Blog Articles | Rowan Family Practice GP Surgery Dublin 14

Breast Screening

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 15:36:31 GMT

Breast screening helps find cancer at an early stage meaning there’s a better chance of recovery. It involves having a mammogram of your breasts at a BreastCheck clinic or mobile screening unit.

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast to detect breast cancer when it is too small to see or feel. Results are a within 3 weeks after your mammogram. The results will also be sent to your GP. Most results are normal and no cancer is found.

Screening has been proven to lower the number of women dying from breast cancer.

What age will I be called for a breast check?

You will be called from the age of 50 years. Women are called every 2 years between 50-69 years. You can register your interest at www.breastcheck.ie/ssregister/ .

Endometriosis

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 16:25:37 GMT

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. It most commonly involves your pelvis, ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can affect 6-10% of women and can occur at any age.

What symptoms might I have?

Pain in your lower tummy or back - usually worse during your period
Period pain that stops you going about your day to day activities
Pain during or after sex
Pain when peeing or pooing during your period
Symptoms of constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee during your period
Fertility issues (25-50% occurrence)

Could I have it without symptoms?

Yes, some people are asymptomatic (have no symptoms) and is only discovered if experiencing fertility issues or through investigation for chronic pain.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on an examination by your GP ( similar to a smear test), +\- an ultrasound test and often referral to the specialist gynaecology.

Can it be treated?

Absolutely, we can manage it both medically and surgically- each plan is individual to the patient.

Medical options include contraceptive pill, non-steroid anti inflammatories (ibuprofen, neurofen) and hormone mediation. Surgical options include tissue removal whist fertility concerns are part of the management plan also.

If you are worried you may have Endometriosis, contact your GP.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 17:15:26 GMT

Irritable bowel syndrome is often called IBS for short- it the MOST commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal complaint and is the most common reason people are referred to outpatient gastroenterology clinics.

Irritable bowel syndrome affects 1/5 people in Ireland and affects twice as many women more than men. 50% of patients are aged over 35 years and 40% are between 35-50 years.

What is it?

It is a condition where people complain of loose/frequent stool, constipation, bloating, abdominal cramping and pain, symptoms brought on by food and symptoms that can change over time.

How is it diagnosed?

It is often diagnosed by having 2 out of the below:

Symptoms improved by opening bowels
Onset associated with frequent bowel movements
Change in stool appearance

How is it investigated?

It is often diagnosed by excluding other illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis), coeliac disease and colon cancer. Diagnosis can involve bloods and a referral for an endoscope/colonoscope (camera tests of the stomach and bowels).

Why does it happen?

It fully understood but can involve multiple factors such as genetics, problems within the gut itself and food (which in itself can be a trigger).

How is it treated?

It is treated by lifestyle and pharmacological methods:

Lifestyle measures:

Exercise (research shows as little as a 20 min walk/day can improve symptoms)
Dietary measure (balanced healthy diet)
Some patients may be recommended a special diet (i.e. FODMAPS)
Alternative measures such as acupuncture, homeopathy (little evidence to support these)
Increase fibre in diet

Pharmacological measures:

Laxatives (if constipated)
Anti-motility agents (to reduced frequency of loose stool)
Probiotics to improve gut motility
Anti-spasmodics (relax the gut smooth muscle)
Antidepressants (evidence shows useful in moderate & severe IBS and is independent of antidepressant action)

If you are worried you may have irritable bowel syndrome, contact your GP.