Women’s Screening Exams

Early detection of cancer increases the likelihood of successful treatment and long-term survival. It is common for symptoms to be related to less serious, more common health problems. Consult your physician if you notice any unusual changes or if your symptoms persist.

Look for:

• Unhealed lumps, sores, or ulcers
• Changes in your breasts - lumps, thickening, unusual discharge, nipples that suddenly turn inwards, changes in shape, colour, or unusual discomfort
• Coughs that do not go away, show blood, or persist in being hoarse
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood loss between periods or after menopause, even a few spots
• Changes in the shape, size or colour of a mole or an inflamed skin sore that has not healed
• Bowel movements contain blood
• Changes in toilet habits that persist
• Consistent abdominal pain or bloating

Screening for cancer:

• A mammogram (breast x-ray) should be performed every two years. Women between 40 and 69 are most likely to benefit from a mammogram.
• A Pap smear. After age 70, pap smears are not recommended. Recommend that all smears are repeated at 3 years.
• Following your last Pap smear, you should undergo a HPV screening test
• A gastroscopy and colonoscopy starting at age 45