At Home Christian Jessen 2014 - 173

| PROMOTION|
women become more aware of signs of
gynaecological cancers; when caught early
90% of women with ovarian cancer will survive.
Earlier diagnosis, sub-specialisation and
chemotherapy are bringing signiﬁcant
improvements. The lesson to every woman
should be that if you have a concern, see
your doctor to discuss possible treatments. And,
always seek a second opinion if necessary.

Ages and stages of your health
Women can improve their whole wellbeing
with a balanced diet, regular exercise and
avoiding smoking. But different concerns arise
at various times and it pays to be aware of
symptoms and when to seek help.

TEENS
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is
offered to all 12-13-year-old girls. This protects
against the virus that can cause cervical,
vaginal and vulval cancers.
20s TO 40s
* There are many treatments available to
relieve problematic symptoms associated with
heavy, painful and irregular periods
* Sufferers of conditions such as endometriosis
and polycystic ovarian syndrome can have
problems falling pregnant however advice and
treatments are available to help
* From the age of 25 it is advisable to have
a regular smear test every three years to detect
if cervical cancer cells are present
* Pelvic pain can indicate conditions such
as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, ﬁbroids or
infections. Diagnosis and treatment can provide
signiﬁcant improvement in the symptoms
40s TO 60-PLUS
* The average age for menopause is 51
which can cause a variety of physical and
psychological symptoms
* After menopause, some conditions may occur
more frequently: high blood pressure, obesity,

MEET THE
EXPERT

Dirk Brinkmann
MBChB FRCOG

Mr Brinkmann is one of the most trusted
specialists in women's health and the
treatment of gynaecological cancer.
His training at top institutions on three
continents, including University of Cape
Town, South Africa and Brown and
Harvard Universities, USA has given him
the deepest reservoir of knowledge to
draw on for both the beneﬁt and
empathy of his patients. Working in all
facets of women's health and a double
specialisation in gynaecology and cancer
surgery, he is one of the very few robotic
gynaecological surgeons in Britain.

Women who look after
themselves will eliminate their
risk of many health issues

cholesterol problems, heart disease and cancers
* Women at risk of osteoporosis may beneﬁt
from getting a bone density scan in their 50s
* It is important to attend regular smear tests
every three years until aged 49 and every ﬁve
years thereafter, and to have a mammogram
every three years between 50 and 70
* Incontinence and vaginal prolapse are more
common in women over 50 and can stop you
living life to the full. However, patients talk
of life-changing transformations after treatment
for these distressing symptoms

Gynaecological cancers

These ﬁve cancers start in the female
reproductive system - ovarian, cervical,
womb, vulva and vagina.
* Most are found in women over 50, apart
from cervical cancer which is most common
between 30 to 45 years of age. Cervical
cancer is very rare in women under 25 years
but can occur and the incidence of other
gynaecological cancers in women under 50
has been rising in the last few years
* Awareness of these cancers is very low and
some can be difﬁcult for the patient to spot or
doctors to diagnose because they share their
symptoms with other common conditions
* Endometrial cancer has recently become the
most common gynaecological cancer, largely
because the population is getting heavier
* One third of cancers are preventable
through healthy lifestyle choices. Obesity and
smoking are high risk factors for a number of
gynaecological cancers and cervical cancer
is largely preventable through regular routine
screening and early treatment

Reduce your risk

* Have the HPV vaccine (delivered largely

through secondary schools for girls aged 12-13)
* Schedule a smear test; effective in detecting

cervical cancer and decreases your risk by 90%
* Being attuned to cancer's warning signs
helps detect disease in its early stages, when
treatment will be more successful
* See the right doctor - more than 60% of
women diagnosed with gynaecological
cancers are treated by the wrong doctor.
Gynaecological oncologists are more
specialised than general gynaecologists to
care for women with reproductive cancers
* You could have an increased risk of
developing breast or ovarian cancer if there
is a history of cancer in your family. Talk to
your doctor to ﬁnd out what can be done.

Get treatment fast

Private hospitals don't face the same pressure as
the NHS, with fewer patients and no unscheduled
crowds waiting at A&E. Many people are also
realising private healthcare is not as expensive
as they thought. There are signiﬁcant advantages
such as ﬂexibility, no waiting times, choice of
consultant and specialist teams, quality and
compassionate care in comfortable surroundings.
Spire Portsmouth Hospital doesn't just treat
patients - it offers them care and compassion
at the time that it matters most.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
To make an appointment with
Mr Brinkmann at Spire Portsmouth Hospital,
email spire@brinkmanngynaecology.com
visit www.brinkmanngynaecology.com
and www.spireportsmouth.com
or call 023 9245 6146.
http://www.brinkmanngynaecology.com http://www.spireportsmouth.com
At Home Christian Jessen 2014

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