Health Screening

Health Screening In Singapore: Everything You Need To Know

by Dr Wenus Ho
Monday, December 20, 2021

Comprehensive health screening allows you to find out if you have a certain disease or condition in the absence of any signs or symptoms. More often than not, early detection and management of diseases and conditions will result in better outcomes.

What Is Health Screening?

Simply put, health screening is the process of using tests, physical examinations, and other procedures to detect diseases or conditions in generally healthy people, who show no symptoms.

Why Should One Consider Health Screening In Singapore?

Apart from being able to assess your overall well being, a comprehensive health screening in Singapore can detect diseases, health risks, or conditions, either while they’re still in the early stages, or in some cases, even before they happen or present symptoms.

Health screenings are most effective when they are customised and tailored according to your needs, where tests are recommended by your doctor after assessing the following factors:

  • Your age
  • Your gender
  • Lifestyle habits
  • Family history
  • Pre-existing conditions and/or current symptoms

Sometimes, you may not show any symptoms or signs of disease. Certain chronic conditions like diabetes take time to develop, and when detected early, can be managed better with fewer complications and improved long term outcomes.

As cancers start small, by the time the patient develops symptoms such as pain, inflammation, or when lumps start to appear, the cancer may already be at an advanced stage.

These are some of the reasons why it’s important to get screened even when you feel perfectly healthy. Singapore has been very proactive in this area and supports in many ways e.g. Shield for Life, Medisave reimbursable items (eg > 50 years old, claim up to S$500 for mammogram).

What should I be screening for

Every individual will have different health screening needs, which are based on the factors mentioned above, such as your family medical history (i.e. presence of cancer, diabetes, heart disease in your family), your age, lifestyle, and if you have any symptoms present.

Here are some of the conditions you can be screened for in Singapore:

Cancers

Cancer is one major area of concern for many individuals. Let’s review the main ones.

Breast Cancer

Mammogram

According to the American Cancer Society, these are the general screening recommendations for women at average risk of breast cancer. Their definition of average risk:

“For screening purposes, a woman is considered to be at average risk if she doesn’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as in a BRCA gene), and has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30. (See below for guidelines for women at high risk.)”

Screening Recommendations (Average Risk):

  • Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
  • Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
  • Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 years more or longer.
MRI and Mammogram

Screening Recommendations (Average Risk):

  • Lifetime risk of breast cancer above 20% to 25%, according to various breast cancer risk assessment tools
  • Have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
  • Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, and have not had genetic testing themselves
  • Had radiation therapy in the chest area

Women above 30 who are at high risk are recommended, under the guidance of their health care provider, to have MRI and Mammogram once a year, preferably at a female health screening clinic.

Note: MRI does not replace a Mammogram, it should be done in addition to a screening mammogram. Although an MRI (Breast) is more effective at detecting breast cancer than a mammogram, it may still miss some cancers that a mammogram might detect.

www.Link to 3d Tomosynthesis.com

Cervical Cancer

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with various types of human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. HPV types 16 and 18, are responsible for approximately 70% of all cervical cancer cases.

These infections are controlled by the immune system over the course of 12-24 months and may cause temporary changes in cervical cells.

However, when cervical infections with high risk types of HPV persist, the infections can cause the cellular changes to develop into precancerous lesions.

When these precancerous lesions are not detected and left untreated, they may progress to cervical cancer over a period of time.

Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines In Singapore

Under the National Cervical Cancer Screening Programme (NCCS):

  • All women who have ever had sex are advised to have their first cervical cytology test (PAP Smear) from the age of 25
  • Age 25 – 29 years: Cervical cytology (PAP Smear) taken once every 3 years
  • Age 30 – 69 years : HPV test alone every 5 years for a negative HPV test

Options for Women Above 30 Years of age (Non NCCS):

  • Cervical cytology (PAP Smear) alone every 3 years
  • HPV test alone every 5 years
  • Co testing with cervical cytology and HPV test every 5 years
What Is A PAP Smear?

A Pap Smear is a procedure that involves collecting cells from your cervix.

In a Pap test, the doctor uses a (vaginal) speculum to hold your vaginal walls apart. Next, a sample of cells from your cervix is collected using a small cone-shaped brush and a tiny wooden spatula (1,2). Your doctor then rinses the brush and spatula in a liquid-filled vial (3) and sends the vial to a laboratory for testing.

When in doubt, consult a doctor. Female doctors may be more popular where pap smears are concerned.

