UPDATE: Cancer Council Victoria is sounding the alarm for women to stay vigilant about health checks following critical data revealing that over 17,900 Victorian women were diagnosed with cancer in 2023. The call comes in the wake of Women’s Health Week, which ran from September 1-5.
Officials stress the urgent need for women to monitor unexplained symptoms and keep up with essential cancer screenings. Kate Broun, head of screening at Cancer Council Victoria, emphasizes that many women have fallen behind on their health checks since the pandemic. “We are still seeing repercussions from the pandemic of people not keeping up to date with their health checks and cancer screening,” Broun stated.
The most common cancers affecting women in Victoria include breast, thyroid, bowel, and melanoma. To combat these risks, Australia offers four free national cancer screening programs specifically for bowel, breast, cervical, and lung cancers.
EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES: Helen Clapham, a Victorian woman, is a testament to this truth. After feeling healthy and experiencing no symptoms, her first bowel screening test returned a positive result, leading to a diagnosis of stage 3 bowel cancer at age 56. “Without the screening program, who knows what may have happened? Because it was detected through screening, the treatment was successful and now I’m able to enjoy life again,” Helen shared.
With the eligibility age for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program recently lowered to include those aged 45-49, more women will have the opportunity for early detection. “I hope younger people will now have the chance to find bowel cancer early and get treated, just like I did,” Helen added.
As Women’s Health Week emphasizes health awareness, here are immediate actions women can take to reduce their cancer risk:
1. Attend regular check-ups with your GP and be proactive about any new health concerns.
2. Stay current with cancer screenings available across Australia.
3. Reduce alcohol consumption and explore healthier meal options through resources like LiveLighter.
4. Take steps to quit smoking or vaping, utilizing support from Quitline at 13 7848 or quit.org.au.
5. Use sun protection methods when the UV rating is 3 or above; consider downloading the SunSmart Global UV app for guidance.
For more information on cancer prevention, visit cancervic.org.au. If you need assistance or support regarding cancer, contact the Cancer Council support line at 13 11 20.
Women must prioritize their health NOW. Early detection is not just an option; it’s a lifesaving necessity.
