Sussex

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="667" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-285-667x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80622" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-285-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-285-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-285-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-285.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></figure>



If October were a colour, it could be orange for all those grinning pumpkins but it’s far more likely to be pink for the ribbons that pop up everywhere at this time of year, from snack packaging to Parliament.&nbsp;



Breast Cancer Awareness Month originated 40 years ago in the US. It was the first organised attempt to spotlight breast cancer, aimed at educating people about the disease and increasing early diagnosis by encouraging women to get themselves screened.&nbsp;



Treatment for breast cancer has come on in leaps and bounds since the Eighties but screening and being breast-aware remain vitally important, ensuring that it’s caught as early as possible. Nowhere is that more appreciated than at <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-mcindoe-centre-east-grinstead/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The McIndoe Centre </a>in East Grinstead, where dedication to innovation is married to world-class care that’s holistic, ethical and consistent, earning them glowing patient reviews.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/09/2-26.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



McIndoe was founded in 1997 as a legacy to Sir Archibald McIndoe, the surgeon whose pioneering treatment and rehabilitation of badly burned airmen on the same site during WWII helped pave the way for modern plastic surgery. Today, the clinic delivers more procedures than any other independent hospital in the UK, and this includes specialist reconstructive breast surgery, an alternative to post-cancer implants.&nbsp;



McIndoe also champions women’s preventative healthcare, and while breast awareness rightly dominates this month, it’s not the only way that you can embrace year-round self-care. It&#8217;s easy to either fret about health concerns or else push them to the back of your mind, but here are some ways that McIndoe’s experts can empower you to be proactive and positive.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breast-checks">BREAST CHECKS </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-284-1000x667.jpg" alt="Women's health checks" class="wp-image-80624" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-284-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-284-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-284-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-284.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



There’s no sugar-coating it, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. The good news is that regular breast self-examinations can make all the difference, and take just a few minutes each month. Even so, they can become a source of anxiety. Maybe you’ve fallen out of the habit, and feel unsure about what’s normal for you. Maybe you’ve never been quite convinced that you’re doing it correctly and need a technique refresher. Or maybe you’ve noticed changes but are reluctant to ‘bother’ your GP about it, instead seeking out – uh oh – Doctor Google, which has you in a panic.&nbsp;



For reassurance on all of the above, you can book yourself a professional check at McIndoe. There’s no need for a GP referral, and their <a href="https://www.themcindoecentre.co.uk/our-services/breast-check-clinic/?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=Oct_25__muddy-stilettos-solus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breast Check Clinic</a> is a welcoming, supportive, compassionate space. Your confidential breast examination is carried out by a registered Women&#8217;s Health Specialist GP, boosting your confidence when it comes to monitoring your own breast health moving forwards.&nbsp;



The service costs £89 but throughout October, you can benefit from a free breast check when you book a smear test. Speaking of which…&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cervical-screening">CERVICAL SCREENING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/09/5-10.jpg" alt="Women's health checks at The McIndoe Centre"/></figure>



The NHS provides screening every 5 years for women aged 25–64 but private clinics offer the flexibility to be tested outside that set interval, which can be reassuring for anyone with a family history of cervical cancer or other risk factors.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themcindoecentre.co.uk/our-services/cervical-screening-smear-test/?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=Oct_25__muddy-stilettos-solus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McIndoe’s test </a>is also more comprehensive, taking a dual approach that isn’t standard in NHS screening programmes.&nbsp;



What does that mean? The NHS tests for HPV, and only if it’s found will they then check the cells under a microscope (cytology). In private dual testing, HPV and cytology testing are done simultaneously, regardless of HPV status. This is because while HPV tests detect the virus that can cause abnormal cells, sometimes the virus might be undetectable at the time of testing even if abnormal cells are forming. Testing HPV and cervical cells together reduces the chance of missing early signs of cervical health issues, providing extra peace of mind.&nbsp;



You can self-refer for this £269 service, and the aim is to make every step of the process as comfortable as possible, from the initial consultation through to clear, timely results, with personalised guidance offered throughout.&nbsp;Book this month, and you&#8217;ll receive a free breast check, too. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bowel-and-colon-health-screening">BOWEL AND COLON HEALTH SCREENING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/375ffb0b5f4388440e2bb33c57ec0e58Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNjgxMjg4MjUz-2.71202815.jpg-copy.jpg" alt="Dame Deborah James"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dame Deborah James</figcaption></figure>



The late Dame Deborah James did a huge amount to break taboos and raise awareness about bowel cancer, the UK’s fourth most common type of cancer, but it can still be extra tough to talk about. 



