Breast Cancer – Overview: Breast cancer is a malignant tumour which occurs when breast cells become abnormal and divide without control or order. The majority of breast cancers start in the milk ducts. A small number start in the milk sacs or lobules. Within these two groups, some grow very slowly while others develop more rapidly. Breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and to other parts of the body such as the bones, liver, lung and sometimes to the brain.
Breast Cancer – Symptoms: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) typically causes no symptoms and is usually found during screening mammograms, although some women may notice a breast lump or bloody nipple discharge. Breast cancer often remains painless in its early stages, and symptoms may develop as the cancer grows. These can include a persistent lump or thickening in the breast or axilla, changes in breast size or shape, alterations in skin color or texture (such as redness, puckering, or dimpling), bloody discharge from the nipple, and changes in the nipple or areola, like a persistent rash or nipple retraction.
Health Screenings & Early Detection: The best strategy to safeguard against breast cancer is to undergo routine mammography in addition to the monthly breast self-examinations that are advised. Small lumps that cannot be felt by the hand can be found on a mammogram. Early discovery, treatment, and effective disease management can increase a patient’s chance of surviving this cancer and reduce the likelihood of life-threatening complications. One mammogram every two years is advised for women 50 years of age and older.
Gastric Cancer – Overview: The cells that line the inner mucosal layer of the stomach are the source of gastric cancer. In order to spread to lymph nodes and distant organs including the liver, lungs, and peritoneal surfaces, it first invades the muscular and serosal layers of the stomach.
Gastric Cancer – Symptoms: The signs of gastric cancer are frequently vague and include moderate abdominal pain or indigestion, bloating, burp, nausea, heartburn, or loss of appetite. The presence of ulcers, which can cause bleeding and manifest as hematemesis or melena, has been linked to gastric cancer. The symptoms of anaemia, such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort, can also be caused by stomach cancer and may not show up in the stool. Advanced gastric cancer patients may experience early satiety or vomiting due to a stomach blockage brought on by the tumour.
Health Screenings & Early Detection: The good news is that, with early detection, stomach cancer is treatable. Nearly 90% of patients with stage -1 gastric cancer had successful outcomes after receiving curative therapy. However, for a patient with stage -4 stomach cancer, the survival probability falls to fewer than 20%.
Liver Cancer – Overview: Mutations in the liver can be caused by chronic inflammation due to viruses (Hepatitis B and C), toxins (alcohol, alfa-toxins) and metabolic injuries (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), steatohepatitis (NASH)). Primary liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originates in the liver. HCC is the 4th most common cancer among men in Singapore, and it more commonly occurs in those aged above 50 years of age. Liver cancer is also mainly an Asian disease, and is prevalent in South-East Asia, China, Japan and Korea.
Liver Cancer – Symptoms: As cancer progresses, symptoms may emerge, including unexplained weight loss, general weakness, loss of appetite, and feeling excessively full after small meals. Other signs can be nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal swelling, and a mass felt under the right ribs due to an enlarged liver or spleen. Additionally, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), visible enlarged veins on the abdomen, and dark-colored urine may occur.
Health Screenings & Early Detection: Screening is advised for high-risk individuals with liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B infection. Regular screening may involve blood tests for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and liver function assessments every 3 months, as well as ultrasound scans of the liver every 6 months.
Lung Cancer – Overview: Lung cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the lungs due to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, disrupting normal lung function. These abnormal cells can spread to other parts of the body, including the opposite lung, lymph nodes, bones, and liver. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for about 85% of all cases and arises from epithelial cells lining the organs, with subtypes including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma; and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which makes up 15% of lung cancers, is strongly associated with cigarette smoking, and tends to grow and spread rapidly, often impacting the lymph nodes.
Lung Cancer – Symptoms: Early-stage lung cancer often does not present noticeable symptoms. However, common symptoms at a more advanced stage include a persistent cough that worsens over time, shortness of breath, blood in the sputum, constant chest pain (which may accompany a chronic cough), recurrent chest infections with fever, and unexplained weight loss.
Health Screenings & Early Detection: Regular lung health screenings are essential for the early detection of lung cancer when it is most treatable. A lung health check is recommended if you meet any of the following criteria: having a family history of lung cancer; experiencing a persistent cough, coughing up blood, excessive weight loss, or breathlessness; being aged between 55 and 74 with a history of smoking more than 30 packs per year, whether you currently smoke or have quit; or being frequently exposed to second-hand smoke.
Lymphoma Cancer – Overview: Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, specifically targeting lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in immune function. The lymphatic system, which is crucial for fighting infections and removing toxins, consists of lymphocytes, lymphatic vessels, and organs that work together to protect the body. Patients with lymphoma often experience swelling of their lymph nodes, leading to the formation of painless lumps or tumors, commonly found in clusters in the neck, armpits, and groin. Lymphoma can also affect other organs, as lymph and lymph tissue are present throughout the body.
