Cancer Archives - Illawarra Medical Centre https://illawarramedical.com.au/category/cancer/ Providing superior health care to families and local businesses in the Ballajura area for more than 25 years Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:57:56 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Australia helping lead the charge to eliminate cervical cancer https://illawarramedical.com.au/cervical-cancer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cervical-cancer Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:57:53 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=9078 Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. In Australia, around 800 women are diagnosed annually. The World Health Organization has put a strategy in place to help eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem globally. Australia is at the forefront of this fight and has one of the lowest rates […]

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Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. In Australia, around 800 women are diagnosed annually.

The World Health Organization has put a strategy in place to help eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem globally. Australia is at the forefront of this fight and has one of the lowest rates of the disease in the world.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at cervical cancer and how Australia is helping lead the charge to eliminate the disease.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the cervix.

The cervix forms part of the female reproductive system and functions to help produce moisture to lubricate the vagina and mucus to help sperm travel to the fallopian tube. It also serves to hold a developing baby in the uterus during pregnancy. During childbirth, it widens to allow the baby to pass down into the birth canal.

There are two types of cervical cancer, which are named after the type of cells that they originate from:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma – the most common type of cervical cancer, accounting for up to 90% of all cases.
  • Adenocarcinoma – less common and originating from the glandular cells. It generally starts higher in the cervix, making it more difficult to detect.

The good news is that cervical cancer can be cured if it is diagnosed early and treated straight away.

Symptoms

Precancerous changes in cervical cells rarely cause symptoms. However, once these cell changes develop into cervical cancer, common early symptoms will include:

  • unexpected vaginal bleeding – such as between periods, after menopause, or after sex
  • heavier and longer periods than normal
  • unusual vaginal discharge
  • pain in the pelvis region
  • pain during sex

Once cervical cancer becomes more advanced, people may also experience fatigue, leg pain or swelling, and lower back pain.

Risk Factors

Most cases of cervical cancer occur after an infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is very common and affects both males and females, with 4 out of 5 people experiencing the virus at some stage in their lives. It is usually passed on during sexual contact.

Most people who get HPV will have no symptoms or implications form the virus. However, for others, it can cause changes in the cervix over time and lead to cancer.

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include:

  • smoking and passive smoking
  • a weakened immune system
  • if your mother was prescribed diethylstilbestrol (DES) – an artificial form of the female hormone oestrogen often given during pregnancy between 1939 and 1971.

Treatment for cervical cancer will depend on the stage at which the disease is at and may include surgery, a cone biopsy, hysterectomy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or palliative care.

Australia’s approach to eliminating cervical cancer

Australia has one of the lowest rates of the disease in the world, thanks to proactive health strategies aimed at eliminating the disease.

In 1991, Australia first introduced its National Cervical Screening Program, which offered a free pap smear test every two years to women aged 18 to 70. In 2017, the pap smear test was replaced with the new Cervical Screening Test. Now women aged 25-74 are tested every five years for the presence of HPV, which is the main cause of cervical cancer.

Since 2022, cervical screening participants have been given the option to screen using either a self-collected vaginal sample or a clinician-collected sample. Both of these options are accessed through a healthcare provider.

In conjunction with the Cervical Screening Program, the Australian Government also introduced the free National HPV Vaccination Program in 2007 for girls, in a bid to reduce HPV-related cancers in Australia.

From 2013, boys were included in the program to reduce rates of penile and anal cancers in men, which can also result from persistent HPV infection.

Almost all Australian schools currently participate in the program, which sees the HPV Gardasil®9 vaccine offered to girls and boys in Year 8 through the National Immunisation Program. The vaccine is targeted specifically to this age group, as it has proved to be most effective before people become sexually active.

Australia’s approach to eliminating cervical cancer is having a positive impact, with a recent report from Australia’s NHMRC-funded Centre of Research Excellence in Cervical Cancer Control highlighting that 75% of eligible women are up-to-date with cervical screening and have had a HPV test within five years. This means that Australia is well on its way to meeting the World Health Organization’s 2030 target for cervical screening of 70% of women screened a minimum of twice in a lifetime by 2030.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that cervical cancer incidence rates have also noticeably decreased since the introduction of the vaccine program. Incidence rates have fallen from 9.3 cases per 100,000 females in 2013 to an estimated 0.5 in 2025. In addition, age-standardised mortality rates for cervical cancer decreased from 3.2 deaths per 100,000 females in 2000 to an estimated 1.8 deaths in 2025.

