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Both men and women are susceptible to a variety of health concerns but some of them are unique to and more commonly detected in women. For instance, women get urinary tract infections 30 times more often than men.
Among these common conditions that affect women, here are some of the most prevalent ones to take note of as early detection and intervention are the keys to increasing your chances of recovery and survival rate.
Keep reading to find out what they are and how women’s health screening packages in Singapore play a part in helping you keep your health in check.
Breast cancer
All women are at risk of developing breast cancer but the risk increases if you are above 50 years of age or have a family history of the condition. Although doing regular breast self-examinations is one of the ways to detect signs and symptoms such as lumps or discharge from the nipple, going for medical checkups that include mammogram screenings is still important.
A mammogram is the most accurate way to detect breast cancer and is recommended for women 40 years old and above. In fact, early detection can drastically increase one’s survival rate by over 90% with the appropriate treatment, if breast cancer is in the stages of 0 or 1.
Learn more: How Mammogram Screening for Breast Cancer Saves Lives
Cervical cancer
Women who are HIV positive, have weakened immune systems or have undergone solid organ transplants are more at risk of developing cervical cancer. Early stages of cervical cancer tend to go unnoticed because most women do not experience symptoms, hence, it is important to go for regular medical checkups in Singapore.
Screening involves a pap smear which can detect cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer, if left untreated. With the appropriate treatment, cervical cancer can be prevented.
Ovarian cancer
Not to be confused with cervical cancer, ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries or fallopian tubes and not the cervix. It is also often dubbed a “silent killer” as the early stages of the condition do not present symptoms. But as ovarian cancer progresses, symptoms like a bloated abdomen and feeling exhausted all the time may appear.
A range of tests can be used to diagnose ovarian cancer – a pelvic examination, blood tests, ultrasound and biopsy are some options. It is essential to stay on the ball with your medical checkups so that ovarian cancer can be detected early and treatment can be administered before your condition worsens.
Heart attack
Although heart attacks do not discriminate and can occur in anybody, women are more likely to die from one. This can be attributed to the signs of a heart attack experienced by men and women, as many women tend to link the symptoms to non-life-threatening conditions such as acid reflux and anxiety. As they wait for the symptoms to pass instead of seeking prompt medical attention, damaging and threatening consequences happen as a result.
Thankfully, going for regular medical checkups in Singapore where a cardiovascular screening can be done to assess your heart health and risk factors for heart diseases is helpful in preventing a heart attack.
Stroke
The risk of stroke increases with age and as women generally live longer than men, more women are at a higher stroke risk. Other factors that may put you at risk include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
These health conditions may go unnoticed until a stroke occurs, which is why going for your medical checkup is crucial. A series of screenings ranging from blood tests, ECGs and MRI scans can help to determine if you are at risk of a stroke and act as a reminder for you to start doing something to better your health.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is usually caused by degenerative wear and tear as one gets older. Unfortunately, the condition affects more women than men, perhaps due to a few factors like weight gain during menopause that increases stress on the joints and anatomical reasons like how women’s hips are wider than men’s.
When you go for your medical checkup, you may voice out your concerns if you are experiencing joint pain or stiffness. The doctor will perform a physical examination to check for problems in the joints and order x-rays for a clearer image of any joint damage. Early detection of osteoarthritis allows you to make changes to your lifestyle and receive treatment as soon as possible so that you are still able to enjoy the golden days of your life.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs)
Sexually active women are also at a higher risk of contracting an STI and some common symptoms to look out for include vaginal itch and growths in the genital region. If left untreated, STIs can cause blindness, infertility and even mother-to-child transmission.
If you are sexually active, make sure to get tested at least once a year for greater peace of mind.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
UTIs are also more common in women than in men and usually affect the lower urinary tract like the bladder and urethra. Many women experience more than one UTI in their lifetime and rarely leads to complications if treated appropriately and promptly. However, the condition can become serious if it spreads to the kidneys.
While prevention is better than cure, it is vital that you book an appointment for a medical checkup early when symptoms appear so that a urinalysis or urine culture can be done for a diagnosis. If you have had repeated infections, you may need to undergo additional tests like an ultrasound, cystoscopy or CT scan.
Book a medical checkup in Singapore at Thomson Wellth Clinic
Want to know if your health is on your track or need answers for the signs and symptoms you have been experiencing? Book a medical checkup with Thomson Wellth Clinic today.
Our range of health screening packages is designed to cover a host of concerns to help you regain your quality of life, seek prompt treatment, or simply for greater assurance.
