DOC DO I NEED TO GO FOR CANCER SCREENING 5
Cancer screening - conclusion
H.Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in males in Singapore.
It is seldom seen in men less than 50 years of age.
Most prostate cancers are slow growing and may not cause symptoms or shorten life.
Majority of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it.
Having said that, there are rare instances where the prostate cancer is aggressive and can cause death very fast.
Men who are at high risk of prostate cancer are those with:
1.Aged 50 years and above
2.family history of prostate cancer diagnsed below the age of 60 years of age
Cancer screening procedures for prostate cancer includes:
1.Digital rectal examination or DRE is a quick and reliable rectal examination of the prostate gland with a gloved finger through the rectum.
If the prostate gland feels enlarged, hard and nodular(lumpy), there is a possibility of prostate cancer unlike the smooth enlargement of benign prostate hypertrophy.
A prostate biopsy will then be needed to eliminate the prostate for cancer cells.
2.Blood test- tumor marker Prostate Specific Antigen(PSA) may be raised indicating a possibility of prostate cancer.
However raised Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) may also be due to non-cancerous enlargement or inflammation of the prostate gland.
Prostate Specific Antigen therefore serves as a guide to the presence and severity of prostate cancer especially where prostate cancer seldom kill a person being slow growing.
Summary of Cancer screening:
a.Colorectal Cancer (above 50 years of age)
1.Yearly Fecal Occult Blood Test after the age of 50 years
2.5 years once Colonoscopy if there is a family history of colorectal cancer
b.Lung Cancer (all adult ages)
Yearly CT scan for lung cancer for chronic smokers and family history of lung cancer
c.Liver Cancer (all adult ages)
1.6 monthly Alpha feto-protein blood test for those with chronic hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis or hepatitis C
2.Yearly Ultrasound of liver for those with chronic hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis or hepatitis C
d.Prostate Cancer (above the age of 50)
1.2 yearly Digital Rectal Examination(DRE) for all men with a family history
2.2 yearly PSA blood test
e.Nasopharyngeal Cancer (above the age of 40)
1.2 yearly EBV IgA antibodies test
2.2 yearly nasoendoscopy
f.Breast Cancer (above age of 40)
1.Monthly Breast Self Examination (BSE)
2.2 yearly mammogram and ultrasound of the breasts
g.Ovarian Cancer (all ages above puberty 16 years)
1.Yearly pelvic ultrasound
2.Yearly blood CA 125
h.Cervical Cancer (all ages who had sexual intercourse)
2 yearly Pap's smear test and vaginal examination
Showing posts with label Cancer screening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cancer screening. Show all posts
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
CANCER SCREENING 4
DOC DO I NEED TO GO FOR CANCER SCREENING 4
Cancer screening :
F.Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women in Singapore but can be prevented and treated early if regular screening is done.
Women who are at high risk of cervical cancer are those with:
1.sexual intercourse at an early stage
2.sexual intercourse with multiple partners
3.history of sexually transmitted infections
4.infection with certain high risk strains of human papilloma virus (HPV)
5.weakened immune system such as HIV infection
6.prolonged use of combined oral contraceptive (birth control)pills
Cancer screening procedures includes:
1.Pap smear test should be done yearly in women who has sexual intercourse or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
The Pap smear test involve a simple procedure in which the doctor obtains some scraping from the neck of the womb or cervix to detect abnormal cell changes.
Early detection of cancer of the cervix means early treatment and cure.
Patients who had HPV vaccination should also continue to go for regular Pap smear every 3 years
2.Yearly vaginal examination and pelvic examination which involve the Pap smear
G.Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Nasopharyngeal Cancer or NPC is a common cancer of the head and neck region especially common in Chinese men between the age of 40-65.
People who are at risk of developing Nasopharyngeal Cancer or NPC are:
1.family history of nasopharyngeal cancer -common in Chinese males, less so in other races and females
2.Viral infection of the nose-Epstein-Barr (EBV) virus has been shown to be present in most cases of nasopharyngeal cancer
3.Smoking with its 40 or more toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke can stimulate abnormal cells in the nose to mutate and become cancerous
Cancer screening procedures of nasopharyngeal cancer includes:
1.Blood test-tumor marker EBV. Blood is tested for raised level of EBV IgA antibodies against Viral Capsid Antigen(VCA) and Early Antigen).
