A survey has shown one in five Barwon South-West region women put off seeing a doctor for as long as possible.
ONE in five women in the Barwon South-West region put off visiting the doctor for as long as they can, according to figures released by the Cancer Council.
The survey showed one in 10 were most likely to keep a health problem completely to themselves, rather than share their concerns with a health professional, partner, friends or family. In an effort to raise awareness of the Girls’ Night In campaign, Cancer Council spokeswoman Deb Stringer said when it came to their health, women in the region weren’t facing up to their fears and worries.
“The survey also shows that the threat of cancer is a very real problem — with every single woman surveyed knowing someone affected by breast or gynaecological cancer and surprisingly, one in five of women in the region actually knowing five or more women who have experienced these types of cancers,” she said.
The survey revealed one in 20 women in Geelong and the Great Ocean Road region had never had a Pap test and a further one in four hadn’t had one for more than two years.
Some eight out of 10 women in the region didn’t think they were healthy, with many worried about being overweight, stressed, unfit or smoking and drinking too much.
“Our recommendation is that women have Pap tests — the screening test for cervical cancer — regularly every two years,” Ms Stringer said
“Without them, women could be putting their health at risk.
For more information visit www.girlsnightin.com.au.
cquirk@standard.fairfax.com.au