This vaccination program, combined with the National Cancer Screening Program, is significantly helping to reduce the risk of cervical cancer across Australia.

It’s important to remember, however, that you still need to undertake regular cervical screenings to protect yourself against cervical cancer, even if you have had the HPV vaccine.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we are able to offer our patients both cervical screenings and immunisation for all vaccinations that form part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule, including the HPV vaccine.

To make an appointment with us, simply book online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

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]]> The importance of skin cancer checks https://illawarramedical.com.au/the-importance-of-skin-cancer-checks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-importance-of-skin-cancer-checks Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:37:14 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=8158 With National Skin Cancer Awareness Week coming up in November and the spring weather starting to warm up here in WA, now is a good time to consider getting your annual skin cancer check. Skin cancer in Australia – the stats Perth is one of the sunniest cities in the world, and with an annual […]

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With National Skin Cancer Awareness Week coming up in November and the spring weather starting to warm up here in WA, now is a good time to consider getting your annual skin cancer check.

Skin cancer in Australia – the stats

Perth is one of the sunniest cities in the world, and with an annual average of eight hours of skin cancer accounts for the largest number of cancers diagnosed in Australia each year!

According to the Cancer Council of Australia, two in three Australian’s will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. The majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, two to three times that of Canada, the US and the UK.

Every year in Australia:

  • Skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed skin cancers
  • GPs have over 1 million patient consultations per year for skin cancer
  • More than 2,000 people die from skin cancer.
  • Approximately 200 melanomas and 34,000 other skin cancer types per year are caused by occupational exposures.

What causes skin cancer?

Cancer is a disease of the cells that occurs when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way and damage or invade the surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

Skin cancer affects the body’s skin cells and is mainly caused by cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

  1. Basal Cell Carcinoma – the most common but least dangerous form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas generally develop on the head, neck and upper body. They appear as a pearly lump or a scaly, dry area that is pale or pink in colour. Basal Cell Carcinomas tend to grow slowly and don’t usually spread to other parts of the body.
  2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma – usually appear on areas of the skin that are most often exposed to the sun, including the head, neck, hands, forearms and lower legs. Squamous Cell Carcinomas often appear as a thickened, red, scaly lump and may look like a sore that hasn’t healed. They can grow quickly over several weeks or months and spread to other parts of the body.
  3. Melanoma – while it is the least common type of skin cancer, it is also the most serious. Melanomas are different to normal, healthy freckles and moles. They tend to have an irregular edge or surface and can be blotchy and black, brown, blue, red, white or light grey. Melanomas can grow quickly and become life threatening, spreading to other parts of the body.

While sun exposure is the main cause of skin cancer, other factors that can increase your risk of developing the disease include:

  • The total number of moles you have.
  • The number of atypical (dysplastic) naevi (moles) you have.
  • Your skin, hair and eye colour. Those with fair skin, blue or green eyes and/or fair or red hair at greater risk.
  • A depressed immune system.
  • A family history of skin cancer.

The good news is that over 95% of skin cancers can be treated if found early. Getting an annual skin check is one of the best ways to detect skin cancer early.

What is a skin check?

Skin cancer checks involve a simple examination that is completely painless and normally takes no longer than 30 minutes.

When undergoing a skin check, it’s important to remove any makeup, artificial tanner, or nail polish before your appointment, so that your doctor has a clear, unobstructed view of your skin.

You should also do a quick self-check to make note of any particular areas of concern and advise your doctor of these during your appointment. That includes any suspicious spots under your underwear, genital areas are not routinely examined and will only be checked by the doctor if you request them to do so.

During the skin check, you will be required to undress down to your underwear, so that the doctor can do a full body examination. This will include a check of your head, face, neck, torso, legs, feet, toes, arms, hands and fingers, for any suspicious skin lesions or moles.

Your doctor will examine your skin using a dermatoscope – a special skin microscope that allows them to see beneath the skin. If any suspicious spot is identified, your doctor will make a note of it and may take a photograph to be recorded and analysed.

