Health Concerns Every Women Should Be Mindful Of
Women play multifaceted roles in society, often juggling careers, family, and personal pursuits. With such busy lives, it’s easy to overlook personal health. Regular annual health screenings are vital in maintaining overall well-being and addressing specific health concerns that affect women.
What All Women Must Test For
1. Heart (Cardiovascular) Disease
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women worldwide. This underscores the critical importance of regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels, especially if you have a family history of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, including heart diseases and stroke. Regular screenings provide an opportunity to discuss lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, initiate medication or treatment.
2. Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer, ranked as the 10th most common cancer among women in Singapore, is highly preventable and treatable when detected early. This cancer is predominantly caused by an abnormal growth that forms in the cervix, often due to a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
To protect against cervical cancer, HPV vaccinations and regular screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, are indispensable. HPV vaccines are recommended for females aged 9 to 26 years, ideally administered before their first sexual experience. For women between the ages of 25 and 29, and who are sexually active, a Pap smear every three years is recommended. Women aged 30 and older should opt for an HPV test every five years.
The process of undergoing an HPV test closely resembles that of a Pap smear. During the test, a small tissue sample is collected from the cervix using a spatula or brush. This sample is then sent to a laboratory to be analysed for any abnormalities or signs of HPV infection. These routine screenings are crucial for early detection, enhancing the chances of effective prevention and treatment, ultimately contributing to women’s health and well-being.
3. Cancer Marker Test
A cancer marker test, also known as a tumour marker test or cancer biomarker test, is a medical screening that measures the presence of specific substances or markers in the blood to aid in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of cancer. These markers are typically proteins or other molecules that can be produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. The presence and levels of these markers can provide valuable information about the presence of cancer cells.
While cancer markers alone are not conclusive of cancer, they can be used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods, such as imaging studies (like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI), biopsies, and clinical examinations for a better indication.
Ladies, Time To Take Charge Of Your Health
At Radium Medical Aesthetics, we have recently launched our comprehensive women’s health screening packages, encouraging women to prioritise themselves and schedule a health screening. The 3 screening packages are designed to provide you with a thorough assessment of your health and address your unique needs at different stages of life.
Our health screenings are curated and targeted at disease prevention for cardiovascular disease and female cancers. All our programmes include:
- Consultation with a caring and experienced doctor
- Biometric Parameters Measurement: Including height and weight (BMI) and blood pressure
- Blood Analysis: Encompassing a full blood count, liver panel, lipid panel, renal panel and a diabetic screen
- Cancer Markers Assessment to detect early signs of potential health risks
- Urine Analysis for a comprehensive evaluation
- Post-Screening Review to discuss your results and any recommended follow-up steps
Our “Exclusive” programme includes a pap smear; and our “Elite” programme includes a HPV test. These are specialised cervical tests that are useful tools for cervical cancer screening. By offering these specialised health screening packages, we aim to empower women of all ages to take charge of their health and well-being.
Don’t wait until health issues become a concern—take a proactive step towards a healthier future with our new health screening packages. To schedule your screening or if you have any questions, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist you.