Cancer was the second leading cause of death in the world in 2018. It has taken 9.6 million lives in that year alone. What actually is cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases that starts from uncontrollable abnormal cell growth in any part of the body. This growth of abnormal cells can invade and spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer affects men and women. That is why everyone needs to get cancer screening and checkup with a radiation doctor in Singapore. According to the 2014 -2018 data of the Singapore Cancer Society, the most common types of cancer in women based on the number of diagnoses are breast cancer, colorectal and rectum cancer, lung cancer, cancer of the corpus uteri or endometrial cancer, and ovarian/fallopian tube cancer.
Continue reading this article to learn more about the most common types of cancer affecting Singapore women and how to prevent and manage them.
Most Common Type Of Cancer Affecting Women in Singapore
Breast Cancer
Between 2014 to 2018, there are 11, 232 cases of breast cancer in Singapore.
Breast cancer starts with the uncontrollable growth of abnormal or cancer cells in the breast, particularly in milk ducts and glands. These abnormal cells usually form a tumour or lump. However, not all lumps in the breast are cancerous. Non-cancerous (benign) tumours do not spread nor are life-threatening. Malignant tumours have a higher risk of becoming cancerous. Breast cancer can also affect males. That is why it is also helpful for males to get breast cancer screening from aradiation doctor in Singapore.
Risk Factors of Breast Cancer
Some factors can influence the development of breast cancer; however, there are still women who get breast cancer even without having risk factors. Here are the risk factors if breast cancer according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
● Age older than 50
● Family History of breast and ovarian cancer
● Personal history of Breast Cancer
● Radiation therapy in the chest and breast area
Prevention and Treatment
Breast cancer treatment in Singapore is not limited to one procedure. Common breast cancer treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, SBRT radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. Consult your radiation doctor in Singapore for the most suitable breast cancer treatment for you.
Colorectal and Rectum Cancer
Between 2014 to 2018, there are 5,109 cases of colorectal and rectum cancer in Singapore.
Colorectal cancer, or colon and rectal cancer, depending on its origin, is the uncontrollable growth of abnormal or cancer cells in the colon and rectum area.
The colon is the large intestine, while the rectum is what connects the colon to the anus. The growth of abnormal cells in the colon or rectum area forms polyps, which could be cancerous later on.
Similar to cervical cancer treatment in Singapore, colorectal cancer is treatable.
Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer
People who have the risk factors of colorectal cancer are likely to get the disease; however, it is still possible to develop cancer even without the risk factors.
● Overweight and Obesity
● Sedentary Lifestyle
● Family history of inflammatory bowel diseases
● Family History of Colorectal Cancer
● Smoking and alcohol consumption
Prevention and Treatment
There are several colorectal cancer treatments available, including surgery, ablation and embolization, radiation therapy, SBRT radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Consult your radiation doctor in Singapore for the most suitable breast cancer treatment for you
Lung Cancer
Between 2014 to 2018, there are 2,862 cases of lung cancer in Singapore. Lung cancer is the uncontrollable growth of abnormal or cancer cells in the lungs. Lung cancer typically begins at the bronchi lining, bronchioles, and alveoli. The two main types of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Risk Factors of Lung Cancer
People with the risk factors of lung cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease. People can still get lung cancer even without the risk factors.
● Tobacco, marijuana, and e-cigarette smoking and second-hand smoke
● Inhalation of radon and asbestos
● Family history of lung cancer
● Radiation therapy in the chest area
Prevention and Treatment
Treatments for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) include surgery, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and palliative procedure.
Treatments for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and palliative procedure. Visit your radiation doctor in Singapore for the best treatment for you.
Cancer of the Corpus Uteri or Endometrial Cancer
Between 2014 to 2018, there are 2, 769 cases of endometrial cancer in Singapore.
Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, is the uncontrollable growth of abnormal or cancer cells in the inner lining of the uterus. Endometrial cancer is different from cervical cancer. Similar to cervical cancer treatment in Singapore, treatments for endometrial cancer are widely available.
Risk Factors of Endometrial Cancer
People with risk factors are likely to have endometrial cancer; however, it is possible to develop the disease even without the risk factors.
● Age older than 50
● Overweight and obesity
● Consumption of hormone pills such as birth pills after menopause
● Family history of endometrial and colorectal cancer and personal history of breast and ovarian cancer
● Radiation therapy in the pelvis area
Prevention and Treatment
Treatments for endometrial cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and SBRT radiotherapy. Visit your radiation doctor in Singapore for the best treatment for you.
Ovarian Cancer
Between 2014 to 2018, there are 1, 897 cases of ovarian cancer in Singapore. Ovarian cancer is the uncontrollable growth of abnormal or cancer cells at the end of the fallopian tube to the ovaries. The abnormal cells begin to form tumours in the ovaries. Benign tumours remain in the ovaries, while malignant or cancerous tumours invade and spread to other areas. Fallopian tube cancer is a rare type of cancer that starts in the fallopian tube. It has a better prognosis than ovarian cancer.
Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer
● Age older than 50, although it can develop at the age of 40
● Overweight and obesity
● Full-term pregnancy at a later age
● Taking hormone therapy after menopause
● Family history of breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer
Prevention and Treatment
Treatments for ovarian cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, SBRT radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Consult your radiation doctor in Singapore for the most suitable breast cancer treatment for you.
With modern technology in medicine, cancer is now beatable! Don’t lose hope and have a positive outlook on life! Protect yourself from cancer through awareness and early detection, and prevention.
Dr Johann Tang provides cancer treatments for you. Book an appointment with Dr Johann Tang today.