Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Not all tumors are cancerous; benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body.
Some cancers can be detected early, and treatments are often more effective when they are. This article looks at two of the more common cancers to threaten women, cervical cancer and breast cancer and offers advice on the best ways to prevent them from becoming a concern to you.
Australian Unity members+ can receive money back if they receive the full cervical cancer vaccination treatment.
In Australia, women can access a vaccine that can protect them against the cause of most cervical cancers, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
However, not everyone is eligible for the free vaccine program (from 2013 only girls and boys aged 12-13 years qualify to receive the vaccine free of charge. Please note, as part of a catch-up plan, boys aged 14-15 years also qualify, but only until the end of the 2014 school year).
Next time you visit your GP ask if the vaccine is right for you. If your doctor recommends it and you take the three vaccine treatment course, we can give you 100% of the cost up to $200, payable on completion#.
To claim, just send a copy of the prescription for your third cervical cancer vaccination, together with a completedclaim form to Australian Unity Claims Department, Reply Paid 9945, South Melbourne VIC 8060.
It is important to realise that the vaccine will not protect you against all cervical cancer types, and it’s strongly recommended that all vaccinated women still go for regular Pap smears.
To find out more, please call us on 13 29 39 or visit here for more information.
Up to 90% of cervical cancers are preventable through regular Pap smears^.
Going for a Pap test every two years from the age of 18, (or within two years of becoming sexually active) is the single best way to protect yourself against cervical cancer.
The Pap test is a screening test for healthy women. It’s quick, simple and the test itself is free. However, doctors will charge their standard consultation fee for the appointment.
The test itself doesn’t check for cervical cancer or diagnose it, but instead checks the cells of the cervix for changes. The changes are often treatable and the test can usually prevent cancer from developing if detected early enough.
Some women find Pap tests a bit awkward, but they should not be painful. And most women agree that the peace of mind that the test results bring easily outweighs any slight discomfort. You’ll find more about Pap tests here.
Breast health is an area of concern for all women.
The statistics say it all:
One woman in every nine will get breast cancer regardless of family history.†
The older you are, the higher your risk.†
75% of women diagnosed are over 50.†
Regular breast screens can reduce your risk of breast cancer death by 25%.^
With these facts in mind, it is little wonder the government and the medical society as a whole are keen to push the message that early detection could save your life —and a breast screen is the best way to find any concerns early.
Having a breast screen is easy. When you turn up for your appointment, a BreastScreen staff member will explain the quick procedure in straightforward language before a female radiographer takes two X-rays of each breast. Two separate radiographers will then review your X-rays before sending the results to you, which usually happens within a few weeks.
If you are aged between 40 and 74, you can attend a free BreastScreen treatment (women over 50 can make an appointment without a GP referral). Unfortunately, women outside this age bracket are not eligible to receive the treatment free (however, you may be entitled to claim a proportion of the fee back through your health cover, see below for more).
You can call BreastScreen Australia on 13 20 50 to make an appointment and you will find more about breast screens here.
Australian Unity members* under 40 or over 74 can receive up to 70% back when they go for a breast screen.
If you’re an Australian Unity LifeChoice or Lifechoice Plus member and you would like to attend a breast screen, but due to your age you are not eligible for the free service, we can repay you up to 70%* of the cost of the treatment not covered by BreastScreen Australia.
To claim, simply send a copy of the receipt for your breast screen, together with a completed claim form to Australian Unity Claims Department, Reply Paid 9945, South Melbourne, VIC 8060.
To find out more, please call us on 13 29 39 or visit here for more information.
# Not Care 'n Repair, Smart Start, Budget Hospital and Overseas Visitors Cover members. No waiting period applies. 100% of the cost up to $200 payable on completion of the three vaccine course of treatment. There is a lifetime limit of $200 and a copy of your prescription is required when claiming.
^ http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/reduce-your-risk/get-checked-women.html
*For LifeChoice & LifeChoice Plus members only. A 12-month waiting period applies. We will pay up to 70% of the cost of a screening mammogram, to a maximum of $100, where no Medicare rebate is payable. Claims are payable once every 2 years and there is no lifetime cap.
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