General Health  

Cervical Cancer

Like everybody else, sex workers' best protection from sexually transmitted infections is a strong condom. However, research suggests that the more sexual partners women have, the greater the chances are of developing cervical cancer. Even if a woman only had one or two sexual partners, the research shows that if her partner has had a lot of sexual partners, then the chances of the woman getting cervical still increase. Cervical smears are vital in preventing cervical cancer. It is a simple, quick and painless test. You should get a smear test at least every 3 years, as your doctor, family planning clinic or GUM clinic.

Breast Checks

From the age of 20 you should check your breasts every month and have a check up by a health professional every three years (every year if you are over 40). Set aside five minutes every month, a week after you period to check your breasts yourself. You can do this in two ways.

The Mirror Check

1. Arms at sides, then raise.
2. Do your breasts look the same as they usually do?

Remember that many women normally have one breast smaller than the other. It is important for you to know what is normal for you.

Lying Down

1. Lie flat.
2. Put a pillow or folded towel under your left shoulder.
3. Put you hand under your head.
4. Use your right hand, fingers flattened, to check your breast. Work in a spiral, from the outside to the edge of your breast. You'll probably feel a firm ridge around the lower edge of your breast. That's normal.
5. Now change to the right breast, pillow under right shoulder with right arm under head and repeat the check.