Having a Check-up :: Self-Examination
Self examination should play an important part of sexual health. Cancer is one of the biggest killers in the country and it does not just affect people who smoke. Breast, cervical and testicular cancers can be removed easily and safely if detected early. You can do a simple examination at any time but when you have a bath is an ideal opportunity.
If you notice any changes or experience any pain consult your doctor or a nurse immediately.
Testicular Examinations
- Men aged between 15 - 40 are more at risk from testicular cancer so it is important to check them about once a month
- Check out this site that gives step by step instructions on how to check your testicles
- If you are unsure about how to check your testicles, ask your GP or Practice Nurse to show you
Breast Awareness
- Women should get to know the look and feel of their breasts so that anything unusual (lumps or tenderness) is quickly noticed. Do this about once a month preferably after your period
- Check out this site that gives step by step instructions on how to check your breasts
- If you are unsure about how to check your breasts, ask your GP or Practice Nurse to show you
Cervical Smear Tests
If you are female and aged over 25 then you need to consider having regular smear tests. These should be done every three years until the age of 65. A smear test looks for changes to cells in the neck of the womb (cervix) which indicate that they may become cancerous at some time in the future if not treated.
Cervical cancer is more common in women who have many changes of sexual partner, in women who smoke and is also associated with genital warts. You are more protected by using barrier methods of contraception ( condoms and caps.) Even if you have never had penetrative sex or you are a lesbian, you should still consider having a smear test.
You can get a smear test done at your GP's or a Family Planning Clinic or GUM Clinic (Genito-Urinary Medicine). You will be asked to remove clothing on your lower body and lie on a couch with a blanket covering your lower body. The test is usually carried out by a nurse who uses a speculum to open your vagina so that your cervix is accessible. A small spatula is then wiped across the cervix to obtain a sample of the cells which is then sent to a laboratory. This doesn't hurt unless you are already in pain with a pelvic infection but it can feel a bit uncomfortable - far less if you relax!
The Results
The GP or clinic will usually write to you if anything is slightly abnormal or you may be asked to call in or phone to check your result one month after it is taken.
An abnormal result virtually never means cancer. Small changes are often seen which revert to normal without treatment.
If there is a problem you will be followed up carefully by repeat smears, and should more abnormal cells (called DYSKARYOSIS) be seen, you will be offered treatment at a colposcopy clinic. This is an out patient clinic. The doctor there makes a close examination of the cervix using a colposcope to magnify any abnormal cells, which can then be removed under local anaesthetic. This is almost 100% effective: the abnormalities are treated before they cause problems.
Cervical screening is not 100% accurate. Every abnormal cell cannot be detected because:
- Some cell changes occur where the sampling device can't reach
- The cervical smear takes a sample of cells only
- Cell changes can occasionally develop very rapidly, and will occur between smears
- A smear reader may be looking for four or five abnormal cells on a slide which contains half a million cells - there will be errors despite the best endeavour
However, the process of cervical cells changing into cancerous cells is usually a very slow process which can take ten years. By having regular smear tests every three years small changes are more likely to be detected than not. Having a regular smear test can save your life!
