Question : My doctor wants me to have a smear test . Does this mean he think I have cancer ?
Answer : The Smear test is not a test for cancer ; It is a test for pre-cancer . Your doctor is not singling you out, this is a simple procedure that should be regularly carried out on every woman up to the age of 65 . Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable , but only if every woman agrees to have a regular smear test .
Question : What does skin cancer look like ? I have some brown , scab-like blemishes on and around my left nipple . I was wondering if this is anything serious ? The right nipple is similarly affected , but does not look quite so bad .
Answer : It is extremely unusual to get skin cancer around a nipple . However , there is a condition called Paget’s disease which affects the nipple . It looks like eczema and bleeds easily and if you think this is what you have , then it should be treated by a specialist . There could be a simpler explanation , though . The scab-like blemishes sound as though they are an encrustation caused by skin oils . If you use a softening skin lotion they should just lift off , but if you are worried then do consult your doctor .
