Our newest addition to the My Specialist GP family is the amazing Dr Tichler, who specialises in women's health and is there to help should you be concerned about your health.
Having regular smear tests with our doctors and checking our breasts at home can give quick reassurances to our health, and whether or not we will need further treatment. Do you know what to look out for when checking your breasts? Read on for a quick guide.
Breast Checks
One in eight women develop breast cancer in their lifetime, developing in the glands or ducts that carry milk to the nipples. Factors that can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer include your age, weight, activity, alcohol use, hormonal issues, genetics and sometimes the oral contraceptive pill.
Checking your breasts for any irregularities at least monthly is a very important tool that all women can use to ensure that there is nothing out of the ordinary going on between visits with a doctor. An early diagnosis can make a significant difference to the outcome. Breast examinations do not take long, and can be done just before entering the shower or lying down, following three simple steps: Touch, Look, Check.
Signs of issues with your breasts include: a lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit; changes to the skin such as puckering or dimpling; a change of colour in the breast; nipple has changed, e.g has become inverted, crusting, a rash or discharge; a change in size or shape of the breast; lingering pain.
It is very important to be checked out by a doctor if you have any changes or concerns as soon as possible. We provide breast checks with Dr Tichler for £130, so that any worries you have can be alleviated, which can be booked by email or over the phone on 01628 478036.
There has been research to suggest that regular physical activity may reduce the chances of developing cancer.
Here are some simple steps to check your breasts whilst in the shower:
Feel for changes in the breast. It helps to have your hands slippery with soap and water. Check for any lumps or thickening in your underarm area. Place your left hand on your hip and reach with your right hand to feel in the left armpit. Repeat on the other side.
Check both sides for lumps or thickenings above and below your collarbone.
With hands soapy, raise one arm behind your head to spread out the breast tissue. Use the flat part of your fingers from the other hand to press gently into the breast. Follow an up-and-down pattern, moving from bra line to collarbone. Continue the pattern until you have covered the entire breast. Repeat on the other side.
Smear tests
A smear test is a very quick and simple check that looks at the health of your cervix, looking for any changes in HPV cells. NHS guidelines recommend you have this procedure every 3-5 years from the age of 25, but if you have a particular concern these can be done yearly, with a lot of our patients preferring this to keep a check on their health. A small sample of cells will be taken from the opening of your womb and is checked for any cell changes, so that any anomalies found can be treated before they have a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
The procedure is quick and simple: you will be asked to undress from the waist down, lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat and apart. A speculum will be inserted, then a brush will sweep to take the sample of cells in under five minutes. There may be some light bleeding afterwards which is completely normal.
If you are due a smear test, we offer these for £180 with results in 2-3 days performed by Dr Tichler. We also offer ovarian health checks for £240, which includes a gynaecological ultrasound and report. Why not click here to read about what we offer and can help with for women's health specifically, and email us to book an appointment?
As well as breast checks and smear tests, Dr Tichler is available to discuss sexual health, HRT, mental and hormonal health with you in a consultation. To book an appointment to discuss your health, either ring us on 01628 478036 or email info@myspecialistgp.co.uk.