Bass Coast Health (BCH) is reminding women to put their health and wellbeing first during Women’s Health Week, by being aware of health issues they may come across during their life journey.
‘Your voice. Your choice’ is the theme of Women’s Health Week from 2-6 September, shining a spotlight on raising the voice of women.
The aim of the week is to provide women with the tips, tools and confidence to talk to their doctors, workplaces and families about their health.
BCH offers a variety of healthcare services dedicated to caring for local women, and also offers early detection and screening opportunities to identify health concerns.
Check-ups by your local General Practitioner for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes screening, skin checks and heart health every two years can detect health problems sooner rather than later.
At home, women are advised to check their breasts monthly for any unusual changes such as lumps that could be breast cancer, as well as check their skin, looking for new/changed spots. Women are urged to see a GP if they notice any changes.
Cervical screening is recommended every five years. between the ages of 25 and 70, to check for changes in the cervix. There are now options for self-collection of cervical screening. For a guide to recommended women’s health checks visit: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/womens-health-week
BCH offers many services for women, provided by expert clinicians who can provide information and support to help women make informed decisions about their health. BCH’s services include maternity care, specialist gynaecology, Maternal and Child Health, Childbirth Education, a McGrath Breast Care Nurse and BreastScreen.
“We also offer a comprehensive Gynaecology service that includes support with sexual and reproductive health, menopause, infertility and ovulation induction, prolapse repair, contraception, endometriosis, family planning, menopause education and management, persistent pelvic pain and urinary incontinence,” BCH CEO Jan Child said.
“Having a regular check-up with your GP can help you to maintain good health, but if you notice anything unusual with your physical or mental health, please make it a priority to see your GP. Should you need specialist care, you can ask them to refer you to any of BCH’s services so that you can receive the specialist care you need, close to home.”
BCH’s women’s services extend to cancer care. We offer breast screening, appointments with breast surgeons Dr Chandika Wewelwala and Dr Sarah Birks, surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. We also offer the supportive services of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse.
To learn more about our cancer services, go to: basscoasthealth.org.au/cancer-support-page
To discuss our high quality Maternity Services, please contact our team on (03) 5671 3201. To access all other Women’s Health services, ask your GP to email a referral to Access@basscoasthealth.org.au