Patients with raised EBV IgA antibody have a higher risk of developing NPC.
If these antibodies are seen to rise significantly, there is an indication of possibility of NPC in which case an endoscope examination of the upper nose and nasal biopsy can be done to exclude NPC.
VCA IgA test is more sensitive than EBV but remains high for 6 months following a viral upper respiratory tract infection.
EA IgA test is more specific in diagnosing NPC but the levels are also high in cancers of salivary glands, lung and stomach.
2.nasoendoscopy for patients with family history of of nasopharyngeal cancer or NPC.
Cancer screening :
F.Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women in Singapore but can be prevented and treated early if regular screening is done.
Women who are at high risk of cervical cancer are those with:
1.sexual intercourse at an early stage
2.sexual intercourse with multiple partners
3.history of sexually transmitted infections
4.infection with certain high risk strains of human papilloma virus (HPV)
5.weakened immune system such as HIV infection
6.prolonged use of combined oral contraceptive (birth control)pills
Cancer screening procedures includes:
1.Pap smear test should be done yearly in women who has sexual intercourse or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
The Pap smear test involve a simple procedure in which the doctor obtains some scraping from the neck of the womb or cervix to detect abnormal cell changes.
Early detection of cancer of the cervix means early treatment and cure.
Patients who had HPV vaccination should also continue to go for regular Pap smear every 3 years
2.Yearly vaginal examination and pelvic examination which involve the Pap smear
G.Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Nasopharyngeal Cancer or NPC is a common cancer of the head and neck region especially common in Chinese men between the age of 40-65.
People who are at risk of developing Nasopharyngeal Cancer or NPC are:
1.family history of nasopharyngeal cancer -common in Chinese males, less so in other races and females
2.Viral infection of the nose-Epstein-Barr (EBV) virus has been shown to be present in most cases of nasopharyngeal cancer
3.Smoking with its 40 or more toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke can stimulate abnormal cells in the nose to mutate and become cancerous
Cancer screening procedures of nasopharyngeal cancer includes:
1.Blood test-tumor marker EBV. Blood is tested for raised level of EBV IgA antibodies against Viral Capsid Antigen(VCA) and Early Antigen).
Patients with raised EBV IgA antibody have a higher risk of developing NPC.
If these antibodies are seen to rise significantly, there is an indication of possibility of NPC in which case an endoscope examination of the upper nose and nasal biopsy can be done to exclude NPC.
VCA IgA test is more sensitive than EBV but remains high for 6 months following a viral upper respiratory tract infection.
EA IgA test is more specific in diagnosing NPC but the levels are also high in cancers of salivary glands, lung and stomach.
2.nasoendoscopy for patients with family history of of nasopharyngeal cancer or NPC.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
A Family Doctor's Tale - CANCER SCREENING 3
DOC DO I NEED TO GO CANCER SCREENING 3
Cancer Screening:
C. Breast cancer
Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women.
Women who are at high risk are those with:
1.family history of breast cancer
A gene has been identified which indicates high incidence of breast cancer.
2.family history of other cancers such as ovary and colon
3.women of age 55 years and above
Cancer screening procedures includes:
1.monthly breast self examination(BSE) is recommended for all women from the age of 30 to detect breast lumps which may be early cancer
2.Mammography once every 2 years from the age of 50 years can help to detect breast cancer.
3.Ultrasound of the breasts together with mammogram also helps in the detection of breast cancer.
4.Blood test-tumor markers such as CEA, CA 125 and CA 15.3 may be raised in cancer of the breast but are not significant in making a diagnosis.
D.Liver Cancer
Liver Cancer is the 4th most common cancer in men in Singapore.
Men are more often 4 times affected than women.