Ovarian Cancer Screening In Singapore (High Risk Groups)

At early stages, cancers of the ovaries are often symptom free. Some types of ovarian cancer can rapidly spread to organs nearby. A very small percentage of ovarian cancers (20%) are found at an early stage, and when detected early, an estimated 94% of patients live longer than 5 years after diagnosis.

Ultrasound Of Ovaries

Ultrasound scans use high frequency sound waves to produce images of a part of the body. It can show the ovaries, womb and surrounding structures… While an ultrasound is able to detect masses in the ovaries, it is unable to tell if a mass is malignant, and data has shown that most masses detected are not cancer.

Therefore, ovarian cancer screening is only recommended for women who are considered High Risk (Inherited BCRA Mutations)

CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125)

A blood test that measures amounts of CA-125, a protein in the blood. Data has shown that women with ovarian cancer have elevated levels of CA-125.

Note: In approximately 20% of advanced stage ovarian cancers, and 50% of early stage ovarian cancers, the CA-125 is NOT elevated. Other conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and even pregnancy have been known to elevate CA-125.

As the above tests are not definitive, in the event a physician suspects ovarian cancer (usually after a CA-125 test or TVUS), a laparotomy may be required for definitive diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

During the laparotomy, cysts or other suspicious areas are biopsied.

Colorectal Cancer

The number 1 Cancer in Singapore, screening tests such as the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) and Colonoscopy can help prevent colorectal cancer and improve treatment outcomes if detected early.

Overview Of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the large intestine) often begins as small, non cancerous growths known as polyps. Polyps are attached to the wall of the colon, and turn cancerous over time.

Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

In Singapore, people over the age of 50 with no symptoms are recommended to take the FIT once a year. Also known as the Faecal Occult Blood test, this detects small amounts of blood in stools that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is recommended for individuals with increased risk, as defined below:

  • Personal history of polyps or IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease)
  • Family history
    (a) 1 First degree relative with CRC aged <60 years or 2 first-degree relatives with CRC of any age
    (b) First degree relative with confirmed advanced adenoma(s)
  • Presence of high risk syndromes such as hereditary nonpolyposis CRC and polyposis syndrome

A tube called a colonoscope is used to examine the lining of the colon and rectum. The procedure takes about 30 minutes, and is typically done by a specialist gastroenterologist who is trained in doing colonoscopies.

Colonoscopies are generally safe procedures, but with all procedures, there are risks of complications, such as:

  • Vomiting, headache, or dizziness
  • Adverse reactions to sedatives
  • Bleeding in cases where polyps were removed
  • Perforation in the colon wall (1 in 1428 cases or 0.07% of cases)

In the market, there are some blood tests available to indicate if one is at high risk of colorectal cancer, such as CRC Protect.

Prostate Cancer Screening In Singapore

Overview Of Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer screening is a controversial topic, mainly because cancers in the prostate tend todevelop slowly and are often without symptoms. As most prostate cancers are slow growing, studies have shown that many men above 80 have died from other ailments without ever realizing they had prostate cancer. It is worth noting that the 5-year relative survival among men with cancer confined to the prostate (localised) or with just regional spread is 100%.

According to Singapore’s Ministry of Health cancer screening guidelines:

“given the lack of data on whether screening improves disease free survival, there is a lack of evidence to support population based screening for the early detection of prostate cancer in Singapore”

“Health professionals should adopt a shared approach to decision making for men who express an interest in prostate cancer testing and discuss both the potential benefits and harms associated with prostate cancer screening.”

Who Should Be Offered Screening For Prostate Cancer In Singapore?

Men who are between 50 and 75 years of age, at higher risk, such as those with strong family history of prostate cancer.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

The PSA test is a blood test that measures levels of prostate-specific antigens (PSA) and is used for the screening of prostate cancer. Men with prostate cancer usually have a higher PSA level.

A high PSA test result is not definitive, and does not mean you have prostate cancer. When PSA is high, a biopsy may be ordered to definitely diagnose prostate cancer.

Cardiovascular Risk Screening

Overview

Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease, is a condition that refers to the narrowing of the coronary arteries.

Coronary heart disease happens when cholesterol accumulates on the walls of the coronary arteries, creating plague.

The plague makes the artery walls rigid and narrow, it restricts blood flow to your heart, leading to the heart becoming starved of oxygen.

As the arteries narrow, the risk of blood clots and heart attacks increases.