They may also take a biopsy – a simple and quick procedure where part or all of the suspect spot is removed and sent to a laboratory for testing – or refer you to a specialist for further examination and treatment.

Who should get a skin cancer check?

As skin cancer can affect anyone, it is recommended those aged 15 years or more who have had exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation should get regular skin checks.

Some people are at greater risk of developing skin cancer, including those who:

  • have had skin cancer before, or have someone in their family who has had skin cancer
  • have previously had bad sunburn
  • have fair skin, light eyes, or red or fair hair
  • have many moles on your skin
  • spend a lot of time outdoors without sun protection or work outdoors
  • have used solariums or sun lamps
  • have a compromised immune system or are taking immunosuppression medicines

While the risk of being diagnosed with skin cancer during childhood is very low, a skin cancer check may be recommended for young children if:

  • there is a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma. Having a family history of skin cancer increases your own risk of developing the disease, no matter how old you are.
  • they have fair skin and a large number of moles. Having more than 100 moles puts children at higher-than-average risk for skin cancer.

How often should I get a skin cancer check?

In addition to regular self-checks, you should also see a doctor for a full-body skin examination at least once a year.

If you are at high-risk of skin cancer, your doctor may request that you have more frequent checks, depending on your risk factors.

How can I prevent skin cancer?

Knowing your own skin and getting regular skin checks are the best ways to prevent skin cancer.

Make sure you see your doctor as soon as possible if you notice anything different or unusual, such as:

  • A spot that is different from other spots on the skin.
  • A spot, mole or freckle that has changed in size, shape or colour.
  • A sore that doesn’t heal.
  • A spot that itches or bleeds.
  • A spot that is painful or swollen.

In the case of melanomas, follow the ABCDE rule and look closely for:

  • Asymmetry – where, if divided down the middle, the 2 halves of the spot are not a mirror image.
  • Border – spots with uneven borders and irregular edges.
  • Colour – spots with an unusual or uneven colour.
  • Diameter – spots that are wider than 6mm.
  • Evolving – where a spot or lesion has changed in size, shape, colour or texture over time.

Other simple measures you can take to prevent skin cancer include:

  1. Wearing protective clothing in the sun.
  2. Applying water-resistant SPF30 or higher sunscreen, at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapplying every two hours.
  3. Wearing a broad-brimmed, bucket, or legionnaire-style hat.
  4. Reducing outdoor time, particularly during the hottest part of the day, and staying in the shade when outdoors.
  5. Wearing sunglasses that comply with Australian and New Zealand standards.

Get your skin checked at IMC

Illawarra Medical Centre offers a comprehensive range of dermatology services, including skin cancer checks, mole screening and general screenings, as well as skin cancer surgery and management, minor surgery and dermatological surgery.

Our very own Dr Dhruva Ramachandra runs regular skin cancer and dermatology checks at our practice on Tuesday mornings.

*Please note that any skin related matters discussed during a standard consult with Dr Ramachandran will incur an additional private fee, including those for children under 16 years old.

To make an appointment for one of our Tuesday skin clinics with Dr Ramachandran, contact our Reception on (08) 9208 6400.

To make a booking with any of our GPs to discuss any health concerns you may have, book online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

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]]> Lung cancer – one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men https://illawarramedical.com.au/lung-cancer-one-of-the-most-commonly-diagnosed-cancer-in-australian-men/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lung-cancer-one-of-the-most-commonly-diagnosed-cancer-in-australian-men Wed, 26 Jun 2024 08:16:09 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=7929 Lung cancer is one of the top five most common causes of death in Australian males, with close to 5,000 male deaths recorded in 2023 and more than 7,600 Australian men diagnosed with the disease that same year. With Men’s Health Week recently focusing on the major health issues affecting males, we thought we’d take […]

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Lung cancer is one of the top five most common causes of death in Australian males, with close to 5,000 male deaths recorded in 2023 and more than 7,600 Australian men diagnosed with the disease that same year.

With Men’s Health Week recently focusing on the major health issues affecting males, we thought we’d take a closer look at lung cancer’s impact on men in this month’s blog.

What is Lung Cancer?

It occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs grow in an uncontrolled way and form a malignant tumour in the lung. Tumours that start in the lung are known as primary lung cancer. However, people can also develop secondary or metastatic lung tumours due to cancer that has spread from other parts of the body.

