Pink October | Women’s Health Awareness

Dr. Aye Mon
General Practitioner | MBBS | FRACGP
Nerang Medical Centre & Skin Clinic, Nerang, Gold Coast, QLD

Pink October is a time to raise awareness about breast cancer, breast health and the importance of looking after your health at every stage of life. It can also be a useful reminder for women to review recommended screening, understand changes in their health and speak with a healthcare professional when they have concerns.

Women’s health is broader than breast health alone. It can include breast health, cervical screening, reproductive health, contraception, menstrual health, pregnancy, menopause and preventive healthcare.

For women in Nerang and across the Gold Coast, Pink October can be an opportunity to make regular health checks part of your healthcare routine.

What is Pink October?

Pink October, commonly associated with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, provides an opportunity to increase awareness of breast cancer and encourage conversations about breast health and screening.

Across Australia, organisations provide information and support for people affected by breast cancer. Breast Cancer Network Australia is a national consumer organisation that provides information, support and advocacy for Australians affected by breast cancer. (bcna.org.au)

Pink October is therefore more than wearing pink. It can be a reminder to understand your breast health, be aware of recommended screening and discuss any concerns with your GP.

Breast Health Awareness: Know What Is Normal for You

Breast health awareness involves being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel and being aware of changes.

Changes may include:

• A new lump or area of thickening
• A change in breast size or shape
• Changes to the skin of the breast
• Changes to the nipple
• Unusual nipple discharge
• A persistent or unusual change that concerns you

Not every breast change means cancer, as breast changes can have different causes. However, if you notice a new or unusual change, it is important to discuss it with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.

Breast Cancer Network Australia also provides information about becoming familiar with your normal breast appearance and noticing changes. Breast health awareness resources from BCNA explain how being familiar with your breasts can help you recognise changes that may need medical attention. (bcna.org.au)

A breast health check in Nerang may involve discussing your symptoms, personal health history and family history. Your GP can assess your concerns and determine whether further investigation, screening or referral may be appropriate.

Breast Cancer Awareness in Australia

Breast cancer awareness includes understanding breast health, being aware of changes and learning about appropriate screening and support.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is an Australian not-for-profit organisation that funds breast cancer research. Its work focuses on research into breast cancer prevention, early detection and treatment. You can learn more about breast cancer and current Australian information through the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s breast cancer resources. (nbcf.org.au)

Breast cancer can affect people differently, and individual risk can vary. Factors such as age, family history and personal health history may be relevant when discussing breast health and screening with your GP.

If you have concerns about your personal or family history, your GP can discuss your circumstances and whether further assessment or referral may be appropriate.

Breast Screening and Breast Health Checks

A breast health appointment does not necessarily mean that you have a serious health problem. It can provide an opportunity to discuss a change, ask questions about screening or review your individual healthcare needs.

Depending on your circumstances, your GP may discuss:

• Your personal and family history
• Any breast changes or symptoms
• Previous screening
• Individual risk factors
• Whether further assessment may be appropriate
• Whether referral to another healthcare professional is required

Women looking for a breast health check in Nerang can speak with their GP about their concerns and determine the next appropriate step.

Australia also has organisations and services dedicated to breast cancer screening, support and information. Breast Cancer Network Australia’s guide to breast cancer organisations provides information about Australian organisations working across breast cancer research, support and care. (bcna.org.au)

It is important to remember that online information cannot replace an individual medical assessment.

Cervical Screening Is Also Part of Women’s Health

Pink October can also be an opportunity to remember that women’s health screening involves more than breast health.

Cervical screening is an important part of preventive healthcare. The Australian National Cervical Screening Program provides information about Cervical Screening Tests and screening recommendations for eligible women and people with a cervix.

If you are looking for cervical screening in Nerang or cervical screening on the Gold Coast, a GP can explain the screening process and discuss the options that may be appropriate for you.

Keeping up with recommended screening can be one part of maintaining your health throughout different stages of life.

Preventive Health Checks for Women

Preventive health checks for women can vary depending on age, health history, lifestyle and individual circumstances.

A women’s health appointment may provide an opportunity to discuss:

• Breast health and breast screening
• Cervical screening
• Menstrual health
• Contraception
• Pregnancy and pre-pregnancy health
• Sexual health
• Blood pressure and cardiovascular risk
• Diabetes risk
• Mental wellbeing
• Menopause and perimenopause
• Other age-appropriate health concerns

There is no single checklist that applies to every woman. Healthcare needs can change throughout life, which is why discussing your individual circumstances with your GP can be helpful.

For women searching for women’s health in Nerang or women’s health on the Gold Coast, a local GP can provide general healthcare and discuss appropriate preventive health options.

Menopause Is Part of Women’s Health Too

Women’s health changes throughout life, and menopause is another important stage that may benefit from appropriate healthcare and support.

Perimenopause can involve changes in menstrual cycles and may be associated with symptoms such as hot flushes, changes in sleep or mood changes. Experiences vary between individuals.

If symptoms are affecting your daily life or you have questions about changes you are experiencing, speaking with a GP can help you understand your health concerns and discuss appropriate care options.

Women searching for menopause care in Nerang or a menopause GP on the Gold Coast can discuss their symptoms, health history and individual circumstances with a GP.

When Should You Speak With a GP?

You do not need to wait for Pink October to talk about your health.

Consider making an appointment if you:

• Notice a new or unusual breast change
• Have concerns about your menstrual cycle
• Are due for cervical screening
• Have questions about contraception or reproductive health
• Are experiencing changes associated with perimenopause or menopause
• Have concerns about your personal or family health history
• Want to discuss age-appropriate preventive health checks

A women’s health GP in Nerang can discuss your concerns, provide appropriate general healthcare and determine whether further assessment or referral may be required.

Women’s Health Awareness Beyond October

Pink October provides an opportunity to focus attention on breast cancer awareness, but women’s health is important throughout the entire year.

Breast health, cervical screening, preventive healthcare and menopause care can all form part of a woman’s healthcare journey. Understanding your own health, keeping up with appropriate screening and speaking with a healthcare professional when you have concerns can help you make informed decisions about your care.

Breast cancer organisations across Australia also provide resources for people affected by breast cancer and their families. The Breast Cancer Network Australia resource provides information about organisations involved in breast cancer support, research, screening and care. (bcna.org.au)

For women in Nerang and across the Gold Coast, Pink October can be a useful reminder to review your health needs and speak with your GP about any concerns.

Your Health Matters at Every Stage of Life

Women’s health changes throughout life. From breast health and cervical screening to reproductive health, menopause and preventive care, different stages can bring different healthcare needs.

This Pink October, take some time to learn about your health, understand recommended screening and speak with a healthcare professional if you have a concern.

If you have a health concern or would like to discuss your individual healthcare needs, consider making an appointment with your GP.