Cardiac Ischemia

When plague and fatty matter narrow the insides of the coronary artery, the supply of oxygen rich blood to your heart is depleted. There are cases where people who have Cardiac Ischemia do not experience any signs or symptoms.

Coronary Heart Disease Symptoms

Angina

The following are symptoms of angina:

Chest pain: Often described as a squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightening, burning, or aching across the chest that usually starts behind the breastbone, and spreads to the neck, jaw, arms, shoulders, throat, back, or even the teeth.

Other symptoms include: Shortness of breath, general weakness, sweating, nausea, heartburn, and cramping

Shortness Of Breath

When your heart and other organs are getting too little oxygen, any exertion may cause you to start panting and have shortness of breath.

Heart Attack

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

  • Extreme chest discomfort, or a crushing chest pain
  • Perspiration and clammy skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • An overall feeling of being very unwell
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Coughing

Coronary Heart Disease Screening In Singapore

12-Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A quick, pain-free, and safe test that detects your heart’s electrical activity. The test assesses your heart’s rhythm, detects signs of heart disease and can also determine if any part of the heart is enlarged.

Treadmill Exercise Stress Test

Data has shown that some people with coronary heart disease present little to no symptoms during rest, but may present symptoms when the heart is under stress, such as exercise. When exercising, healthy coronary arteries enlarge to facilitate the increase in blood flow, but narrowed arteries are unable to compensate for the increased blood flow needed for exercise.

Treadmill stress tests are performed by comparing ECG results during rest with those during exercise. If there is reduced heart activity during exercise, indicating blockages, further tests may be ordered to allow a more definitive diagnosis, such as an angiogram.

Coronary Calcium Score

Cardiac Scoring is a non-invasive CT scan of the heart. It will evaluate your risk of developing coronary heart disease (CAD) by measuring the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs CRP)

When there is inflammation in the body, the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) increases, and this protein can be measured in your blood. High levels of hs-CRP has been associated with an increased risk of heart attacks. However, the CRP test is not able to identify the cause of inflammation, which could be caused by something other than your heart.

The hs-CRP test is more useful for people with higher risk, as determined by performing a Global Risk Assessment based on family history, lifestyle choices, and existing symptoms of conditions.

Why Is Screening Important?

Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and affects other major parts of your body besides the heart. Detecting it early can prevent complications.

Lifestyle factors are one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease, which often progresses to other high risk diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and even obesity.

By screening and identifying those at risk of cardiovascular disease, patients will then be able to apply lifestyle modifications which may reverse certain conditions that are caused by cardiovascular disease.

Hyperlipidaemia (High Cholesterol)

Overview

Lipids are fatty substances such as cholesterol and triglycerides, which play an important role in living cells.

When there is too much cholesterol and/or triglycerides (high levels of lipids in the blood), your risk level for certain diseases such as Coronary Heart Disease increases.

In order to prevent complications that arise from hyperlipidaemia, it is important to detect it early, and learn how to control it.

Screening For High Cholesterol In Singapore

Fasting Lipid Profile Test

Recommendations from Academy Of Medicine Singapore:

Screening should be carried out in all individuals aged 40 years and above. If the results are within optimal range, screening should be repeated at 3 yearly intervals. Screening should be considered at an earlier age if risk factors for hyperlipidaemia are present. For at-risk individuals, screening should be repeated more frequently.

In summary, the following groups are to be screened:

  • All individuals aged 40 years and above
  • All adults with pre-existing coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular or peripheral artery disease irrespective of age
  • All adults with diabetes mellitus irrespective of age
  • All adults with impaired fasting glycaemia or impaired glucose tolerance irrespective of age
  • All adults with a family history and/or clinical evidence of familial Hyperlipidaemia
What Do The Tests Measure?
  • Total cholesterol
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
  • Triglycerides
Test Preparation

When you’re getting your complete lipid profile done, eating or drinking anything with the exception of water should be avoided for 9-12 hours before your test.

Conclusion

When detected early, high cholesterol is a very manageable condition. In most cases, your doctor or dietician can help you create a treatment plan that you can maintain, such as dietary changes, exercising regularly and other lifestyle modifications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Overview

Commonly known as high blood pressure, hypertension refers to the condition in which your blood is pumped around the body at a pressure that’s too high, thus applying too much force against the blood vessel walls.

Current guidelines define hypertension as a blood pressure higher than 130 over 80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Risk Factors

Age: High blood pressure is commonly found in people over 60 years old. As we grow older, our arteries become narrower and stiffer due to plaque build up, resulting in an increase in pressure.

Size and weight: Obesity increases the chances of developing high blood pressure.

Alcohol and tobacco use: Alcohol consumption, in large amounts, has been associated with increasing blood pressure, along with tobacco use.

Existing health conditions: High cholesterol, heart disease, chronic kidney disease and diabetes are some conditions that can lead to hypertension.

Symptoms And Screening For High Blood Pressure

A person with high blood pressure may not experience any symptoms. When undetected, it can cause damage to the cardiovascular system and is associated with internal organ damage such as kidney damage.

Due to the lack of symptoms most of the time, Regularly checking your blood pressure is crucial.

In cases where symptoms are present, there can be sleeping problems, unnecessary sweating, anxiety, and blushing.

Hypertension can be diagnosed by a blood pressure monitor.

Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg)
Nomal blood Pressure Less than 120 Less than 80
Elevated Between 120 & 129 Less than 80
Stage 1 Hypertension Between 130 & 139 Between 80 and 89
Stage 2 Hypertension Atleast 140 Atleast 90
Hypertensive crisis Over 180 Over 120

Generally, when you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will do further testing to check for complications, such as:

  • Relevant Blood & Urine Tests
  • Check for cardiovascular disease
  • A Chest X-Ray may be performed
  • Investigate further into your medical history to determine further risk factors

Managing High Blood Pressure

Lifestyle Modifications

Certain types of high blood pressure can be managed by making lifestyle modifications, such as exercise, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, reducing stress, and avoiding a high sodium diet

Managing Body Weight

As obesity and excess body weight is closely related to high blood pressure, when a person loses weight, the blood pressure normally drops, with exceptions.

Renal Screening In Singapore

Screening Recommendations

People who are at increased risk of developing chronic renal disease should undergo testing. The following are considered high risk groups:

  • People with Diabetes
  • People with High Blood Pressure
  • People suffering from Cardiovascular Disease
  • Smokers aged 50 and above
  • People with a family history of kidney failure

Serum Creatinine Blood Test

Creatinine testing will reveal important information about your kidneys. When kidneys are healthy, they filter creatinine and other waste products from your blood.

Increased levels of creatinine in your blood generally suggests that your kidneys are not functioning properly, resulting in a low Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).

Urinalysis

This test is done by taking a urine sample from you, and inserting a chemically treated dipstick into the sample. The dipstick can detect abnormalities such as excess protein, blood in the urine, increased levels of sugar in the urine, and also pus. This test can help detect the following:

  • Urinary tract infections (through white blood cells and bacteria)
  • Early kidney disease – ACR (Albumin to Creatinine Ratio)

Diabetes Screening In Singapore

You can be tested for diabetes with a simple blood glucose test. Prior to the test, you’re required to fast for a minimum of 8 hours.

Screening is recommended for patients with a number of risk factors. To diagnose diabetes, your doctor can perform the following tests:

  • A glycated haemoglobin (A1C) test,
  • An oral glucose tolerance test,
  • A random blood sugar test. They may also test your urine.

Conclusion

Here are a few takeaways:

  • Early detection and management of diseases and conditions will result in better outcomes.
  • Health screening requirements are different for every individual, consult with your healthcare provider before making a decision on which screenings you require.
  • Regular Health Screening may lead to lower healthcare costs, check on your benefits under Screen for Life.
  • By going for regular Health Screening, you tend to be generally more aware and conscious of your health, and how your daily lifestyle decisions affect your health in general.

 

Women’s Health

10 Health Screenings Every Woman Should Have, Especially If You’re Over 25

by Dr Juliana Latif
Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Our Health is not to be taken for granted in our modern society laden with stress and sometimes irrational indulgences. Each of us should make time for healthy habits such as exercising regularly and having a balanced diet. On top of those, routine health screenings should also be a part of your health protection measure.

The following 10 health screenings for women are important for females and play a vital role in early detection of various diseases.

Such screenings should be done even if you do not experience existing discomfort, and could make a world of difference in preserving your health and quality of life.

Blood Pressure & Heart Health Screening

Why you need it: To ensure that you are not at risk for heart disease, a leading cause of deaths of women in Singapore. Every day, 17 people die from cardiovascular disease (heart diseases and stroke) in Singapore. Cardiovascular disease accounted for 30.1% of all deaths in 2017. This means that 1 out of 3 deaths in Singapore, is due to heart diseases or stroke.

When and how often: Starting at age 20, you should have your blood pressure checked once every two years. If you have existing conditions such as diabetes, kidney problems and obesity, or a family history of hypertension and heart disease, you may be recommended to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

What to expect: During your screening, your doctor checks your blood pressure. Ideally, your blood pressure should be below 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) accodring to the American Heart Association (AHA). If your reading is higher than 130/90, you could be developing hypertension.

Your doctor also listens to your heartbeat for irregularities or murmurs, which may indicate medication or further checks. You should also let the doctor know if you have been experiencing chest pains or shortness of breath.

Lipid Profile/ Cholesterol Screening

Why you need it: One of the most effective tools to asses your risk for developing heart disease or stroke is to measure your cholesterol levels. Elevated cholesterol has also been linked to gallbladder disease.

When and how often: If you’re age 20 or older, you should have your cholesterol measured at least once every five years. More frequent monitoring may only be necessary if you have certain risk factors such as diabetes, heart diseases, kidney problems, or have sudden changes in lifestyle causing weight gain.

What to expect: A comprehensive lipoprotein profile measures the total cholesterol in your blood, which includes “bad” LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, “good” HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and triglycerides. If you’re at risk for heart disease, some doctors may test your apoB levels, a measure of fat particles in the blood.

Ideally, your total cholesterol levels should be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl); a borderline high reading is between 200 and 239 mg/dl.

Pap Smear

Why you need it: It is the best tool to detect cervical cancer in time for effective treatment. According to the Singapore Cancer Society, cervical cancer is currently the tenth most common cancer amongst women in Singapore. Every year, almost 200 new cases are diagnosed and 70 deaths occur from cervical cancer alone.

When and how often: An initial screening should be performed at age 21 or once a woman is sexually active, up till age 65. Pap smears could be done every 3 years. If you have multiple sexual partners, are a smoker, are HIV positive or have a Sexually Transmitted Disease, you should have a Pap smear screening annually.

What to expect: During the Pap smear, your doctor uses a speculum to widen the vaginal canal. This exposes the cervix allowing a sample of cells to be taken with a small brush. The sample is smeared onto a glass slide and then sent for analysis. The doctor will also perform a pelvic examination to check your uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Your pap smear results will reflect your reading as normal or abnormal and requiring follow up with the doctor.

Mammogram & Clinical Breast Exam

Why you need it: Mammograms can detect the presence of cancerous lumps even before they can be felt with hand, it is currently the most reliable tool for early breast cancer detection. Despite being the most commonly occurring cancer amongst women in Singapore, more than 90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer at the earliest stage remain well and disease-free after 5 years or more, compared to around 15% for women diagnosed at the most advanced stage.

The Love-Hate Relationship Between COVID-19 and Family Planning

by Dr Juliana Latif
Thursday, June 3, 2021

The love-hate relationship between COVID-19 and family planning

COVID-19 has turned many of our lives upside down and most of us have had to make constant and necessary adjustments to day-to-day living.

Working from home is what hits most non-essential workers. Not having to rush to work every day and having more time to spend with loved ones seems godsent, but at the same time, it has also brought about friction resulting in family emergencies.

In Singapore, there is another type of emergency brewing. Emergency contraceptive pills and long-term oral contraceptives had hit a four-year high. 17,275 boxes of emergency contraceptive pills, which represents a jump of 45%, were sold in the year 2021 (Straits Times, 6th May 2021). Long-term oral contraceptives, on the other hand, increased by 16% to hit 164,438 boxes.

You are required to consult a doctor to get a prescription for these medications.

What can be the possible reasons for this phenomenon? Some are offered:

1)     Possible job losses and job instability

2)     Accommodation uncertainty. Imagine 85% of BTO projects face potential delays of 6 to 9 months, affecting 43,000 households (Straits Times, 7th April 2021). Private projects face similar delay of 6 to 9 months (Straits Times, 23 July 2020)

3)     Usual medicine supply has been cut off as one is unable to travel overseas to get cheaper alternatives

4)     The increase in adoption of telemedicine services. Women tend to be the ones getting the medicine and this shift to telemedicine appears to reduce the embarrassment in requesting for the medicine which can be delivered to their doorstop

5)     The opposite can happen. More time spent indoors can spark on a series of spontaneous activities including love making.

While there are other birth control options available, the medication possibly offers a less invasive and more affordable option to the masses. The monthly costs start from S$30 depending on the medication selected. However, do consult our female doctor if you have any queries.

During this period, do stay healthy and check on your health status.

 

The Most Common Chronic Diseases In Singapore: What You Need To Know

by Dr Wenus Ho
Sunday, December 20, 2020

Overview

Chronic diseases are medical conditions that last 1 year or more. They will require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both. 

Conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes are common chronic diseases in Singapore, and risk behaviours relating to lifestyle can contribute the development of these conditions: 

  • Tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Poor nutrition, including diets low in fruits and vegetables and high in sodium and saturated fats
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Excessive alcohol use

As chronic diseases are progressive, they can affect the quality of life and be a financial burden on their loved ones.

Common Chronic Diseases in Singapore

Globally, chronic diseases are significant causes of disability and death. In Singapore, common chronic diseases that affect Singaporeans include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)​​​

Hypertension or high blood pressure refers to the condition in which blood is pumped around the body at an abnormally high pressure.

Blood pressure (BP) is described by two numbers and is represented in mmHg (millimetres of mercury), a measure of pressure. For instance, a BP of 120/80 means that the systolic BP is 120mmHg while the diastolic BP is 80mmHg.

You can be considered pre-hypertensive if your systolic BP is 130 – 139mmHg and your diastolic BP is 80-89mmHg. At this stage, you would generally be advised to modify your lifestyle to control the blood pressure.

You will be diagnosed with hypertension if your systolic BP is 140mmHg or more, your diastolic BP is 90mmHg or more, or both. In Singapore, almost 22% from 30 to 69 years old have hypertension. 

Causes and Risk Factors

In 95% of cases, the cause of hypertension is unknown. In the rest, hypertension may be caused by kidney disease, the narrowing of certain blood vessels or other systemic illnesses.

Risk factors that increase the chances of developing hypertension include obesity and diabetes.

Diabetes Mellitus​​

Diabetes is a condition in which the blood glucose levels in the body remain persistently higher than normal. In Singapore, 9% of Singapore residents aged 18 to 69 years old are affected by diabetes1.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows your body cells to use blood glucose (sugar) for energy. Firstly, carbohydrates are converted into glucose before they are absorbed into our bloodstream. Examples of food rich in carbohydrates include rice, pasta, and bread. The pancreas then releases insulin to move the glucose from the bloodstream into the body cells for use or storage. 

People with diabetes are unable to fully utilize the glucose in their bloodstream because they either lack insulin in the body or their body cells have developed resistance to insulin.

Types of Diabetes

There are 3 major types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin due to damaged pancreatic cells. It is typically diagnosed in children or young adults although it can occur at any age.

Hence, insulin is required for treatment.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the insulin produced is not enough or not effective (if the body cells develop resistance to insulin). It occurs more frequently in people above 40 years old, particularly those who are overweight and physically inactive.

It can be controlled with proper diet and exercise. However, most diabetics also require oral medication.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs in about 2-5% of all pregnancies. It typically affects women who were not diagnosed to have diabetes previously.

While blood sugar usually returns to normal levels after delivery of the baby, 50% of the mothers develop Type 2 Diabetes after delivery. These mothers are advised to lower their risk by achieving a healthy body weight after delivery.

High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)

High cholesterol is a condition in which fatty deposits develop in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. 

Occasionally, these deposits can break, forming a clot that can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Close to 34% of Singapore residents have raised cholesterol1. This has increased by 8% over 7 years.

Causes and Risk Factors

Cholesterol is carried through your body, attached to protein. This combination of proteins and cholesterol is called a lipoprotein. 

There are 2 types of lipoproteins:

  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol builds up in the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow.
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver.

High cholesterol can be inherited, but is often the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices which make it preventable and treatable.

Factors that can increase the risk of “bad” cholesterol include:

  • Poor diet: Eating saturated fats (found in animal products) and trans fats (found in commercially baked cookies, crackers, etc.) can raise your cholesterol level. Other foods high in cholesterol such as red meat and full-fat dairy products could also increase your cholesterol level.
  • Obesity: Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater puts you at risk of developing high cholesterol.
  • Lack of exercise: Exercise helps boost your body’s HDL (“good” cholesterol).
  • Smoking: Cigarette smoking damages the walls of your blood vessels, making them more prone to accumulate fatty deposits.
  • Age: Your risk of developing high cholesterol increases as you age. For instance, your liver becomes less able to remove LDL cholesterol.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)​​

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a term used to refer to chronic respiratory diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In these conditions, there is an obstruction to airflow in the airway of the lungs, thus causing breathing difficulties.

In chronic bronchitis, there is persistent inflammation of the airways (bronchi) of the lungs. Meanwhile, in emphysema, there is damage to the smaller airways (bronchioles) and air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. Most people with COPD have a mix of both these conditions.

Causes and Risk Factors

Smoking is the main cause of COPD. It damages the air sacs, airways and the lining of your lungs. Injured lungs have trouble moving air in and out, making it hard to breathe.

Air pollution including polluted work conditions may also contribute or worsen COPD.

The Role of Health Screening 

While many of these chronic diseases don’t show any symptoms, especially in their early stages, they can result in disabling and life-threatening complications. Hence, health screening is imperative as it can help you find out if you have a medical condition even if you don’t display any signs or symptoms. 

For particular conditions, health screening can even help prevent them from happening in the first place. This is done through discovering and treating any abnormalities that could later develop into a disease.

Early detection and treatment can help you take control of your health and change the prognosis of the disease. Prioritize your health and book an appointment after checking out our health screening packages today!

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis

Importance of Screening Mammograms and Introducing of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis

by Dr Wenus Ho
Friday, November 22, 2019

Introduction

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer amongst women in the world and the disease is on the rise.  It affects approximately 1 in 11 females in their lifetime.

Based on data from Singapore Cancer Registry, 9,634 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed between 2011 to 2015.  This accounted for 29.1% of all diagnosed cancers in Singapore females, meaning nearly 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed were due to breast cancer.  Breast cancer has also been the number 1 cause of cancer mortality with the greatest number of deaths amongst all diagnosed cancers in women.

If detected in the early stages, curative treatment can be undertaken which greatly improves the survival rates of patients with breast cancer.

What is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is, essentially, an X-Ray of the breast.  By compressing the breasts between the plates on the mammography machine, it is able to capture a Two-Dimensional Image of the breasts with any underlying abnormalities within.  It does not prevent cancer but makes early detection and early intervention possible, thus saving lives.

However, no radiological examination is perfect and the mammogram is no different.  Normal breast tissue, especially in females with denser breasts, can “obscure” or “hide” a breast cancer.   Sometimes, an abnormality that looks like cancer may be picked up, but on further investigations, it turns out to be normal.

Hence, doctors still emphasize on the need for regular Breast Self Examinations, regular breast screening mammograms to improve early detection rates for Breast Cancer.

In addition, sometimes, additional imaging like Ultrasounds, MRIs and now Tomosynthesis can be used to further improve the sensitivity of breast cancer screening.

Introducing Digital Breast Tomosynthesis

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, also known as 3D Mammography creates a 3D picture of the breast using XRays, rather than a 2D image.  The machine achieves this by moving in an arc around the breast during the process and taking images from multiple angles.  These images are then transmitted to a computer which assembles these data to produce a 3D image of the breast.

In essence, traditional mammography takes a single “picture” of one’s breast by compressing a 3D object into a 2D representation while tomosynthesis aims to reproduce the 3D image of the breasts.

There is still an ongoing debate and ongoing medical studies on whether detection rates for tomosynthesis is superior to conventional 2D mammography, but so far, results are encouraging and there are centres overseas that are adopting tomosynthesis more.

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis is now available at Fusion Medical

Fusion Medical is able to perform both 2D mammography and 3D tomosynthesis in one sitting without having to repeat the imaging on a separate occasion.

Conclusion

Breast Cancer is the number 1 cancer in females all over the world.  The importance of monthly breast self-examination, regular breast screening with your family physician cannot be overemphasized.  With early detection, early treatment can be instituted and these can be life-saving.  Call us to discuss about your screening options today.

Fusion Medical.  Your Health, Our Commitment.

Travel Health

Travel Health and Vaccinations

by Dr Juliana Latif
Friday, November 15, 2019

1. Introduction

The world is now a global village. With increasing travel between countries and the different disease patterns in different countries, it becomes very important to prepare well for your trip to reduce the risk of falling ill and spoiling your well-deserved vacation. This article will focus on the basics of preparation for your travel, and touch on travel vaccinations as well.

2.The basics

a. Have an Essential Medical Travel Kit prepared for your all trips. This should consist of a mixture of medications and first aid-related items. Below are my recommendations.

• First aid
i. Band aids/Plasters and non-woven gauzes for simple dressings
ii. Antiseptic solution for cleaning wounds
iii. Antiseptic ointment for wounds
iv. Thermometer

• Medications
i. Fever and pain medications like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen
ii. Antihistamines for allergy and flu-like symptoms like Cetirizine or Loratadine
iii. Throat Lozenges
iv. Diarrhoea medications like Charcoal and Loperamide
v. Motion sickness medications like Dimenhydrinate
vi. One’s usual chronic medications like blood pressure and cholesterol medications
• Protection from environmental elements
i. Mosquito repellents
ii. Water purifying tablets (as required)

b. Sun Protection. This is something essential but often overlooked. Protection from harmful UV radiation is important, especially if outdoor activities are expected.

  • Choose a sunscreen with SPF of at least 30.  This protects from UVB radiation that causes sunburn and is a risk factor for skin cancer.
  • Choose a sunscreen with broad spectrum coverage and a PA of ++ or above.  This protects from UVA radiation that causes ageing of the skin and is a risk factor for skin cancer.
  • Oral sunblocks are a fairly new way of sun protection but a very useful form of added sun protection as they last longer and help to protect the whole body which sometimes topical sunscreens may miss out.  Polypodium Leucotomos and Phytoflorals are 2 very effective and medically proven supplements that help to reduce the harmful effects of UV Radiation.

3.Travel Vaccines

I divide travel vaccinations into routine vaccinations, which ALL travellers should have, and country specific vaccines, depending on where you are visiting.

Routine Vaccines for ALL travellers
Routine vaccines refer to vaccines within our childhood immunisation program like MMR, dPT, Hepatitis B, etc. It also includes influenza which is recommended to be taken every year for all individuals, especially travellers. Over time, some of these vaccines lose their immunity and hence, it is important to ensure these vaccines are updated prior travel to reduce your risk of catching these diseases.

Country specific vaccines are further subdivided into those for most travellers and those for some travellers.

Specific Vaccines for MOST travellers
Hepatitis A and Typhoid are 2 diseases that are easily transmitted through contaminated water and food and hence, for most travellers travelling to endemic countries, especially “adventurous eaters”, it is highly recommended to have these 2 vaccines taken before travel. Hepatitis A vaccine lasts for at least 15 to 20 years, while it is recommended to have a typhoid vaccine booster every 2 years.

Specific Vaccines for SOME travellers
Speak to your doctor or check the WHO or CDC websites for updated information on required vaccines or medications in specific countries.

a. Malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-transmitted disease which has been eradicated in Singapore since 1982. Sporadic cases of malaria reported in Singapore are imported cases of malaria by travellers. Malaria is still endemic in neighbouring countries of Singapore and around the world and can be a deadly disease. There is no vaccine available for malaria but there are preventive medications “chemoprophylaxis” to prevent one from getting malaria and these usually have to be taken between 1 day to 1 week before travelling.

b. Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever is a virus spread through mosquito bites as well and is present in certain parts of South America and Africa. It causes fever, headaches and muscle aches usually. 15% of patients who contract Yellow Fever can develop serious complications. It is mandatory for travellers going to these countries to get vaccinated against Yellow Fever which lasts generally for at least 10 years and obtain a stamped International Certificate of Vaccination before being allowed to enter the country.

c. Rabies
Singapore dogs are rabies free but rabies is still present in many other parts of the world and is spread by the saliva of infected animals. All mammals can get rabies, and is not just restricted to dogs. This is a deadly disease and if travel activities include getting in frequent contact with animals, it is recommended to consider the rabies vaccines which consists of a 3 injection series at days 0, 7, and 21 or 28.

d. Cholera
This disease causes profuse diarrhoea and is spread by contaminated water usually in limited outbreaks in certain countries. Travellers are rarely affected unless travelling to these limited outbreak areas.

e. Japanese Encephalitis
This disease is spread by mosquitoes and endemic in certain parts of Asia. It causes fever, headache and can cause serious complications such as brain swelling and eventually death. The risk of contracting this disease is fairly low unless rural travel and prolonged outdoor activities are expected.

4. Conclusion

Different countries have different health risks and they evolve regularly with time as well. It is important to prepare well for your trip and a visit to your Family Physician 6 weeks prior to travel to discuss the required vaccinations and medications is highly recommended as most vaccines take at least 2 weeks for full immunity to be present.

Be healthy and have an enjoyable trip.

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