Women’s health: Cancer screening, fertility, pregnancy & more

Women's Health

Cancer screening, fertility, pregnancy & more

Women have unique healthcare needs, and there are a few things that women should be doing to look after their health and wellbeing. In this edusheet, we’re going to explore some of the key ways women can ensure a long and happy life, from screening for cervical and breast cancer, to ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

Cervical cancer

What is it?

Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cervix – the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This is a slow-growing cancer, so with regular screening, you can identify and treat the disease before it causes serious problems or spreads to other parts of the body.

What causes cervical cancer?

While the exact causes aren’t clear, the medical community knows that HPV plays a role in cervical cancer, as well as certain lifestyle choices and environmental factors.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

In its early stage, cervical cancer doesn’t generally show signs or symptoms. This makes regular check-ups extra important to catch the disease early. Advanced cervical cancer may present the following symptoms:

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

At Unjani Clinic, we use Pap smears and cervical cytology to test for cervical cancer. In these tests, cells collected from the surface of your cervix are examined under a microscope. If any unusual cells are found, a biopsy may need to be performed. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed so it can be tested in a laboratory.

How do I minimise my risk of cervical cancer?

Get vaccinated against HPV

Get tested regularly – starting at age 21 and repeating every few years

Practice safe sex – especially with partners whose sexual health status you are unsure of

Don’t smoke

Breast cancer

What is it?

Breast cancer is a cancer of the breast. The disease can start in different parts of the breast, and can spread to other parts of the body through blood and lymph vessels.

What causes breast cancer?

Research has shown that various factors play a role in your risk of breast cancer:

Genes – people with a family history of breast cancer are 5-10% more like to develop the disease

Age – you are more likely to get cancer as you grow older

Radiation exposure – women who have had radiation treatment on their chest are more likely to develop the disease

Weight – obesity increases your risk of breast cancer

Starting your period early – women who began menstruating before the age of 13 have a higher risk

No children – women who choose not to have children, or who have their first child after the age of 30, have an increased risk of breast cancer

Post-menopause – your risk increases after menopause, especially if you’re undergoing hormone treatment

Alcohol – regular drinking may slightly increase your risk

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

There are various symptoms to look out for, including lumps, thick areas, dimples and more.

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Unjani Clinic nurses are trained to deliver breast examinations to pick up any signs of breast cancer, before they become a serious risk to your health. Visit your nearest Unjani Clinic today to get screened today.

How do I minimise my risk of breast cancer?

Fertility & infertility

What is fertility?

Fertility is the natural ability for a woman to fall pregnant. Several factors are required for fertility in women, such as healthy egg production, a high-quality embryo (fertilised egg) and more.

If just one of these factors is not working properly, you may struggle to have a child due to ‘infertility’.

What is infertility?

Infertility is the opposite of fertility – so if you are infertile, that means that you will not be able to have a child. Luckily, there are various ways you can increase your chances of falling pregnant.

How can I increase my chances of falling pregnant?

Make healthy life choices, such as quitting smoking and drinking as little alcohol as possible

Maintain a healthy body weight

Ask your Unjani Clinic Nurse about our 3-month fertility programme

Antenatal care

What is antenatal care?

Antenatal care is the special healthcare a woman receives when she is pregnant. Pregnant women should visit their nearest Unjani Clinic at least 4 times during your pregnancy, going more often as your pregnancy develops to ensure a healthy pregnancy, birth and baby.

What does antenatal care look like?

Antenatal care with Unjani Clinic involves regular clinic visits to check up on the health of you and your baby. These visits will usually involve tests and scans, and your nurse will give you some practical guidelines to ensure a healthy pregnancy, such as lifestyle changes you can make, getting the right nutrition with prenatal vitamins, and warning signs to look out for.