Hi all, today is the start of the ovarian cancer awareness month. Do check out the Singapore cancer society’s website to find out how you can learn more about the ovarian cancer and how to help spread the word.

On Sunday, 10^th July 2011 at Angsana Green, East Coast Park, show your support for cancer patients and survivors and run for a cause! 

Organized by the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS), Race Against Cancer aims to raise funds for various programmes, such as cancer treatment subsidy, hospice home care, welfare assistance for needy cancer patients, free cancer screenings and public education initiatives. 

Your participation and kind support will help to ensure that their beneficiaries receive the best possible care, so that they will have the best possible chance of survival, and of leading a normal, healthy and productive life. 

They need your support to continue the fight against cancer! Every dollar will go a long way towards giving our needy cancer patients hope for a better tomorrow.

SINGAPORE CANCER SOCIETY

Fight Cervical Cancer!
6th Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2011

Do you know that in Singapore, 1 woman is diagnosed with Cervical Cancer every 2 days and 1 woman dies of the disease every week? *

It is a highly preventable and curable disease. Learn how you can do your part in fighting this disease this May!

FREE ENGLISH FORUM
Date:   22 May 2011, Sunday                                
Time: 1.30pm to 3.00pm (Registration starts at 12.30pm)
Venue: Toa Payoh HDB Hub auditorium

Topics

Doctor, can I reduce my risk of getting Cervical Cancer?

Doctor, I have cervical cancer. Can you help me?

Speakers

Dr Koh Chung Fai
Consultant
Specialist in Gynaeoncology
C F Koh Women’s Clinic And Gynae-Oncology Surgery

Dr Anupriya Agarwal
Consultant
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
National University Hospital

REGISTRATION: Call 6421 5804 / Email: education@singaporecancersociety.org.sg / Fax: 6221 9575 or visit www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg

*Singapore Cancer Registry Interim Report, 2004 – 2008
 
On-site Highlights:

1. Pap Smear onboard NHGD Mobile Clinic (10am to 5pm)**
2. SingTel-SCS Race Against Cancer Registration
3. Collection of Faecal Occult Blood Test Kits (age 50 years and above)

*Subject to change without prior notice.
**Terms & Conditions Apply

PAP SMEAR at no consultation and procedural charge*
From 16 May to 17 June 2011, Pap smear screening will be offered to all female Singaporeans and PR aged 25 – 69 years old at participating clinics island-wide. Visit our website at www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg for the list of participating clinics. For further enquiries, please call 6221 9578 / 64215820 / 64215809, email cancerscreening@singaporecancersociety.org.sg

Look out for these decals at your nearby GP & Specialist Clinics!

*Terms & Conditions Apply

SPREAD THE WORD

Have a blessed good friday and a happy easter sunday.

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Here’s wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year.

Xoxo

-Desiree Lai-

Can you ever be too young to visit a gynae? Most female problems will only happen after a girl is sexually active, yes?

Most women will not need to see a gynae until after they start menstruating, especially if they have menstrual problems like pain, heavy flow etc

Are painful cramps normal?

Most of the time menstrual periods are accompanied by some discomfort which can range from mild aching to more severe pain. In the majority of cases, there is no serious problem but occasionally there may be underlying causes like fibroids or endometriosis.

Is there any other way to control the pain apart from pain killers?

Many women find it helpful to use a warm towel/wrap or even a hot pack may help. In some cases your doctor may prescribe the contraceptive pill, which can make the periods less painful.

Why do some women suffer from terrible menstrual cramps while others barely feel it?

This is often inborn and related to different thresholds of pain tolerance between people. If menstrual cramps are severe, they should be checked by your gynaecologist to ensure there is no serious underlying problem

Vaginal discharges - when is it abnormal? What are the signs to look out for?

It is normal to have a light mucoid/clear discharge. This tends to get thicker in the second half of the menstrual cycle especially just prior to the period. The amount can be variable depending on the shape and size of the cervix, which varies from one women to the next. However if there is a sudden change in the discharge, if it is yellow/green, or blood-stained, and/or it is accompanied by itching, pain, an offensive smell or fever, then you should see a doctor about it. A common condition which gives rise to a thick white/yellow discharge which may look like soft tofu is a fungal infection known as “Thrush” or “Candida”. This is often accompanied by intense itching and soreness around the vulva area.

How common are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are quite often seen on routine ultrasound scanning and are most commonly benign (non-cancerous). The normal ovary regularly produces one or more eggs every month, usually about 2 weeks after the start of menstruation. If an ultrasound scan is performed around this time, often a cystic structure can be seen, and this normal. In fact some cysts can persist even after ovulation but they will usually resolve after several weeks/months. In general, an experienced ultrasound specialist can determine by the consistency of the cyst whether there is a suspicion of anything serious.

