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
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
A Simple Guide to Down's Syndrome
A Simple Guide to Down's Syndrome
----------------------------------
What is Down's Syndrome?
------------------------------
Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which the affected person is born with mental disabilty and characteristic features.
These characteristic features have been called mongolism with:
1.obliquely set eyes
2.narrow palpebral fissures
3.epicanthyl folds
4.short stubby nose
5.flattened facies
6.short stature
7.generalized muscular hypotonia
8.dry skin
9.thin fine hair
10.underdeveloped genitalia
Most people with Down's Syndrome are not able to look after themselves because of their mental diability.
But many of them have gentle and endearing personalities.
There is no medical cure for this condition.
What causes Down's Syndrome?
-----------------------------------
Chromsomes are tiny structures in our body cells which can seen only with a special microscope.
They contains the genes which determines the characteristics of a person.
Anormal person has 23 pairs of matching chromosomes in each cell.
Each pair is different and given a number except for the sex chromosomes which are named XY in the male and XX in the female.
A person with Down's Syndrome has an extra chromosone no.21
What are the Types of Down Syndrome?
---------------------------------------
There are three genetic variations that can cause Down syndrome:
1.Trisomy 21 is the commonest type in which all the cells have an extra chromosome 21.Here something goes wrong during egg formation in the mother so that the mother has an abnormal egg with extra chromosomes no.21. The child will then get an extra chromosone no.21. The cause of this abnomal egg formation is unknown but occurs more frequency with the mother's age.
2.Translocation Down syndrome happens when the extra chromosome 21 is attached to another chromosome. During cell division the embryo may get the attached chromosome and so have an extra chromosome no 21 and get Down's Syndrome.
3.Mosaic Down syndrome is a another form of Down's Syndrome in which only some cells have an extra chromosome 21.
What are the Risk factors of getting Down's Syndrome?
------------------------------------------------------
Risk factors include:
1.maternal age above 35 years. Most cases of Down's syndrome are born to women aged 35 and above. The risk of a woman above age 36 conceiving a child with Down syndrome is 1 in 350. The risk increases to 1 in 100 by the age of 40 and to 1 in 25 at the age of 45.
2.Mothers with one Down syndrome child have a 1 in 100 chance of having another child with Down syndrome.
3.Parents who are known to carry the translocated chromosome for Down syndrome can pass the abnormal gene to their offspring.
What are the Symptoms of Down's Syndrome?
------------------------------------------------
Mongolian features:
1.distinct flat facial profile
2.Upward slanting eyes
3.Flat nose
4.Protruding tongue
5.Flat back of the head
6.Small statue
7.Poor muscle tone
8.Broad, short hands with short fingers and a single crease in the palm
9.dry skin
10.thin fine hair
Mental retardation
1.mental disability
2.unable to look after themselves
Congenital defects:
1.congenital heart disease
2.other birth defects
Screening tests are done for all pregnant women above 35 years of age and include:
1.Triple test - is a blood test done for older pregnant mothers above 35 years which measures specific proteins in the mother’s blood. This may indicates the possibility of Down's Syndrome
2.Nuchal translucency test is an ultrasound scan of the embryo at 10-13 weeks of pregnancy. It measures the width of the spinal cord at the back of the baby’s neck.
If the screening tests suggest a possible high risk of Down syndrome, then the following diagnostic tests may be performed to determine or confirm whether the baby actually has Down syndrome:
1.Amniocentesis. A small amount of the amniotic fluid is obtained through a needle inserted into the mother's womb after 16 weeks of pregnancy. This fluid contains cells shed from the baby and can be examined to see if the chromosomes are normal.
2.Chorionic Villous Sampling (CVS) involves obtaining some cells from the mother's placenta to examine the baby’s chromosones.It is usually done around the 14th week of pregnancy.
3.Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) involves obtaining blood from a vein in the umbilical cord after 18 weeks of pregnancy. The blood cells are examined for chromosomal defects.
Complications of Down's Syndrome are:
1.Heart defects.
2.Leukemia
3.Infectious diseases such as pneumonia
4.Dementia often appear before age 40
5.intestinal obstruction,
6.thyroid problems,
7.hearing loss
8.poor vision.
Treatment of Down's Syndrome:
There is no medical cure for Down syndrome.
However, children with Down syndrome do benefit from medical help and early interventions starting in infancy which improve the life expectancy and quality of life.
Prevention of Down's Syndrome:
Down syndrome cannot be prevented.
1.genetic counselling in high risk translocation genetic group before considering pregnancy.
2.Coping and support from a team of doctors, teachers and therapists who can provide the resources and support to take better care of your child.
3.Joining a Down Syndrome support group and families who are dealing with the same problem
Prognosis:
1.A better understanding of Down syndrome and early interventions have improved the quality of life of children and adults with Down syndrome.
2.If there is no major complications such as heart disease and leukemia, a person with Down Syndrome may have a slightly shortened life span than a normal person.
