We will survive …
Turn the beat around for women ’ s
cancers
With Dr Mary Ling , Central Coast Breast and General Surgeon
Gloria Gaynor , pink sequins and glitterballs will be out in force next month , when 300 cancer survivors and supporters don their boogie shoes at the Coast ’ s biggest cancer event of the year . Breast Cancer surgeon Dr Mary Ling who is guest speaker at the fundraiser for all women ’ s cancers , reveals the red flags and screening checks for the 3 most common cancers in women – that should not be ignored .
1Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women , affecting 1 in 8 women in their lifetime . Early stage breast cancer has a 5-year survival of 99 %, compared to 25 % in late stage breast cancer . Be Screened : Women 50 – 74 years are eligible for a free mammogram every two years . A mammogram can pick up cancers as small as a grain of rice and screening appointments take 20 minutes ( think express pedi ). BreastScreen NSW has a centre in Erina ( Phone 132050 ) and mobile vans in Woy Woy ( until 24 August ) and Bateau Bay ( until 12 October ). Be Aware : The most common symptom is a new lump or mass . Other symptoms include change in size or shape of your
breast , dimpling ( orange peel appearance ), nipple discharge and nipple retraction .
2Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in Australia and 1 in 16 women will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime . 90 % of bowel cancer cases can be treated successfully if found early . Be Screened : Women ( and men ) aged between 50 and 74 years are encouraged to do a faecal occult blood test ( FOBT ) every two years . FOBT can detect tiny amounts of blood ( invisible to the naked eye ) in bowel movements . The test can be performed at home and involves ‘ doing a poo and poking it with a little stick ’. Be Aware : Rectal bleeding is the main symptom . Other symptoms include persistent change in bowel habit , abdominal pain and / or bloating and unexplained weight loss .
3 Melanoma
Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia and the leading cause of cancer death in young Australians . Alarmingly , the Central Coast has been identified as one of the top five ‘ NSW Melanoma Hotspots ’ by Cancer Institute NSW . 1 in 24 women will be diagnosed with melanoma sometime in their life .
Saturday Night Fever
Hundreds of disco divas will converge on Ettalong Diggers on September 15 for Girls Just Wanna Have Fun , Boogie Wonderland
90 % of melanomas detected and treated early are cured . Be Screened : High risk individuals ( including people with fair skin , family history and high mole count ) should be taught to check their skin regularly and have annual professional skin checks . Be Aware : The first sign is usually the appearance of a new mole or change in the size , shape , colour or texture of an existing mole . Remember melanoma can hide in sneaky places too – so don ’ t forget to :
• Ask someone to check your scalp using a hair dryer on cool to separate hair
• Inspect all areas of your feet including the soles , underneath the toenails and between the toes
• Go polish free at your next skin check so your fingernails and toenails can be examined .
6 KIDZ ON THE COAST