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Cancer cases have been on the rise locally, with breast and colorectal cancer being the most common types of cancers among females and males respectively. Thankfully, advancements in cancer treatments have greatly improved patients’ quality of life and survival rate over the years.
Nevertheless, going for regular health screening in Singapore is important not just for early intervention, but also to detect signs of pre-cancerous conditions before symptoms even appear.
Read on to find out how regular health screenings can help to protect you against cancer.
Common Misconceptions about Health Screenings and Cancer
1. I feel fine so there is no need for me to go for a health screening
Cancer cases in their early stages may not always present symptoms, which is why going for regular health screenings is one of the best ways to detect cancer even before symptoms appear. When cancer is diagnosed early, less aggressive treatments can be administered and as soon as possible to increase your survival rate and the chances of curing it.
For instance, breast cancer in its early stages may only require a lumpectomy (removing the affected part of the breast) while mastectomy (removing the entire breast) and chemotherapy may be needed for breast cancer in advanced stages.
2. One health screening will last me a lifetime
Going for regular health screenings is essential as symptoms and cancer cells may only develop in the later stages. Thus, one health screening is simply not enough to ensure that you lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
Different types of cancer screenings are accompanied by varying frequencies – colonoscopy is recommended once every 10 years if you are above 50 years old and a pap smear is recommended once every three years if you are in your 20s, for example.
Most health screening packages in Singapore include different tests that will help to screen for cancer.
3. I am not at risk as I do not have a family history of cancer
While genetics and family history play a part, it does not mean you will be completely safe even if your family members have not gotten cancer before. In fact, some cancers can be caused by lifestyle habits such as smoking too.
Hence, going for regular health screenings is still your best bet at preventing cancer or detecting cancer early.
Types of Cancer Screenings
Here are the common types of cancer screenings to opt for when you go for a health screening in Singapore.
CT colonography
– utilises low-dose radiation CT scanning to view the interior of your colon
Colonoscopy
– a long, flexible tube gets inserted into the rectum to look for polyps or cancer
CT lung screening
– detects the presence of lung cancer
Pap smear
– utilises a small brush to gently remove cells from the surface of the cervix and test for cervical cancer
Mammogram
– the most reliable screening tool for breast cancer; can even detect cancerous lumps before they are felt
MRI
– can be used to find a tumour in the body and identify if it is cancerous
Schedule a Health Screening Today
Take charge of your life today by going for health screenings.
At Thomson Wellth Clinic, our various health screening packages are designed to cater to each individual’s unique needs. Our wellness health checkups include blood tests that can detect the presence of cancers, or go a step further with our comprehensive checkups that include pap smears, mammograms and CT and MRI scans.
In particular, our Platinum Prestige health screening packages are recommended for those who are looking for a full health checkup to ensure a clean bill of health as they include additional CT and MRI scans that can help to detect and monitor cancer presence.