Are there any symptoms to look out for?

Sometimes ovarian cysts can get very large and in this case there may be a noticeable swelling or lump in the abdomen. Small ovarian cysts may not have any symptoms at all and may only be detected on ultrasound scan. In more severe cases, like cancer of the ovary, there may be symptoms like bloating, loss of appetite, loss of weight and the sensation of indigestion

Can benign cysts become cancerous if not removed?

Benign cycts usually remain benign and only in very rare cases do they turn malignant

If it’s benign, can it still cause harm to the body?

If the cysts are very large, they can compress other organs like the bladder or intestines giving a variety of symptoms like frequency of urination or the urge to pass urine even though there may not be much urine in the bladder. In some cases benign cysts can become twisted leading to a condition known as ovarian torsion. This in effect “strangulates” the ovary leading to pain and swelling and in some cases can even destroy the whole ovary. Cysts can also burst if they get too large and this may lead to pain or internal bleeding.

Is surgery the only way? Are there other ways to get rid of these cysts?

If there is a suspicion of malignancy or the cysts are large and at risk of either torsion or rupture, then surgery is the only option. However in less severe cases, sometimes the oral contraceptive pill is prescribed to see if the cysts will resolve.

How do I check for ovarian cysts?

If you have a strong family history of ovarian cancer, or breast cancer, especially if it is in a first degree relative and she had it when she was young (aged 40 or less) then you may want to seek your gynaecologist’s opinion whether an ultrasound scan of the pelvis should be done.

What about pap smears? Aren’t pap smears enough?

Pap smears are meant to screen for the early cell changes in the cervix. This is a preventive measure against cervical cancer and does not detect any disease in the ovaries at all

If I have ovarian cysts, does that mean I need to have my ovaries removed?

In most cases, these cysts will be benign and if surgery is necessary, then simply removing the cyst is sufficient. Occasionally if the cyst is very large or has occupied the whole ovary, then it may be necessary to remove the ovary.

What exactly is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer affects the part of the uterus known as the cervix. It affects only women who have ever been sexually active, and is caused by several strains of a virus known as Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Therefore women who have ever been sexually active should go for regular pap smear tests. This is a simple, relatively painless examination in which a small amount of cells are collected form the cervix and examined for any pre-cancerous changes.The pap smear is available at any polyclinic, some GPs, all gynaecologists and at health screening centres in the major hospitals. In addition places like the Singapore Cancer Society also offer a pap smear service. In addition to the pap smear there is another way to prevent cervical cancer by means of a vaccination against certain strains of HPV. Presently 2 vaccines are available, Cervarix and Gardasil. You should ask your doctor or gynaecologist whether they are suitable for you.

What are the symptoms to look out for?

In the early stages of cervical cancer, there are no symptoms at all, therefore it is important to have pap smears even if you feel completely well. In more advanced stages, there may be bleeding after sexual intercourse, a watery/bloody/smelly vaginal discharge or bleeding after the menopause.

How often should one go for check ups?

Pap smears should be done every 1-3 years

I should only worry about cervical or ovarian cancer if I have family history of the disease. True or false?

False. While ovarian cancer can run in families, many women develop it without having a family history. Cervical cancer does not run in the family

Ovarian vs cervical cancer, which is more dangerous and more common?

In Singapore, ovarian cancer is more common but worldwide cervical cancer is much more common. Both are cancers and are dangerous because they can kill if not detected early and treated


Contraceptive pills are only for the sexually active and for those who want to avoid accident pregnancies. True or false?

False. Many women are prescribed contraceptive pills to regulate their periods. In addition they are also used to treat simple ovarian cysts and other conditions, like endometriosis. Beyond the contraceptibve effect of these pills, research has also shown that they are also beneficial in protecting a woman against ovarian and uterine cancer. In addition, another beneficial effect of the contraceptive pill is that they can help in the treatment of acne, greasy skin and scalp.

Do you think young women are staying away from pills because of its negative stigma?

It is not just the women, but their mothers too! Most are against the idea because they do not see the other beneficial ecffects I have mentioned above

Is it true that pills cause bloatedness, weight gain and mood swings?

Side effects like these are rare. There are many different formulations available and if any of the side effects occur, then it is usually possible to switch to another formulation.

Will long term usage of these pills cause any harm to the body?

There are some individuals who are more susceptible to the known side effects for the pill, particularly a consition called thromboembolism. This is also commonly known as ‘economy class syndrome’. In this consition, clots can develope especially in the legs and can be potentially life-threatening. Women who are heavy smokers or who have a history of thromboembolism should not take the contraceptive pill.

Many thanks to Dr Quek for taking the time to answer these questions.

Dr Quek Swee Chong
Senior Consultant & Head
Preinvasive & Screening Unit
Dept of Gynaecological Oncology
KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital

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