit: THE CANCER INSTITUTE

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer is a collection of cells in the breast tissue that grow in an uncontrolled way. It is the most common cancer affecting women in NSW, with 1 in 7 women developing breast cancer in their lifetime. A screening mammogram (breast x-ray) is the best method to detect breast cancer early for women over the age of 50.

Why is breast screening important?

In 2020 alone, it is expected 6,292 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and the disease will cause 980 deaths.

Finding breast cancer early improves survival, yet 50% of woman aged 50 - 74yrs in NSW are still not being screened, with culturally and linguistically diverse communities recording significantly low screening participants.

What you need to know:

A screening mammogram is the best method to detect breast cancer early for women over the age of 50. All women aged 50 to 74 should have a mammogram every 2 years.

Visit BreastScreen NSW to find your nearest service, or call 13 20 50 to book your free mammogram.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged, for example, by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australians.

Why are skin cancer checks important?

Every year, in Australia:

  • skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers

  • the majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun

  • the incidence of skin cancer is one of the highest in the world, two to three times the rates in Canada, the US and the UK.

To learn more, check out this Skin Cancer Awareness Guide developed by The Derm Review