----------------------------------
What is Down's Syndrome?
------------------------------
Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which the affected person is born with mental disabilty and characteristic features.
These characteristic features have been called mongolism with:
1.obliquely set eyes
2.narrow palpebral fissures
3.epicanthyl folds
4.short stubby nose
5.flattened facies
6.short stature
7.generalized muscular hypotonia
8.dry skin
9.thin fine hair
10.underdeveloped genitalia
Most people with Down's Syndrome are not able to look after themselves because of their mental diability.
But many of them have gentle and endearing personalities.
There is no medical cure for this condition.
What causes Down's Syndrome?
-----------------------------------
Chromsomes are tiny structures in our body cells which can seen only with a special microscope.
They contains the genes which determines the characteristics of a person.
Anormal person has 23 pairs of matching chromosomes in each cell.
Each pair is different and given a number except for the sex chromosomes which are named XY in the male and XX in the female.
A person with Down's Syndrome has an extra chromosone no.21
What are the Types of Down Syndrome?
---------------------------------------
There are three genetic variations that can cause Down syndrome:
1.Trisomy 21 is the commonest type in which all the cells have an extra chromosome 21.Here something goes wrong during egg formation in the mother so that the mother has an abnormal egg with extra chromosomes no.21. The child will then get an extra chromosone no.21. The cause of this abnomal egg formation is unknown but occurs more frequency with the mother's age.
2.Translocation Down syndrome happens when the extra chromosome 21 is attached to another chromosome. During cell division the embryo may get the attached chromosome and so have an extra chromosome no 21 and get Down's Syndrome.
3.Mosaic Down syndrome is a another form of Down's Syndrome in which only some cells have an extra chromosome 21.
What are the Risk factors of getting Down's Syndrome?
------------------------------------------------------
Risk factors include:
1.maternal age above 35 years. Most cases of Down's syndrome are born to women aged 35 and above. The risk of a woman above age 36 conceiving a child with Down syndrome is 1 in 350. The risk increases to 1 in 100 by the age of 40 and to 1 in 25 at the age of 45.
2.Mothers with one Down syndrome child have a 1 in 100 chance of having another child with Down syndrome.
3.Parents who are known to carry the translocated chromosome for Down syndrome can pass the abnormal gene to their offspring.
What are the Symptoms of Down's Syndrome?
------------------------------------------------
Mongolian features:
1.distinct flat facial profile
2.Upward slanting eyes
3.Flat nose
4.Protruding tongue
5.Flat back of the head
6.Small statue
7.Poor muscle tone
8.Broad, short hands with short fingers and a single crease in the palm
9.dry skin
10.thin fine hair
Mental retardation
1.mental disability
2.unable to look after themselves
Congenital defects:
1.congenital heart disease
2.other birth defects
Screening tests are done for all pregnant women above 35 years of age and include:
1.Triple test - is a blood test done for older pregnant mothers above 35 years which measures specific proteins in the mother’s blood. This may indicates the possibility of Down's Syndrome
2.Nuchal translucency test is an ultrasound scan of the embryo at 10-13 weeks of pregnancy. It measures the width of the spinal cord at the back of the baby’s neck.
If the screening tests suggest a possible high risk of Down syndrome, then the following diagnostic tests may be performed to determine or confirm whether the baby actually has Down syndrome:
1.Amniocentesis. A small amount of the amniotic fluid is obtained through a needle inserted into the mother's womb after 16 weeks of pregnancy. This fluid contains cells shed from the baby and can be examined to see if the chromosomes are normal.
2.Chorionic Villous Sampling (CVS) involves obtaining some cells from the mother's placenta to examine the baby’s chromosones.It is usually done around the 14th week of pregnancy.
3.Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) involves obtaining blood from a vein in the umbilical cord after 18 weeks of pregnancy. The blood cells are examined for chromosomal defects.
Complications of Down's Syndrome are:
1.Heart defects.
2.Leukemia
3.Infectious diseases such as pneumonia
4.Dementia often appear before age 40
5.intestinal obstruction,
6.thyroid problems,
7.hearing loss
8.poor vision.
Treatment of Down's Syndrome:
There is no medical cure for Down syndrome.
However, children with Down syndrome do benefit from medical help and early interventions starting in infancy which improve the life expectancy and quality of life.
Prevention of Down's Syndrome:
Down syndrome cannot be prevented.
1.genetic counselling in high risk translocation genetic group before considering pregnancy.
2.Coping and support from a team of doctors, teachers and therapists who can provide the resources and support to take better care of your child.
3.Joining a Down Syndrome support group and families who are dealing with the same problem
Prognosis:
1.A better understanding of Down syndrome and early interventions have improved the quality of life of children and adults with Down syndrome.
2.If there is no major complications such as heart disease and leukemia, a person with Down Syndrome may have a slightly shortened life span than a normal person.
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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