Women’s Health
Over 12500 women are diagnosed with cancer in Ireland every year. The cancers that most commonly affect women are breast, lung, bowel/colon, skin, and corpus uteri cancer. Researchers suggest that 40% of cancers could be prevented by lifestyle changes such as not smoking, taking more exercise, cutting down on alcohol, reducing sugar, eating more fruit & veg and avoiding to much red meat. If you experienced any of the following, please contact your GP.
- A change in the size or shape of your breast
- Unexplained bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- A lump or swelling or change in a mole
- Unexplained pain
Breast Cancer
Every year almost 3600 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is more common for women over 50 but can affect younger women too. Breast cancer is when cells in your breast change and grow in an abnormal way. A group of these cancer cells can form a tumour. Check your breast and take part in the BreastCheck screening to help spot cancer early. If breast cancer is found early, it’s easier to treat and there is a better chance of recovery. If you notice a change in size or shape of your breast, a change in the skin, a breast abscess or boil, a change in your nipple, an unusual discharge, a change around the nipple, swelling, soreness or warmth, a red scaly rash please contact your GP.
BreastCheck is the name of the national breast screening programme. It offers free breast screening to women, transgender, intersex and non binary people age 50 to 69. You must be living in Ireland and have a PPS number. Freephone BreastCheck directly on 1800454555.
Prosthesis & Bra Fitting
All women who have had breast cancer surgery are entitled to
€400 towards 2 bras & 1 prothesis and €150 towards the cost of a swimsuit. (Mastectomy)
€650 towards 2 bras and 2 prosthesis and €200 towards the cost of a swimsuit. (Double Mastectomy)
All they have to do is get a letter from their GP or Consultant stating that they have had breast surgery and what they require. We work with independent suppliers who provide a full range of products including bras, prosthesis, and swimwear. Professional fitting is provided on an appointment basis in a private, quiet, and confidential space. If you wish to contact these companies directly you can do so:
Marie Sue Lingerie Carlow 059 9139639 or email: info@mariesue.ie
Marie Sue Lingerie Newbridge 045 430030 or email: info@mariesue.ie
Bellisima Cork 021 6032000 or email: info@bellisima.ie
Bowel/Colon Cancer
Approximately 2800 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in Ireland every year. If you notice any bleeding or change in your bowel habit or excessive bloating, you should seek advice from your GP. Bowel Screen is the national bowel screening programme. People between the ages of 60 to 69 years are sent a letter asking them to take part in the bowel screening programme.
Lung Cancer
Over 2700 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in Ireland every year. Smoking is the leading cause of cancer in 9 out of 10 cases. If you. notice that you are increasingly breathless, hoarse or have a cough that won’t go away or are coughing up blood, go and see your GP right away.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Ireland. 9 out of every 10 cases are caused by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds. There are two types: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Non melanoma are the most common types of skin cancer and include basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. They tend to affect older people in areas that have been exposed to the sun such as the face and top of the head in bald men. Melanoma is a more serious diagnosis that tends to affect younger people but is very treatable if caught early. The message is to be Sun Smart and see your GP if you notice any change in shape, size, or colour of a new or existing skin lesion.
Uterine (Womb) Cancer
Uterine (womb) cancer is when the cells in the uterus (womb) change and grow in an abnormal way. A group of these cancer cells can form a tumour. Most women with uterine cancer will have a type called endometrial cancer. This is cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
There are two main types of uterine (womb) cancer:
- Endometrial cancer
- Sarcoma of the womb
- Carcinosarcoma – also referred to as MMMT. This is a mix of carcinoma and sarcoma
If you have any of the following symptom’s bleeding after the menopause, bleeding between periods, heavier periods than normal, abnormal vaginal discharge that may have an odour and be dark pink or blood stained, pain in your lower abdomen or back of legs, discomfort or pain during sex please contact your GP.