Cervical screening & breast examinations
Screening and early detection examinations are vital tools in preventing and treating cervical cancer and breast cancer. The San GP Centre’s healthcare professionals provide women’s health services including both cervical screening and breast examinations for women across Sydney’s north shore.
Cervical screening: A cervical screening test is performed by your general practitioner and is recommended to be conducted every three to five years, depending on age. Screening is encouraged as an early detection measure for this highly treatable type of cancer. The test is used to identify signs of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common infection which is known to cause most cervical cancers.
The National Cervical Screening Program recommends screening for women aged between 25 and 74. While your San GP Centre doctor will keep records of your tests and dates, your results are also added to the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR).
If screening results recommend further investigations or treatment, your doctor can arrange these through the cervical cancer specialists conveniently located at the San private hospital.
Breast examinations: Regular breast examinations are encouraged as a preventative health measure, even if no symptoms are present. A check up with a doctor at the San GP Centre can help identify cancers early when they are more easily treated. Your doctor can conduct a physical check for lumps or changes in the breast, or investigate any abnormal symptoms such as a change in the nipple, skin surface, discharges or swelling.
If an examination determinations the need for further investigations, our GPs can refer you for more detailed breast screening services. Mammograms, ultrasounds or MRI imaging services can be conveniently accessed through San Breast Care at San Radiology, and any blood tests required can be done through the San Pathology collection centres located within the San private hospital complex at Wahroonga.