Health Information

• Asthma First Aid Plan
• Bowel Screening
• Sunburn
   

Cervical Cancer Vaccination

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, or womb, and is situated at the top of the vagina. Cervical cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix begin to multiply and form pre-cancerous abnormalities. If undetected, these abnormalities can develop into tumours and spread to the surrounding tissue. Cervical cancer is often caused by a common virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

WHAT IS HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS? HPV is a common virus that affects the genital area. Certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. There are approximately 40 strains of HPV and vaccination can now provide immunity to 2 strains that most commonly cause cervical cancer and 2 strains that commonly cause genital warts.

WHO SHOULD HAVE THE VACCINE? The government provides the vaccine free of charge to females between the ages of 12 and 26. This  will continue through to June 2009. After that only girls under the age of 12 will receive  the vaccination free of charge in a school based program.

If you are over 26 years of age please discuss obtaining the vaccination on private prescription with your doctor.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS? Some people will experience discomfort or redness at the injection site and fever has also been reported. This should resolve after a few days.

WILL I STILL NEED PAP SMEARS? Yes, it is important to continue with pap smears as the vaccine only protects against cervical cancer caused by the 2 strains mentioned above. These cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers.

Please remember that once you are  sexually active, you will need to have regular pap smears. Your doctor will advise you about the best time to do this. Also the vaccination does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy, so please discuss appropriate contraception with your doctor if required.

HOW DO I GET THE VACCINE? Speak to your doctor who will arrange for the nurse to administer the vaccine. A course of three vaccinations are required to provide enough immunity over the longest possible period of time. After the first injection you will need to return 2 months later, then 4 months after that.

If you are between 12-26 years of age we will provide the vaccine. If you are outside this age group it can be ordered through the pharmacy.

N S W   I M M U N I S A T I O N   S C H E D U L E   from 1 July 2007

Childhood Immunisations Fact Sheet

* Flu Vaccinations are available for our existing patients without having to make an appointment. Ask for Rose Watts, our Nurse Manager when you come to the practice and she will look after you.

The  vaccine is available to all ages and free to those aged 65 years and over (a fee appplies for the nurse to administer the vaccine).

Travel Vaccinations Fact Sheet

We are a Yellow Fever Vaccination Accredited Practice

Asthma First Aid Plan

Do you know the ASTHMA FIRST AID PLAN?

Asthma is a common concern in Australia. In case of a severe attack, here's what to do:

STEP 1   Sit person up and give them reassurance, don't leave them alone.

STEP 2   Without delay give four separate puffs of a reliever (Airomir, Asmol, Bricanyl, Epaq or Ventolin). The medication is best given one puff at a time via a spacer device*. Ask the person to take four breaths from the spacer after each puff of medication.

STEP 3   Wait 4 minutes.

STEP 4   If there is little or no improvement, call an ambulance immediately - DIAL 000. Continuously repeat steps 2 and 3 while waiting for the ambulance. Even if the patient fully recovers, seek medical advice.
*Just use the puffer on its own if you don't have a spacer.

(Courtesy of the Asthma Foundation of Australia)

Bowel Screening

Faecal occult blood screening is now recommended for screening for people over 50 years without symptoms and for people 25-40 years with a family history of colorectal (bowel) cancer. Talk to your doctor if you feel you may fall into this category and he/she will advise you when to begin screening. We have INFORM bowel screening kits available, ask your doctor at your next consultation or make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor and collect a kit.

In the USA bowel screening is a national health service and their bowel cancer morbidity rates are nearly half those in Australia. Certainly worth considering!

Because early detection is the key to treating cancer, once you have had one screening with INFORM you can be placed on their annual register in which case you will be sent a kit yearly so that you can be reassured that you won't forget to be screened, allowing for good health and peace of mind.

Sunburn   

Avoid the direct sun from 10am to 3pm (11am to 4pm in daylight-saving time).

• Use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15+
• Use natural shade.  Beware of reflected light from sand or water and light cloud.
• Wear broad-brimmed hats and protectice clothing.
• Wear muted colours such as light tan in preference to whites and bright colours.
• Use zinc oxide ointment for maximum protection.

Welcome  |  At a Glance |  Our Doctors |  Services |  Prevention |  Health Information |  What's New |  Links