There are two types :

  1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) – which accounts for around 85% of cases and includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell undifferentiated carcinoma.

  2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) – which accounts for around 15% of cases. SCLC usually begins in the middle of the lungs and spreads more quickly than NSCLC.

As noted by Cancer Australia, lung cancer was the most common cause of death from cancer in 2021 and is expected to continue to be so over coming years.

Symptoms

In the early stages, symptoms may not be noticeable. In later stages of the disease, symptoms may include:

  • A new and persistent cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
  • Shortness of breath
  • Increased hoarseness, wheezing or changes to the voice
  • Chest or shoulder pain
  • Coughing or spitting up blood
  • A chest infection that lasts more than 3 weeks or keeps coming back
  • Enlarged fingertips
  • Abdominal and/or joint pain
  • Fatigue
  • Unintentional weight loss

These symptoms may not mean that you have the disease. However, if you do experience any of these symptoms, it is best to speak with your GP immediately to find out why they may be occurring. An early diagnosis will lead to better treatment outcomes.

Risk Factors

There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing lung cancer. These include:

  • Smoking tobacco or exposure to second-hand smoke.
  • A family history of the disease
  • Older age, with most cases occurring in people over the age of 60
  • Significant exposure to certain substances, such as asbestos, radon or occupational substances such as arsenic, cadmium, nickel, diesel fumes and soot
  • Having and existing lung disease, such as pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Smoking is the number one risk factor for developing the disease and accounts for 85% of all cases.

Men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with lung cancer than women, due to their increased likelihood of smoking and occupational and environmental exposure to cancer-causing substances

According to Cancer Council Australia, smoking causes about 90% of this cancer in men and there is a 1 in 15 chance of a man being diagnosed with the disease before the age of 85.

Males are also more likely to use e-cigarettes or vapes. While there is currently no evidence that these cause lung cancer, Lung Foundation Australia notes that studies have found people who use e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking tobacco cigarettes, which is the leading cause of lung cancer.

How is lung cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis is normally achieved using one or more of the following tests: 

  • Blood tests
  • Imaging scans – including x-ray, CT scan, PET scan
  • Spirometry or lung function test
  • Biopsy
  • Sputum cytology

How is it treated?

There are a number of different treatment options available, depending on your prognosis and the progression and growth of the disease. Treatment options generally include:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Thermal ablation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Palliative care

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options available to you and recommend the best course of action.

To make a booking with one of our GPs to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your lungs or overall health in general, visit our Online Bookings page or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

Where can I find out more information?

For more information on this topic, visit:

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]]> Increasing incidence of bowel cancer in younger Australians https://illawarramedical.com.au/increasing-incidence-of-bowel-cancer-in-younger-australians/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=increasing-incidence-of-bowel-cancer-in-younger-australians Tue, 27 Jun 2023 04:20:44 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=6973 While it was once thought of as an older person’s disease, bowel cancer rates are increasingly on the rise amongst younger Australians, with a 266% increase in diagnoses over the past 30 years in those aged 15-24 years. In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at bowel cancer and the increasing incidence of […]

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While it was once thought of as an older person’s disease, bowel cancer rates are increasingly on the rise amongst younger Australians, with a 266% increase in diagnoses over the past 30 years in those aged 15-24 years.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at bowel cancer and the increasing incidence of the disease in younger Australians, as well as the risks, symptoms and ways to help prevent against the disease.

What is Bowel Cancer?

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the third most common type of cancer in Australia, claiming the lives of over 100 people every week. Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world and 1 in 15 Australians will develop the disease in their lifetime.

It develops when cells in the bowel lining grow too quickly, forming a clump known as a polyp or adenoma. While most polyps are usually benign, or non-cancerous, most bowel cancers form from these tiny growths, which can continue to grow for several years before changing and becoming cancerous. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to other areas of the body.

Depending on where the cancer begins, bowel cancer may be referred to as colon or rectal cancer. Around 30% of those who develop bowel cancer have a hereditary contribution, family history of the disease, or both.

The good news, however, is that bowel cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer. If detected early, almost 99% of bowel cancers can be treated successfully.

What are the symptoms?

During the early stages of the disease, there
can often be no signs or symptoms present. Because of this, the Australian Government introduced the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program in 2006, to help reduce illness and death from the disease through early detection.

