Gynaecological Cancers are amongst the top 10 most common cancers affecting Singaporean women today.
Uterine cancer is the 4th, Ovarian cancer is the 5th and Cervical cancer is the 10th most common cancer affecting Singaporean women today. As these cancers can affect the vital organs of a women’s body, it is therefore very important for ladies to be vigilant of the signs & symptoms and to go for the necessary screening regularly.
The women’s gynaecological cancers, compromising uterine, ovarian, and cervical, are among the top ten cancers affecting Singaporean women today.
Gynaecological cancer are sometimes referred to as the ‘silent’ type because of their vague symptoms that can be mistaken for other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or anaemia.
As these cancers can affect the vital organs of a woman’s body, it is very important for ladies to be vigilant of the signs and symptoms and go for the necessary screening regularly.
Watch the videos below and learn from our specialists as they dispels some of the common myths surrounding each gynaecological cancers.
What is Uterine Cancer?
Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is a cancer that starts in the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus (womb). It is predominantly due to prolonged exposure to an excess of the female hormone called oestrogen. Endometrial cancer occurs when the cells of the endometrium start to grow too rapidly. The lining of the uterus may thicken in certain places. These areas of thickness may form a mass of tissue called a tumor.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
A woman has two ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. Each is the size of a walnut and located at the pelvis on either side of the womb (uterus). The ovaries produce eggs and the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical Cancer is the cancer of the neck of the womb, which is the cervix. The female reproductive system consists of ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus (womb) and the vagina. The cervix is the neck of the womb and is visible during a vaginal examination. The cervix is made up of millions of tiny cells. Sometimes, changes can occur to these cells without you knowing it. These changes, if left untreated, could develop into Cervical Cancer. HPV infections can cause several cancers including Cervical Cancer. Virtually all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to genital infection with HPV.
HPV Vaccination
HPV vaccination can prevent infection by certain types of HPV, including types that are linked to HPV-related cancers. The vaccine is recommended for use in young women age 9 – 26 years old. To be most effective, the vaccine should be given before the first sexual exposure. Watch this video to learn more about HPV Vaccination:
