Women's Health Screening

What Does Health Screening Mean?

The significance of health screenings cannot be overstated, especially for women. These preventive measures are pivotal in detecting potential health issues early, significantly improving outcomes and quality of life.

Common Women Health Concerns

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the top cancers in Singapore, affecting up to 29.7% of all female cancers. Early detection can improve treatment success rates. Key risk factors include genetics, age, and lifestyle choices.

Key Risk Factors

Understanding the risk factors for breast cancer is crucial for prevention and early detection. These factors can be categorised into those that are non-modifiable and those that are lifestyle-related.

• Non-Modifiable Risk Factors: These include age, genetics, and family history. Women with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who has had breast cancer are at a higher risk. Furthermore, genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly increase the risk.
• Lifestyle Choices: Factors such as alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of physical activity have been linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Conversely, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, and limiting alcohol intake can help reduce this risk.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer, ranking as the 10th most common cancer among women in Singapore, poses a significant health risk. However, it stands out as one of the most preventable types of cancer, primarily due to its strong link with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and the availability of effective screening methods and vaccines. Understanding this connection, alongside the implementation of regular screenings and vaccinations, can drastically reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.

Osteoporosis: The Silent Threat to Women's Health

Osteoporosis, a condition characterised by weakened bones that are more prone to fracture, poses a significant health risk, especially to women post-menopause. This condition is particularly insidious because it can progress unnoticed until a bone fractures, often with serious consequences.

Heart Disease

Heart disease, the leading cause of death for women both globally and in Singapore, underscores a critical health challenge that demands greater awareness and more proactive cardiovascular health management. This condition claims the lives of 1 in 3 women, highlighting the profound impact it has on women's health and the importance of addressing it with urgency.

Both men and women can experience classic heart disease symptoms such as severe chest pain, sweating, and dizziness. Women may also experience less common signs such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Back, neck, or jaw pain
• Fatigue

They may also tend to downplay these symptoms and might delay or avoid consulting a doctor. This delay can lead to postponed recognition and management of the condition.

Recommended Health Screenings for Women

Cervical Cancer Screening

A Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, is a screening procedure for cervical cancer that examines cells from the cervix for abnormalities that may be indicative of cervical cancer or precancerous conditions.

The HPV test, on the other hand, screens for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can lead to cervical cancer.

Vaccinations for cervical cancer are also available.

Breast Cancer Screening

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used primarily to screen for breast cancer. It can detect tumours that are too small to be felt and is recommended for women over the age of 40 for early detection of breast cancer.

Ultrasound of the breast is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the breast tissue. It is often used in conjunction with mammograms to evaluate breast abnormalities or for women with dense breast tissue where mammograms are less effective.

Bone Density Testing for Osteoporosis

A bone mass density test, also known as a bone density scan or DEXA scan, is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to measure the density of minerals (such as calcium) in your bones. This measurement reflects the strength and thickness (mass) of your bones and is crucial for diagnosing osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and fragile.

Women over 65 or younger women at high risk should consider testing to assess osteoporosis risk and bone health.

Blood Pressure Screening

Regular blood pressure screenings are essential for early detection of hypertension, often dubbed the "silent killer" due to its asymptomatic nature but significant role in increasing heart disease risk. Recommended to start by age 18, these screenings are a crucial step in proactive cardiovascular health management.

Cholesterol Check

Monitoring cholesterol levels is a vital health measure for women, especially for those with risk factors for heart disease, such as a family history of the condition, high blood pressure, smoking, or obesity.

For women without specific risk factors, it is generally recommended to begin regular cholesterol screenings at the age of 40. However, for those at higher risk, screenings should commence earlier and be conducted more frequently. These checks involve a simple blood test that measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, "good" HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Diabetes Screening

Diabetes screening is a critical health measure for detecting both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, conditions characterised by high levels of sugar in the blood due to the body's inability to produce or properly use insulin. For individuals aged 40 and above, it is advised to undergo screening once every three years to catch any early signs of the disease.

Younger individuals are not exempt; those with risk factors such as obesity, family history of diabetes, or a history of gestational diabetes should also consider earlier and more frequent screenings. Early detection through these screenings can facilitate timely intervention, significantly reducing the risk of complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and vision problems.

Women Health Screening Packages in Singapore

We offer a diverse selection of health check-up packages tailored to meet the unique needs of women. Customization options are available to ensure you receive the specific screenings and assessments essential to your individual health requirements.

Orchard Clinic

Tanjong Pagar Clinic

Health Screening Review with Dr Jana Lim

Mammograms & Ultrasound Scans with Female Staff

One-Stop Clinic with X-Ray Facilities

Consultation About Men or Female Health With a Doctor of Your Choice

ATA Medical (Orchard)

Based on 435 reviews

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ATA Medical (Tanjong Pagar)

Based on 1652 reviews

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Booking Your Women Health Screening With Us