During later stages of the disease, the following symptoms can be indicators of bowel cancer:

  • Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding.
  • A recent, persistent change in bowel habit (for example, diarrhoea or constipation).
  • A change in the shape or appearance of bowel movements (for example, more narrow than usual).
  • Abdominal pain or swelling.
  • Pain or lump in the anus or rectum.
  • Unexplained tiredness or rapid weight loss (signs of anaemia).
  • Feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely after a bowel movement.

If you experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it is recommended that you visit your General Practitioner (GP) for further investigation.

Risk Factors

Bowel cancer affects both men and women of all ages. The risk factors for bowel cancer can be broken down into two main categories – those that can be changed (modifiable) and those that can’t (non-modifiable).

Non-modifiable risk factors include:

  • Being aged 50 and over.
  • Having an existing inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • Having previous non-cancerous tumours in the bowel.
  • Having a strong family history of bowel cancer or polyps.

While these risk factors cannot be changed, it’s important to tell your GP if these risk factors apply to you and you have any concerns about developing the disease.

Modifiable risk factors include:

  • Being overweight.
  • Being physically inactive.
  • Having a poor diet – one which is high in red and processed meats, fried food and alcohol but low in fruits, vegetable and whole grains.

These risk factors can all be addressed through changes to your diet and lifestyle. Your GP can assist you with any health concerns you have regarding your diet and overall health and wellbeing.

In those younger than 50 years old, the risk of developing bowel cancer increases if one or more of the following symptoms have been experienced for three months to two years prior to diagnosis:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Diarrhoea
  • Iron deficiency anaemia

Why are more young people being diagnosed with the disease?

According to Bowel Cancer Australia, those born from 1990 onwards are twice as likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer and four times as likely to be diagnosed with rectal cancer as those born in 1950.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) notes that the statistics show a 266% increase in bowel cancer rates amongst adolescents and young adults, aged between 15 and 24 years.

While there is yet no clear explanation for this increase, it is thought that a greater prevalence of metabolic disorders, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle and obesity are all contributing to the rise in bowel cancer in younger Australians.

How can I reduce my risk of developing bowel cancer?

There are a number of ways to help reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer.

1. Take the test
Australia’s National Bowel Screening Program invites eligible people between 50-74 years of age to regularly screen for bowel cancer using a free simple test at home.

The test is able to detect blood that is difficult to detect with the naked eye; one of the possible symptoms of bowel cancer. While a positive result means blood has been detected in the sample, it does not mean that bowel cancer is present. It does, however, require further investigation by your GP.

A negative result means no blood has been detected in the samples, and no further action will be required. However, it’s important to remember that a negative test result is no guarantee that a person will not develop bowel cancer. As such, those aged between 50-74 are encouraged to take the test every two years. You should also talk to your GP immediately if you develop symptoms after getting a negative result.

With the increasing incidence of bowel cancer amongst younger age groups, there are calls for this test to be made available to Australians from the age of 45 years, as was introduced in America in 2021.

In the meantime, for those outside the 50-74 year age bracket for screenings through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, a BowelScreen Australia screening test can be purchased from participating pharmacies or through Bowel Cancer Australia by contacting their Helpline on 1800 555 494.

2. Adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle

There are a number of things that are in your control and can be changed to help in the prevention against bowel cancer. These include:

  • Eating a healthy diet containing lots of fruits, vegetable, calcium and wholegrains and limiting your intake of red and processed meats, and fried foods.
  • Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Giving up smoking, if you are a smoker.
  • Reducing and/or limit your alcohol intake to less than 2 standard drinks a day.

3. Know your risk factors

Knowing your risk factors and monitoring your own health are important tools in the early detection of bowel cancer. If you notice any symptoms or have concerns relating to your bowel, speak to your GP to discuss your concerns.

Appointments with GPs at Illawarra Medical Centre can be made online or by contacting us on (08) 9208 6400.

Where can I find out more information?

For more information, visit:

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]]> Prostate cancer in Australian men https://illawarramedical.com.au/prostate-cancer-in-australian-men/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=prostate-cancer-in-australian-men Tue, 27 Sep 2022 02:38:28 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=6129 Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with more than 240,000 Australian males currently impacted by the disease and another 66 men diagnosed each day. With September being Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we thought we’d take a closer look at the disease in this month’s blog. What is Prostate Cancer? Prostate […]

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Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with more than 240,000 Australian males currently impacted by the disease and another 66 men diagnosed each day.