People who are at risk of developing liver cancer are:
1.Chronic hepatitis B carriers and infections
2.Hepatitis C liver cirrhosis and infection
3.Liver cirrhosis from other causes (eg alcohol)
Screening for hepatitis B is recommended for:
1.Healthcare workers because they are exposed to hepatitis patients
2.Pregnant women because the hepatitis infection can spread to her baby at birth
3.Dialysis patients because the fluid or plasma used in dialysis may contain the hepatitis B infection
4.Those people with a history of hepatitis B infection or liver cancer in the family
5.Those people with high risk behaviour having unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, drug addicts who share needles.
Cancer screening procedures includes:
1.Blood test-tumor marker alpha feto-protein level should be done every 3-6 months.
Patients with hepatitis and liver cancer has been found to have raised levels of serum alpha feto-protein.
However patients with germ cell cancers of the testes and ovary also have raised level of alpha feto-protein.
Pregnant women may also have raised alpha feto-protein at certain stage of their pregnancy.
2.Ultrasound of the liver including the gallbladder and bile ducts
should be done every 6 to 12 months.
E.Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer is the fifth commonest cancer in Singapore and can be potentially fatal if not detected early.
Early ovarian cancer may not have any symptoms and may be undetected unless screening is done.
Women who are at high risk are those with:
1.family history of ovarian cancer
2.abnormal menses
Cancer screening procedures includes:
1.Annual pelvic examination
2.pelvic ultrasound
3.Blood test-tumor markers CA125 and alpha feto-protein level should be done yearly for those with high risk of ovarian tumors
Cancer Screening:
C. Breast cancer
Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women.
Women who are at high risk are those with:
1.family history of breast cancer
A gene has been identified which indicates high incidence of breast cancer.
2.family history of other cancers such as ovary and colon
3.women of age 55 years and above
Cancer screening procedures includes:
1.monthly breast self examination(BSE) is recommended for all women from the age of 30 to detect breast lumps which may be early cancer
2.Mammography once every 2 years from the age of 50 years can help to detect breast cancer.
3.Ultrasound of the breasts together with mammogram also helps in the detection of breast cancer.
4.Blood test-tumor markers such as CEA, CA 125 and CA 15.3 may be raised in cancer of the breast but are not significant in making a diagnosis.
D.Liver Cancer
Liver Cancer is the 4th most common cancer in men in Singapore.
Men are more often 4 times affected than women.
People who are at risk of developing liver cancer are:
1.Chronic hepatitis B carriers and infections
2.Hepatitis C liver cirrhosis and infection
3.Liver cirrhosis from other causes (eg alcohol)
Screening for hepatitis B is recommended for:
1.Healthcare workers because they are exposed to hepatitis patients
2.Pregnant women because the hepatitis infection can spread to her baby at birth
3.Dialysis patients because the fluid or plasma used in dialysis may contain the hepatitis B infection
4.Those people with a history of hepatitis B infection or liver cancer in the family
5.Those people with high risk behaviour having unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, drug addicts who share needles.
Cancer screening procedures includes:
1.Blood test-tumor marker alpha feto-protein level should be done every 3-6 months.
Patients with hepatitis and liver cancer has been found to have raised levels of serum alpha feto-protein.
However patients with germ cell cancers of the testes and ovary also have raised level of alpha feto-protein.
Pregnant women may also have raised alpha feto-protein at certain stage of their pregnancy.
2.Ultrasound of the liver including the gallbladder and bile ducts
should be done every 6 to 12 months.
E.Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer is the fifth commonest cancer in Singapore and can be potentially fatal if not detected early.
Early ovarian cancer may not have any symptoms and may be undetected unless screening is done.
Women who are at high risk are those with:
1.family history of ovarian cancer
2.abnormal menses
Cancer screening procedures includes:
1.Annual pelvic examination
2.pelvic ultrasound
3.Blood test-tumor markers CA125 and alpha feto-protein level should be done yearly for those with high risk of ovarian tumors
Monday, July 18, 2011
A Family Doctor's Tale - CANCER SCREENING 2
DOC DO I NEED TO GO FOR CANCER SCREENING 2
Cancer Screening tests:
A.Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Singapore and can begin as behign growths (polyps)in the colon.
Early detection of these polyps means they can be removed to prevent colorectal cancer.