Lymphoma Cancer – Symptoms: Symptoms of lymphoma may include painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin, which is the most common symptom. Other signs include persistent fever, drenching night sweats, unexplained weight loss, patchy red skin accompanied by itching, shortness of breath, and persistent fatigue or lack of energy.
Health Screenings & Early Detection: A common symptom of lymphoma is painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin. However, benign conditions can also cause swelling, so tests and procedures are necessary for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. These may include a physical exam to check for swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen or liver; blood tests to evaluate blood cell, kidney, and liver function, as well as to detect lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which is associated with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; a bone marrow biopsy, where samples are extracted from the hip bone to check for cancer cells; and imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans to identify signs of lymphoma in the body.
Ovarian Cancer – Overview: The female reproductive system includes two ovaries located on either side of the uterus, where eggs are developed. Ovarian cancer arises from malignant cell growth in the ovaries and can be classified into different types based on the originating cell type. Epithelial ovarian cancer, the most common type, develops from the cells lining the outer surface of the ovaries and typically affects older women. Germ cell ovarian cancer originates from germ cells that produce eggs and is more common in younger women. Stromal ovarian cancer develops from the connective tissue cells that support the ovaries. Each type has distinct characteristics and age-related prevalence.
Ovarian Cancer – Symptoms: Symptoms of ovarian cancer are often mistaken for more common conditions and may only become noticeable when the tumor has grown significantly. Common symptoms include constant discomfort or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen, persistent bloating, and abdominal swelling. Individuals may also experience a rapid sensation of fullness when eating, increased urinary frequency, and changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea.
Health Screenings & Early Detection: To diagnose ovarian cancer, several examinations and tests may be performed. A pelvic examination allows the doctor to feel the ovaries and surrounding organs for any lumps or abnormalities. An ultrasound scan, which is painless, uses a probe placed on the abdomen or inside the vagina to visualize the ovaries. A blood test may be conducted to measure levels of CA-125, a protein that can be elevated in women with ovarian cancer, although high levels can also result from non-cancerous conditions, so this test alone is not definitive. Further tests may be recommended based on symptoms and initial test results such as imaging tests, scans of the bowel or urinary tract, and Aspiration of fluid in abdomen
Sleep Apnea – Overview: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that involves interrupted or paused breathing during sleep. It is characterized by periods of shallow or no breathing, known as apneas, which can last for a few seconds to minutes and occur multiple times throughout the night. These interruptions in breathing can disturb sleep patterns and lead to symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Sleep Apnea – Symptoms: Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, and episodes of apnea (pauses in breathing) during sleep. Individuals may also experience snorting or gasping noises, labored breathing, unusual sleeping positions (like hyperextending the neck or using multiple pillows), restlessness, and frequent awakenings. Other common signs include sweating during sleep, mouth breathing, cyanosis (blue discoloration of the lips or face), difficulty waking in the morning, feeling unrefreshed, morning or afternoon headaches, irritability, and trouble with memory and learning.
Health Screenings & Early Detection: In a lab sleep study, there are two formats: full-night and split-night. A full-night study involves monitoring your sleep for the entire night, and if sleep apnea is diagnosed, you may need to return to set up a breathing device. In a split-night study, the first half monitors your sleep, and if sleep apnea is confirmed, the second half is used for treatment setup. During these studies, a technician tracks your sleep cycle (via brain waves and eye movements), heart rate, blood pressure, breathing (including oxygen levels and snoring), and any limb movements. An at-home sleep test is a simplified version of an in-lab test, where a portable breathing monitor kit is provided. You can go to bed at your usual time, following the kit’s instructions carefully for sensor placement. Most at-home sleep apnea monitors are easy to set up and typically include a finger clip for heart rate and oxygen saturation, a nasal cannula for measuring oxygen, and airflow sensors to monitor chest movement.
Recommended General Screening Test
To find cancer early, screenings must be conducted regularly. Because they can spread swiftly without showing any signs, some common cancers, like lung cancer and gastric cancer, are referred to as “silent killers”.
The good news is that early detection can greatly enhance the effectiveness of treatment and raise the likelihood of recovery.
You should consult your doctor and get screened more frequently if you have a family history of cancer or other risk factors related to your lifestyle, such as smoking.
You may take into account the screening recommendations made by the Ministry of Health Singapore if you have an average risk of cancer (i.e., no symptoms or a family history of cancer).
| Age | Screening Men | Screening Women |
|---|---|---|
| 18-24 |
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| 25-39 |
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| 40-49 |
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| 50-64 |
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| 65 and above |
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Where can you get tested?
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