Your breast screening, SORTED

Taking your bra off at the end of the day feels great. And so does getting your breast screening sorted. That's because screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that is too small to feel or see yourself, or more likely, getting screened can put your mind at rest.

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The clinic

WOMAN'S GP DR HELEN WALL ON HER TOPIC OF THE WEEK

Have you ever told your GP lies?

It’s easy to say that you don’t smoke or drink a lot less than you do – but fibbing isn’t a good idea…

As a GP, in order for me to make an accurate assessment of a patient’s needs, I need to have a good history of their health. This is more important than you might think – studies suggest that 80% of diagnoses can be made on history alone. A physical examination and investigations will often serve only to confirm a diagnosis.

A GP can see anything from piles to cancer in a short space of time, with no option to observe or await investigations, before deciding on an immediate plan of action. We are trained to listen for cues, red flags and patterns of disease, and we can’t rely on tests alone to tell us the full story. This is why providing detailed, honest and reliable information about your lifestyle, symptoms and medical history can really help you get the best care.