With September being Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we thought we’d take a closer look at the disease in this month’s blog.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate gland develop more quickly than in a normal prostate, forming a malignant tumour.

The prostate is a small gland that is about the size of a walnut and sits below the bladder near the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, the passage of the penis through which urine and semen pass.

Only men have a prostate and it forms part of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the nutrients that sperm need once they leave the body and secretions from the prostate make up a large part of semen.

It is generally a slow growing disease and has one of the highest survival rates of all cancers. Those diagnosed with the disease have a 95% chance of survival beyond 5 years, when detected early. If found late, however, those survival rates drop to below 26%.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

In the early stages, there are rarely symptoms. In later stages of the disease, some symptoms may include:

  • frequent urination, particularly at night;
  • a delay in starting when wanting to urinate;
  • a weak stream when urinating;
  • dribbling at the end of urinating;
  • a lack of bladder control (incontinence);
  • pain when urinating or ejaculating;
  • blood in the urine or semen; and
  • bone pain, particularly in the lower back or pelvis.
prostate-urinals

These symptoms may not mean that you have cancer. However, if you do experience any of these symptoms, it is best to speak with your GP immediately to find out why they may be occurring.

Risk factors of prostate cancer

There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing the disease. These include:

Family History – a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer increases your own risk of developing the disease, particularly if your father or brother developed prostate cancer at a young age. If this is you, make sure you speak to your doctor about getting a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test at 45 years of age.

Race – those of African and Caribbean descent are at slightly more risk of developing the disease. If this applies slot hoki to you, it is recommended you speak to your doctor about getting a PSA blood test at 45 years of age.

Diet and Lifestyle – while there is no direct evidence to suggest diet and lifestyle increase your risk of developing the disease, it is still recommended that you maintain a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, remain physically active and minimise alcohol consumption to improve your overall health.

Age – this is the main risk factor and your risk increases rapidly after 50 years of age. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases to 1 in 7 by the age of 75 and 1 in 5 by the age of 85. The disease is uncommon in men under 50.

How is it diagnosed?

There is no simple, single test to detect the disease. If your doctor suspects you may have prostate cancer, they will generally recommend you undergo one or more of the following tests:

  1. Digital Rectal Examination. This involves your doctor inserting a gloved finger into your rectum to feel your prostate to tell if it is enlarged or not.
  2. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test. This measures the PSA levels in your blood. Most of the PSA in your body is made by the prostate. When the prostate is damaged, PSA leaks into the blood. PSA levels can be variable and an elevated PSA level does not mean you have prostate cancer. In fact, some men with prostate cancer have normal PSA levels and only one in three men with elevated PSA levels has cancer.
  3. Prostate Biopsy. A biopsy is the only way a firm diagnosis of prostate cancer can be made. It involves removing small samples of tissue from your prostate using very thin, hollow needles, guided by an ultrasound. The tissue is then sent to a pathologist to determine whether the cells are malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). It will also help determine the aggressiveness of the disease, if present.

How is it treated?

There are a number of different treatment options available, depending on your prognosis and the progression and growth of the disease.

Treatment options generally include:

  • Active surveillance
  • Prostatectomy
  • Radiotherapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Chemotherapy

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, your doctor will discuss the treatment options available to you and recommend the best course of action.

To make a booking with one of our GPs to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your prostate or overall health in general, visit our Online Bookings page or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

Where can I find out more information?

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]]> The importance of skin cancer checks https://illawarramedical.com.au/skin-cancer-checks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=skin-cancer-checks Tue, 17 Nov 2020 08:04:42 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=3938 This week is National Skin Cancer Awareness Week, which provides a timely reminder for us all to protect our skin and get it checked as we head towards summer. Perth is one of the sunniest cities in the world, with an annual average of eight hours of sunshine every day. It’s no wonder then, that […]

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This week is National Skin Cancer Awareness Week, which provides a timely reminder for us all to protect our skin and get it checked as we head towards summer.

