PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

THE IDEA THAT WE NEED A NEW YEAR TO MAKE CHANGES IS AN ILLUSION. YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO PRIORITISE YOUR HEALTH AND MAKE CHANGES EVERY NEW DAY.

By Dr Donna Tanchev

Prioritising preventative healthcare is a great place to start. More often than not, we visit our GP for support, advice and treatment when we are experiencing bothersome symptoms or health concerns.

Preventative healthcare encourages us to check-in regularly with our GP even when we feel healthy to ask: What can I do to prevent ill health in the future?

We encourage our patients to check-in with their GP regularly to discuss which preventive examinations are recommended, when each was last performed, their results, and when each is due to be performed next.

Preventive healthcare includes age-appropriate cancer screening, routine health checks, immunisations/ boosters, medication reviews, physical examinations (e.g. checking blood pressure, and measuring your waist circumference) and general health advice for a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals de-prioritised or weren’t able to visit their GP for routine check-ups, meaning screening was delayed.

Screening is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of cancer, which is why it’s important to check in with your GP to see if you’re up-to-date with some of the more common screenings, such as:

Cervical cancer

Females aged 25–74 are encouraged to undergo screening for cervical cancer every five years. If you haven’t had a test since November 2017, now is the time to book one with your GP.

Bowel cancer

Individuals aged 50–74 are recommended to test for bowel cancer every two years.

Breast cancer

Females are encouraged to perform self-examinations monthly from the age of 20. Mammogram screening is advised for females aged 50 to 74 every two years. Women aged 40–49 and over 74 are also eligible.

If you plan to discuss preventive healthcare when you next visit your GP for some other reason, it’s a good idea to request a long appointment so you have plenty of time for physical examinations and advice.

DR Donna Tanchev FRACGP General Practicioner SCCA Advanced Clinical Certificate of Dermoscopy

Her Medical is a general practice dedicated to women’s health. The team consists of general practitioners and allied health staff who share a special interest in women’s health.

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