Merchiston Surgery

Cervical screening can save lives 💙

Cervical screening (previously called a smear test) is a quick and simple test that checks the health of your cervix and helps prevent cervical cancer 👍

It’s offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64, with invitations sent every 5 years 📅

The test doesn’t check for cancer itself – it looks for a virus called HPV, which can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes can be treated early to stop cancer developing 💉

At your appointment, a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix by a nurse or doctor. It only takes a few minutes, and you’ll be supported throughout to make you as comfortable as possible 🤝

Even if you feel well and have no symptoms, it’s important to attend your screening when invited – it’s one of the best ways to protect your health 💙

Find out more:
Cervical screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/

Looking for a simple way to boost your health and support a good cause?

Taking part in a walking challenge like “My WALK IT” can help improve your physical and mental wellbeing – while also raising awareness of Crohn’s and Colitis. 🚶

You don’t need to be an athlete – you can pick your distance and choose to do it in a day, a few weeks or the whole month of June. Every step you take is one towards a future free of IBD

Join here:
https://crohns-colitis-uk.sync.giving/mywalkit-2026/?utm_source=Social+Media&utm_medium=Post&utm_campaign=My+WALK+IT&utm_id=Redmoor+Health

Know your skin. It could save your life 💙

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, but spotting the signs early can make a big difference to treatment and outcomes 👍

A helpful way to check your moles is the ABCDE checklist:
• A – Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other
• B – Border: edges are irregular, ragged or blurred
• C – Colour: uneven or multiple shades
• D – Diameter: larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
• E – Evolving: changing in size, shape, colour or feeling (e.g. itching or bleeding)

You should contact your GP if:
• a mole becomes painful, itchy, inflamed, bleeding or crusty
• you notice a new or unusual mark or lump that doesn’t go away
• a mole changes or looks different from others

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, not just sun-exposed areas, so it’s important to check your skin regularly 👀

Find out more:
Melanoma skin cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/
Non-melanoma skin cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/what-is-non-melanoma-skin-cancer/

Men’s Health Week is a great time to learn more about cancers that only affect men 💙

Some cancers specifically affect men, including prostate, testicular and pe**le cancer. These cancers develop in parts of the male reproductive system and can affect people at different stages of life 👨‍⚕️

For example:
• Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland and is the most common cancer in men in the UK
• Testicular cancer often affects younger men and may present as a lump or swelling
• Pe**le cancer is rare but can develop on or under the fo****in

Treatments can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but may include surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, with support available throughout 💙

It’s important to know your body and speak to a healthcare professional if something doesn’t feel right. Early detection can make a big difference 👍

This message is inclusive of trans women and non-binary people (assigned male at birth), who can also be affected by these cancers and should feel supported to seek advice 💙

Find out more:
Men’s cancers information: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mens-cancer