Perth is one of the sunniest cities in the world, with an annual average of eight hours of sunshine every day. It’s no wonder then, that skin cancer accounts for the largest number of cancers diagnosed in Australia each year.

Skin cancer in Australia – the stats
According to the Cancer Council of Australia, two in three Australian’s will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70, with the majority of skin cancers caused by exposure to the sun.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, two to three times that of Canada, the US and the UK.

Every year in Australia:

  • Skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed skin cancers
  • GPs have over 1 million patient consultations per year for skin cancer
  • More than 2,000 people die from skin cancer

Approximately 200 melanomas and 34,000 other skin cancer types per year are caused by occupational exposures.

What causes skin cancer?

Cancer is a disease of the cells that occurs when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way and damage or invade the surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

Skin cancer affects the body’s skin cells and is mainly caused by cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

  1. Basal Cell Carcinoma – the most common but least dangerous form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas generally develop on the head, neck and upper body and appear as a pearly lump or a scaly, dry area that is pale or pink in colour. They tend to grow slowly and don’t usually spread to other parts of the body.

  2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma – usually appear on areas of the skin that are most often exposed to the sun, including the head, neck, hands, forearms and lower legs. Squamous cell carcinomas often appear as a thickened, red, scaly lump and may look like a sore that hasn’t healed. They can grow quickly over several weeks or months and spread to other parts of the body.

  3. Melanoma – while it is the least common type of skin cancer, it is also the most serious. Melanomas are different to normal, healthy freckles and moles in that they tend to have an irregular edge or surface and can be blotchy and black, brown, blue, red, white or light grey. Melanomas can grow quickly and become life threatening, spreading to other parts of the body.

While sun exposure is the main cause of skin cancer, there are other factors that can increase someone’s risk of developing the disease. These include:

  • The total number of moles you have.
  • The number of atypical (dysplastic) naevi (moles) you have.
  • Your skin, hair and eye colour, with those with fair skin, blue or green eyes and/or fair or red hair at greater risk.
  • A depressed immune system.
  • A family history of skin cancer.

Preventing skin cancer

The good news is that over 95% of skin cancers can be treated if found early. It is therefore important that you get to know your skin and see your doctor as soon as possible if you notice anything different or unusual.

The key things to look for are:

  • A spot that is different from other spots on the skin.
  • A spot, mole or freckle that has changed in size, shape or colour.
  • A sore that doesn’t heal.
  • A spot that itches or bleeds.
  • A spot that is painful or swollen.

In the case of melanomas, follow the ABCDE rule and look closely for:

  • Asymmetry – where, if divided down the middle, the 2 halves of the spot are not a mirror image.
  • Border – spots with uneven borders and irregular edges.
  • Colour – spots with an unusual or uneven colour.
  • Diameter – spots that are wider than 6mm.
  • Evolving – where a spot or lesion has changed in size, shape, colour or texture over time.

Other simple measures you can take to prevent skin cancer include:

  1. Wearing protective clothing in the sun.
  2. Applying water-resistant SPF30 or higher sunscreen, at least 20 minute before going outside and reapplying every two hours.
  3. Wearing a broad-brimmed, bucket, or legionnaire-style hat.
  4. Reducing outdoor time, particularly during the hottest part of the day, and staying in the shade when outdoors.
  5. Wearing sunglasses that comply with Australian and New Zealand standards.

Get your skin checked at IMC

Getting a regular skin check is one of the best ways to detect skin cancer early. Skin cancer is diagnosed by a physical examination and biopsy on suspected skin cancers. A biopsy is a simple and quick procedure where part or all of the suspect spot is removed and sent to a laboratory for testing.

Illawarra Medical Centre offers a comprehensive range of dermatology services, including skin cancer checks, mole screening and general dermatology screenings.

Our specialist GP, Dr Dhruva Ramachandra, runs regular skin cancer and dermatology checks at our practice on Tuesday mornings.

We have also recently introduced new dermatology software at our practice to improve the imaging, documentation and analysis of skin conditions, including skin cancer. This new patient-centric system allows for a more streamlined and co-ordinated health care approach for our dermatology patients.

To make a booking with any of our GPs to discuss any skin concerns you may have, visit our Online Bookings page or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

To make an appointment for one of our Tuesday skin clinics, contact our Reception on (08) 9208 6400.

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