We discuss common women-related illnesses with Dr Wee siew Bock – Breast and Endocrine surgeon from ParkwayHealth Group. Dr Wee shares his insights on preventive methods, plus tips to put you on a clean slate of health.
Q: What are the top 3 illnesses that affect women?
A: The most common illnesses that women are diagnosed with include
breast cancer, heart disease and colorectal cancer.
Q: For each of the illnesses, what are the key symptoms?
A: Many of the main symptoms are not specific to the illness and can be
due to other mild ailments. However, it is important to understand your
own body and seek medical attention if the symptoms are persistent.
- Breast Cancer – You find a lump, unusual persistent area of hardening
in the breast or experience blood-stained nipple discharge.
- Heart Disease – You experience chest pain or discomfort, increasing
discomfort or shortness of breath with exertion or exercise.
- Colorectal Cancer – You notice sudden changes in your bowel
habits, blood in or blood-staining of stools and abdominal bloating
or discomfort.
Q: How do we prevent these illnesses?
A: To prevent breast cancer, do regular breast self-examination at
least once a month so you have general awareness of breast changes.
Keep to a low-fat diet and go for mammograms.
Keeping a healthy, low-fat, low-salt diet combined with regular
exercise is the key to preventing heart disease. If you have hypertension, keep your blood pressure in check.
Lastly, the way to stay clean of colorectal cancer is to go with a
high-fibre, low-meat diet and maintain regular bowel habits.
Q: What type of body check-up is necessary for women?
How often should it be done?
A: Breast Cancer – Do monthly breast self-examinations at home to
check for any irregularities or hardened lumps. Women above the age of
40 need to go for annual mammograms and breast ultrasound scans.
Heart Disease – It’s good to have an awareness of blood pressure
levels with every visit to the doctor so as to treat any hypertension early.
Have an annual heart evaluation by your family doctor. This is usually
inclusive of blood tests and ECGs, as well as additional tests like treadmill
stress tests or heart scans as directed by the doctor.
Colorectal Cancer – Faecal occult blood tests should be done
annually if you are above the age of 40. Those above 50-years-old
should consider going for a thorough colonoscopy. These tests can be
repeated at intervals, depending on findings and risk profile.
Q: Why are women more susceptible to a greater
variety of illnesses as compared to men?
A: I don’t think women are more susceptible to a greater range of
illnesses compared to men. However it might seem so, possibly due
to the fact that women are more willing to go for health screenings.
Dramatic phases in life such as the onset of menopause can give rise
to specific ailments related to menopause itself, like osteoporosis.
This in turn creates a multitude of bodily changes which bring any
ailment to attention immediately.
Q: If afflicted, other than receiving regular
medical treatment, are there any self-help groups
or specialised organisations that women can seek
help from?
A: There are many local and online support groups that provide
crucial, non-medical, psycho-social and emotional help for ladies
diagnosed with these conditions. Cancer support groups are mostly
based in the hospitals or with organisations like the Ssingapore Cancer Society and Breast Cancer Foundation.
These groups comprise a mix of professionals like rehabilitation
therapists, nurse counsellors and non-professionals, usually cancer
survivors. Affected women are welcomed into experience-sharing
sessions, given appropriate advice and encouraged to participate in
various activities; all with the aim of facilitating a return to normal
life after treatment.
Q: Are there any healthy living tips that you would
like to share with our female readers?
A: Generally, live life in moderation. Healthy living can easily be
achieved with a low-fat, low-meat, high-calcium, low-salt diet.
Decrease your intake of preserved foods. In addition, maintain
appropriate stress level with adequate rest and sleep. Regular
exercise is essential for building a strong physique and is great as
a stress-buster too. Lastly, maintenance of a steady body weight is
important, especially after menopause.
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