People who are at high risk are:
1. all men and women above the age of 50 years
2. those with a family history of colorectal cancer
Cancer screening procedures includes:
1.Faecal Occult Blood Test(FOBT)
This test detects tiny amounts of blood in the stools from bleeding in the colon and rectum.
Those who has a positive test should go for colonoscopy to exclude cancer.
This test should be done yearly.
2.Colonoscopy
A colonoscope has a light, camera and surgical instruments which can be used to examine the entire large intestine and removes polyps found during the procedure.
This test should done at 5 years interval especially for people above the age of 50 with a history of positive blood in the stools and a family history of colorectal cancer.
3.CT Colonography Special X ray equipment is used to create detailed images of the inside of the colon and rectum using computer tomograpghy. It can detect early polyps or cancer in the colon.
4.Blood test-tumor markers such as CEA may be raised in colorectal cancer but are not significant in making a diagnosis as they may be raised in other cancers as well.
CA 19.9 may also be raised in 64% of colorectal cancer.
B.Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer after colorectal cancer.
It is usually associated with smoking, air pollution, chemicals such as asbesto, gasoline.
People who are at high risk are:
1.People with a family history of lung cancer
2.smoking
3.exposure to inhalation of chemicals such as asbesto, gasolines,
They should be screened even at a early age of 25 years and above.
Cancer screening procedures includes:
1.CT scan of the lungs is the best way of determining the presence of cancer of the lungs.
2.Blood test -tumor marker such as CEA(carcinoembryonic antigen) is usually raised but can also be high in other cancers such as lung, stomach, breast, ovary abd cervix and also benign diseases such as inflammations of bowel, lung, pancreas and liver cirrhosis.
Cancer Screening tests:
A.Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Singapore and can begin as behign growths (polyps)in the colon.
Early detection of these polyps means they can be removed to prevent colorectal cancer.
People who are at high risk are:
1. all men and women above the age of 50 years
2. those with a family history of colorectal cancer
Cancer screening procedures includes:
1.Faecal Occult Blood Test(FOBT)
This test detects tiny amounts of blood in the stools from bleeding in the colon and rectum.
Those who has a positive test should go for colonoscopy to exclude cancer.
This test should be done yearly.
2.Colonoscopy
A colonoscope has a light, camera and surgical instruments which can be used to examine the entire large intestine and removes polyps found during the procedure.
This test should done at 5 years interval especially for people above the age of 50 with a history of positive blood in the stools and a family history of colorectal cancer.
3.CT Colonography Special X ray equipment is used to create detailed images of the inside of the colon and rectum using computer tomograpghy. It can detect early polyps or cancer in the colon.
4.Blood test-tumor markers such as CEA may be raised in colorectal cancer but are not significant in making a diagnosis as they may be raised in other cancers as well.
CA 19.9 may also be raised in 64% of colorectal cancer.
B.Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer after colorectal cancer.
It is usually associated with smoking, air pollution, chemicals such as asbesto, gasoline.
People who are at high risk are:
1.People with a family history of lung cancer
2.smoking
3.exposure to inhalation of chemicals such as asbesto, gasolines,
They should be screened even at a early age of 25 years and above.
Cancer screening procedures includes:
1.CT scan of the lungs is the best way of determining the presence of cancer of the lungs.
2.Blood test -tumor marker such as CEA(carcinoembryonic antigen) is usually raised but can also be high in other cancers such as lung, stomach, breast, ovary abd cervix and also benign diseases such as inflammations of bowel, lung, pancreas and liver cirrhosis.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
A Family Doctor's Tale - CANCER SCREENING
DOC DO I NEED CANCER SCREENING
Why do I need to go for cancer screening?
Cancer is the top killer in Singapore.
About one quarter of all deaths here are caused by cancer.
Our bodies are made up of billions of cells. Normal healthy cells grow and multiply in an orderly, controlled manner.
Cancer cells on the other hand multiply uncontrollably. They do not function normally and instead form a growth or tumour. These cancerous tumours can spread to nearby tissues and organs as well as to other parts of the body.