While the risk is low for most, there are factors that can increase a person’s chances of developing it, including age, a family history of bowel cancer (especially in a parent or sibling), a history of certain bowel conditions such as Lynch syndrome or familial polyposis, and lifestyle factors like as a low-fibre diet, smoking, or heavy drinking.&nbsp;



Bowel screening can help detect hidden signs before symptoms develop but the NHS doesn’t currently offer it until age 50. For anyone who’s younger, and has concerns but no symptoms (if you are experiencing symptoms, you’re advised to see a doctor in the first instance), a <a href="https://www.themcindoecentre.co.uk/our-services/bowel-cancer-screening/?mh_matchtype=b&amp;mh_keyword=colon%20screening%20test&amp;mh_adgroupid=182999587872&amp;mh_network=g&amp;utm_term=colon%20screening%20test&amp;utm_campaign=Women%27s+Health+Portfolio+-+Bowel+Cancer&amp;utm_source=adwords&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;hsa_acc=7522408829&amp;hsa_cam=21814343202&amp;hsa_grp=182999587872&amp;hsa_ad=763768914910&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_tgt=kwd-1283914496&amp;hsa_kw=colon%20screening%20test&amp;hsa_mt=b&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21814343202&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADJVFTD-XdV_j_Ujt7ajGv_pobv8b&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw6bfHBhDNARIsAIGsqLgTxJO-HU4p1bQmhnZb1N8gCiPICy-NtJbvwdMd5KQQNPEpj6emsIYaAtYWEALw_wcB?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=Oct_25__muddy-stilettos-solus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">private test</a> can offer peace of mind.&nbsp;



What’s involved? You’ll receive a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit which can be undertaken in the privacy of your own home. Clear, step-by-step instructions are included, and once the stool sample has been analysed by McIndoe’s accredited UK lab, a registered Women’s Health Specialist GP will personally review your results and call you to explain the findings. It costs £79 and requires neither a GP referral nor a clinic visit.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-menopause-management">MENOPAUSE MANAGEMENT </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-286-1000x667.jpg" alt="McIndoe Centre women's menopause management" class="wp-image-80653" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-286-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-286-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-286-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Untitled-design-286.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Menopause ­– it was bound to come up! But while there’s no dodging it, there are ways of managing it, and they’ll be different for every woman. HRT comes with benefits and risks, and what works for your best friend or sister might not be quite right for you. There are also natural treatments, involving diet and supplements, exercise and solid sleep routines (easier said than done, right?). 



The average age for menopause is 51, but it tends to range from 45 to 55 and is earlier still for some. Whichever route you envisage taking, getting clued up now will mean you’re prepared when the time comes. Of course, destigmatisation means there’s a LOT of noise surrounding menopause, so make sure you’re getting your info from medically savvy sources.&nbsp;



Wherever you’re at in your journey, McIndoe has a <a href="https://www.themcindoecentre.co.uk/our-services/menopause-management/?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=Oct_25__muddy-stilettos-solus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">package to fit</a>, from a 1-hour initial consultation, which includes a telephone review 6-8 weeks later (from £269), to advanced hormone testing and bespoke prescriptions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-all-rounder">THE ALL-ROUNDER </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/09/1-23.jpg" alt="Women's health checks"/></figure>



At every age and stage, chats with medical professionals and appropriate testing can aid in making the best choices for your present and future wellbeing, and generally help you feel more confident about maintaining and improving your health – something that can easily get dropped in the hectic juggle of a busy life (Muddy sees you!).&nbsp;



McIndoe’s <a href="https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChsSEwjun-SXvKOQAxUjmVAGHWjZFskYACICCAEQARoCZGc&amp;co=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw6bfHBhDNARIsAIGsqLhR1CbGPbwuuLgJOWHnuyZKK_J7gcf-ANswiB5fsVpjooKMam-ubOkaAtI4EALw_wcB&amp;cce=1&amp;sig=AOD64_3Z_mpmHVfmK8dtBB-X443dWvBXYA&amp;q&amp;adurl&amp;ved=2ahUKEwix_dmXvKOQAxVeVUEAHVebPWUQ0Qx6BAgKEAE?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=Oct_25__muddy-stilettos-solus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Women’s Health Check</a> offers a full suite of blood tests and screenings. It’s tailored to address individual needs and can include checks for vitamin and iron levels, cholesterol levels, thyroid function, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, and plenty more. A mental health assessment and lifestyle review is also included.&nbsp;



Testing takes up to an hour, and you’ll have a same-day 20-minute consultation with a Women&#8217;s Health Specialist GP where findings, fixes and concerns can be discussed. Don’t worry either if there’s anything you’ve forgotten to ask or if something occurs to you only later on: within two weeks, you’ll also receive a 15-minute follow-up phone call with the same GP, so you can clarify queries and chat about any next steps then.&nbsp;



This full-picture service usually costs £699 but if you book and attend your appointment before the end of November, you’ll receive a £150 discount.&nbsp;



Ready to take care of you? You can find out more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themcindoecentre.co.uk/?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=Oct_25__muddy-stilettos-solus?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=Oct_25__muddy-stilettos-solus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. You can also book for a free online talk with Dr Victoria Fielding, <a href="https://www.themcindoecentre.co.uk/events/womens-health-online-talk/?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=Oct_25__muddy-stilettos-solus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Check, Screen, Protect: Women’s Health Explained’</a>, at 6pm on 21 Oct.&nbsp;



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