Screening
Screening is one of the best ways to help reduce your risk of serious illness and to help prevent problems before they may occur. This page gives information on the type of screening available locally.
Chest & Heart
The Chest and Heart Centre, located in the grounds of the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, offers free screening for everyone from 25 to 70 years. Screening consists of a comprehensive questionnaire, cardiogram, breathing test, blood pressure and height and weight record. In addition, a number of readings are obtained from a blood sample. Using this data, many of the risk factors considered important are reviewed, and patients advised of any action which may be needed to improve their health.
A copy of the screening report is sent to the patient's doctor.
Patients are recalled for follow-up screenings every five years.
To make an appointment for a screening call the Centre on 01481 237261 or visit Guernsey Chest & Heart
Well Woman Screening
Health and being healthy is an important matter to many people. As a woman there are various screening programmes that are available to you
Breast Screening
What is breast screening?
Breast cancer is common around 1 in 9 women will develop the disease at some point in their lifetime. Breast screening aims to detect breast cancer at an early stage, when it is too small for you or your doctor to see or feel. If changes are found at an early stage, there is a good chance of a successful recovery. Breast screening (mammography) involves having a low dose x-ray picture of each of your breasts. Screening is carried out by female radiographers who will take two pictures of each breast in different positions, one from above and one from the side. The breasts are positioned between two flat x-ray plates and pressed for a few seconds while the x-ray is taken. Some women find this uncomfortable but the breasts have to be held firmly in place to get a good x-ray. In some women the pain may continue for a short time. The result of the test is sent to you and your GP in the post, this usually takes about two weeks. Most women will receive a normal result and will automatically be recalled in two years time. Some women will be asked to come back for further tests.
In Guernsey women between 50 and 75 are invited to attend for screening every two years. Breast cancer risk increases with age. So although women over the age of 75 are not automatically invited for breast screening, they are still able to attend by contacting the Breast Unit at the PEH to make an appointment.
To arrange an appointment contact the Breast Unit on 724816.
Breast awareness
Not all breast cancers are detected early by breast screening, some women may develop breast cancer before their first mammogram or between mammograms. All women of any age should be breast aware. Most cases of breast cancer are found by women noticing unusual changes, taking the initiative and visiting their doctor. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chance of beating it - so you can see how important it is to make regular checks.
Being breast aware simply means knowing what your breasts look and feel like normally, being on the lookout for any unusual changes and getting them checked out by your doctor.
It's as simple as TLC...
TOUCH your breasts. Can you feel anything unusual?
LOOK for changes. Is there any change in shape and texture?
CHECK anything unusual with your doctor.
For more information go to .. Breakthrough Breast Cancer.org
Cervical screening
What is a cervical smear?
A cervical smear test is an early detection test for cervical cancer. It can show up abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix before a cancer develops and before there are any outward signs.
All women who are, or have been, sexually active should have smears from the age of 20 until the age of 65. Health and Social Services recommend that a smear test should be done once every 3 years unless you notice something is wrong or that your previous test result showed that another test was necessary sooner.
If you have never had a smear test have one NOW!
Cervical screening is available through your GP surgery, the Guernsey Contraceptive Service or the Sexual Health Unit (Orchard Clinic)
Details of the cervical smear test in Latvian and Portuguese are available to download at the bottom of this page. The English version is available from your GP or alternatively contact the Health Promotion Unit for a copy.
Osteoporosis
Literally means "porous bones." It occurs when the struts which make up the mesh-like structure within the bones become thin, causing bones to become so weak that they break easily, even after a very simple fall. These broken bones are often referred to a s fragility fractures. Although fractures can occur in different parts of the body, the wrists, hips and spine are most commonly affected by osteoporosis.
Bones stop growing in length between the ages of 16 and 18, but bone density/strength continues to increase until a person's late 20s. At this point the balance between bone demolition and bone construction becomes stable. After the age of around 35, bone loss increases very gradually as part of the natural ageing process. This can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of broken bones, especially in later life. Women are particularly susceptible because bone loss becomes more rapid for several years following the menopause with approximately 20% of bone strength lost within the first 5 years after the menopause.
Signs and symptoms of osteoporosis
1. Very few often the first indication if any degree of bone thinning is a fracture.
2. Height loss, back pain and curvature of the spine.
Those women at high risk of osteoporosis include
1. Early menopause (either naturally/surgically)
2. Amenorrhoea (no periods) for 6 months or more due to excessive dieting/over exercising.
3. Family history of osteoporosis.
4. Certain medications including steroids and treatments for cancer
5. Certain conditions such as Coeliac disease
6. Smoking
7. Excessive alcohol
8. Advancing age.
9. Slim build.
Testing for osteoporosis
It involves a very simple and safe scan which does not entail going into a "tunnel". This scan is called a DEXA scan and a member of staff will be present throughout your scan and available for any questions you may have.
If lose fitting clothing is worn then there is not a need to undress. You should allow 30 minutes for your appointment.
Local osteoporosis Service:
The Princess Elizabeth Hospital,
Rue Mignot, St Martin's, GY4 6UU.
Tel: 725241 ex 4709, fax 727283
For more information go to ...www.nos.org.uk
Document downloads
The Cervical Smear Test leaflet in Latvian
Information about the local cervical smear test in Latvian
The Cervical Smear Test leaflet in Portuguese
Information on the local cervical smear test in Portuguese
Relevant links & information
Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Guernsey Cervical Screening
Guernsey Chest & Heart
Guernsey Contraception Services
Macmillan cancer support
NHS Cervical Screening Programme
National Osteoporosis Society
Health Promotion Unit
Health Promotion Unit, Princess Elizabeth Hospital, Rue Mignot, St Martin, Guernsey, GY4 6UU, Channel IslandsTel: +44 1481 707311 Fax: +44 1481 707394
Email: resources@guernseyhealthpromotion.com