Cancer kills by:
1.Destroying important organs
2.Disturbing normal body functions
3.Blocking important blood vessels or air passages.
Not all cancers are the same
Cancer is really a group of diseases.
There are many types of cancer which can arise from the different types of cells in the body.
MOST COMMON TYPES OF CANCER IN SINGAPORE ARE:
Male
1.Lung
2.Colon & rectum
(large intestine)
3.Prostate
4.Liver
5.Stomach
Female
1.Breast
2.Colon & rectum
3.Lung
4.Ovary
5.Cervix
(neck of the womb)
Cancer can be prevented
Cancer is not contagious like the flu or chickenpox.
A person cannot catch cancer from someone who has it.
However some cancer can be inherited hence the need to prevent the cancer in people with a family history of cancer.
Many cancers develop because of lifestyle habits such as
1.smoking,
2.excessive drinking of alcohol
3.eating too much fat (especially animal fat).
4.sexual intercourse with multiple partners
Others are caused by factors in the environment such as
1.sunlight,
2.radiation
3.industrial chemicals.
4.bacterial infection like hylobacter pylori in stomach cancer
5.viral infections like hepatitis B and C, Epstein Barr virus in liver cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer
By leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding certain risk factors, about one-third of all cancers can be prevented from occurring.
Cancer can be cured
Many people are afraid of cancer because they think it is incurable. In fact, about one-third of all cancers can be cured if they are detected and treated early enough.
Recognising the early warning signs and going for regular check-ups can save your life if cancer strikes.
What is cancer screening?
Cancer screening consists of various tests and procedures done at regular intervals:
1.once a year
2.once in 2 years
3.once in 5 years
4.when a person reach a certain age
Who should go for cancer screening?
Cancer screening helps to discover if a person is suffering from cancer even though the person has no symptoms.
In particular cancer screening should be done if there is a family history of cancer.
Why do I need to go for cancer screening?
Cancer is the top killer in Singapore.
About one quarter of all deaths here are caused by cancer.
Our bodies are made up of billions of cells. Normal healthy cells grow and multiply in an orderly, controlled manner.
Cancer cells on the other hand multiply uncontrollably. They do not function normally and instead form a growth or tumour. These cancerous tumours can spread to nearby tissues and organs as well as to other parts of the body.
Cancer kills by:
1.Destroying important organs
2.Disturbing normal body functions
3.Blocking important blood vessels or air passages.
Not all cancers are the same
Cancer is really a group of diseases.
There are many types of cancer which can arise from the different types of cells in the body.
MOST COMMON TYPES OF CANCER IN SINGAPORE ARE:
Male
1.Lung
2.Colon & rectum
(large intestine)
3.Prostate
4.Liver
5.Stomach
Female
1.Breast
2.Colon & rectum
3.Lung
4.Ovary
5.Cervix
(neck of the womb)
Cancer can be prevented
Cancer is not contagious like the flu or chickenpox.
A person cannot catch cancer from someone who has it.
However some cancer can be inherited hence the need to prevent the cancer in people with a family history of cancer.
Many cancers develop because of lifestyle habits such as
1.smoking,
2.excessive drinking of alcohol
3.eating too much fat (especially animal fat).
4.sexual intercourse with multiple partners
Others are caused by factors in the environment such as
1.sunlight,
2.radiation
3.industrial chemicals.
4.bacterial infection like hylobacter pylori in stomach cancer
5.viral infections like hepatitis B and C, Epstein Barr virus in liver cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer
By leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding certain risk factors, about one-third of all cancers can be prevented from occurring.
Cancer can be cured
Many people are afraid of cancer because they think it is incurable. In fact, about one-third of all cancers can be cured if they are detected and treated early enough.
Recognising the early warning signs and going for regular check-ups can save your life if cancer strikes.
What is cancer screening?
Cancer screening consists of various tests and procedures done at regular intervals:
1.once a year
2.once in 2 years
3.once in 5 years
4.when a person reach a certain age
Who should go for cancer screening?
Cancer screening helps to discover if a person is suffering from cancer even though the person has no symptoms.
In particular cancer screening should be done if there is a family history of cancer.
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