Well Woman Clinic

Thurso Clinic Times

Thurso patients can be seen during routine surgery times.

Halkirk Clinic Times

Halkirk patients can be seen during routine surgery times.

Well Woman appointments are with the Practice Nurse. The Nurse will be happy to provide advice on a wide range of health issues including diet, exercise and smoking cessation.

Breast Screening

You should check your breasts regularly. The Practice Nurse is able to show you the correct examination technique. If you note any changes in your breast, you should make an appointment to see the doctor. Most lumps tend to be harmless but it is worth having them checked to see.

Mammography

Mammography (taking x-rays of breast tissue) is organised from outside the Practice and takes place in mobile units which travel to towns across the Highlands. Screening takes place every 3 years in women aged 50 – 70 years. The NHS does not currently fund the routine screening of women below the age of 50 (effectively pre-menopausal women). Screening is difficult in women who still have periods because the breast tissue changes with the monthly cycle. Nevertheless, it does advocate screening women who have a first degree relative who has had breast cancer (ie mother or a sister) from 5 years before the age at which the relative was diagnosed.

Cervical Smear Test

The whole idea of cervical screening is to pick up mild pre-cancerous changes before they turn into anything more serious. There are several grades of abnormal smear before cancer develops, each of which can be treated successfully by a gynaecologist. It is worth remembering that less than 10% of cervical smear tests show any abnormality at all.

What exactly is a cervical smear?

The nurse or doctor will take a sample from the cervix (the neck of the womb) by gently rotating a brush over it. This sample is mixed into a preservative fluid and sent to a lab at Raigmore Hospital for analysis.

How often should you have a smear test?

You should have a smear test every three years under normal circumstances if you are aged between 25 and 49 and every five years under normal circumstances if you are aged between 50 and 64 years. However, you may be recalled sooner than this if you have had an abnormal smear in the past. Your doctor will usually take a cervical smear if you experience bleeding after intercourse or between periods. These symptoms are important and you should seek advice as soon as possible.

How will you get the result of your smear?

You will receive a letter informing you of your smear result.

If the smear is abnormal will you get cancer?

Very few cervical smears pick up actual cancer. If you have an abnormality you will be advised by your doctor what treatment (if any) is needed and he or she will arrange it for you. Below is a basic guide to smear results:

Result

Usual Action

Negative

Recall 3 years/5 years

Inadequate (insufficient cells on sample)

Repeat in 3-6 months

Mild abnormality

Repeat in 6 months

More serious abnormality

Refer for colposcopy

 

What is a colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a technique used by the gynaecologist to look closely at the cervix, take tiny biopsy samples and, if necessary, treat abnormalities. It is done in an outpatient clinic and you do not need an anaesthetic.

Well Man Clinic

Thurso Clinic Times

Thurso patients can be seen during routine surgery times.

Halkirk Clinic Times

Halkirk patients can be seen during routine surgery times.

Well Man appointments are with the Practice Nurse. The Nurse will be happy to provide advice on a wide range of health issues including diet, exercise and smoking cessation. A well man assessment is not a replacement for your Doctor. If you are ill or need medical advice, see your Doctor. 

What Health Checks Do Well Man Clinics Offer?

The range of tests and health checks may vary but any of the following may be assessed:

  • your lifestyle, including diet, exercise, alcohol and smoking 
  • medical history 
  • weight and height 
  • waist measurement
  • blood pressure 
  • a urine test for diabetes or kidney infection 
  • blood tests (if appropriate)

What Screening or Tests Should Men Have?

It is important that men become comfortable examining their testicles for lumps and bumps.  The following advice acts as a guide on technique and what to look for: www.nhs.uk/  

If you are between the age of 50 and 74 you will be sent an invite for bowel cancer screening every two years.  Find out more at www.bowelscreening.scot.nhs.uk/   

Depending on your age and medical/family history you may need to have a blood test to check your cholesterol level.

You should have your blood pressure checked on a five yearly basis if you are healthy and over the age of 40.

The NHS now offers free routine eye tests.  Please make an appointment with your Optician if you are due an eye check.

All men are invited for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening when they reach 65. Find out more at www.healthscotland.com/  

A PSA test is a blood test that can detect the early stages of prostate cancer. There are advantages and disadvantages to having the test.  You should discuss the need for a PSA test with the Doctor if necessary.

 
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