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FEBRUARY 23, 2022
Recent Post
FEBRUARY 23, 2022
Breast Cancer Prevention
Our risk of breast cancer can be hugely reduced by making a few simple lifestyle changes, says our doctor.
In westernized countries, approximately one in eight women will contract breast cancer at some point in life.
It’s a terrifying statistic for most women and their families. But given the right information and motivation, most women can actually avoid breast cancer – and other chronic diseases at the same time. Have we found a new gene to target with a wonder drug to cure this modern demon? No, we haven’t. What about a test detecting breast cancer that is less uncomfortable than a mammogram? The answer again is, no.
However, many women don’t realize that they can help themselves when it comes to breast cancer prevention, and it is simple and cheap: lifestyle change.
Did you know that Asian women living a traditional lifestyle have breast cancer rates that are between 1/4 and 1/7 of that in the west? However, when these women migrate to the United States, their breast cancer rates become the same as the general population within two generations. It appears that it is sometimes lifestyle – not necessarily genetics – that is a large contributor to breast cancer.
In fact, genetic factors contribute to as few as 3% of breast cancer cases, and some women are genetically not predestined to contract breast cancer at all. Although several genes have been identified as a high risk of developing breast cancer, these are rare, occuring in just one of 500 women.
So, although a family has history of breast cancer in close relatives does increase a women’s risk, it by no means implies that she is destined to be burdened with the disease. What it really implies is that her lifestyle choices become more critical.
Women can reduce their risk of breast cancer in 1/3 through a combination of lifestyle related changes. Although there is hype around hormone replacement therapy and preventative mastectomy, approximately 40% of breast cancers can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, increasing physical activity and reducing alcohol consumption alone.
So, what are the risks of developing breast cancer and what can you do to protect yourself?
Lifestyle changes includes:
- A healthier diet
- Physical activity of a moderate intensity (45 minutes, five times a week is recommended)
- Adequate sleep
- Adequate sunlight for Vitamin D
- Breast feeding
- Quitting smoking
Diet changes includes:
- Increasing fruit and vegetable intake
- Increasing fibre intake
- Increasing soy, phytoestrogens (found in beans, seeds and grains) and fish, fish oil and iodine
- Reducing excess body weight
Risk factors for breast cancer include early puberty and late menopause (which can be prevented by the diet changes mentioned). Use of the oral contraceptive pill has also been shown to increase risk in some cases, and oestrogen-mimicking toxins such as pesticides and bisphenol A (BPA), which is found in many everyday products, are also known as breast cancer triggers.
These risks sound scary, but they can be offset by some of the changes mentioned already. Early puberty can even be delayed by some of these changes, because they reduce oestrogen exposure.
Of course, these lifestyle changes are no guarantee, but they will make a difference to your overall health, thus helping reduce potential risk. You may need to put down your glass of wine and pick up your pair of running shoes, but it could save you running to your doctor.
A gentle dose of early morning sunshine can do wonders for your Vitamin D intake, and is a lot easier than harsh rays of radiotherapy. Things like broccoli may also be hard to swallow at first for young girls, but you will find it is a less bitter pill than chemotherapy.
If you are not convinced yet, these changes can also help prevent other causes of cancer. Including bowel and lung cancer, and the greatest killer of women – cardiovascular disease. So have fun (exercising in the sun), chase this down with a blueberry soy smoothie, followed by a veggie and tofu stir fry, and sleep well.
Our risk of breast cancer can be hugely reduced by making a few simple lifestyle changes, says our doctor.
In westernized countries, approximately one in eight women will contract breast cancer at some point in life.
It’s a terrifying statistic for most women and their families. But given the right information and motivation, most women can actually avoid breast cancer – and other chronic diseases at the same time. Have we found a new gene to target with a wonder drug to cure this modern demon? No, we haven’t. What about a test detecting breast cancer that is less uncomfortable than a mammogram? The answer again is, no.
However, many women don’t realize that they can help themselves when it comes to breast cancer prevention, and it is simple and cheap: lifestyle change.
Did you know that Asian women living a traditional lifestyle have breast cancer rates that are between 1/4 and 1/7 of that in the west? However, when these women migrate to the United States, their breast cancer rates become the same as the general population within two generations. It appears that it is sometimes lifestyle – not necessarily genetics – that is a large contributor to breast cancer.
In fact, genetic factors contribute to as few as 3% of breast cancer cases, and some women are genetically not predestined to contract breast cancer at all. Although several genes have been identified as a high risk of developing breast cancer, these are rare, occuring in just one of 500 women.
So, although a family has history of breast cancer in close relatives does increase a women’s risk, it by no means implies that she is destined to be burdened with the disease. What it really implies is that her lifestyle choices become more critical.
Women can reduce their risk of breast cancer in 1/3 through a combination of lifestyle related changes. Although there is hype around hormone replacement therapy and preventative mastectomy, approximately 40% of breast cancers can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, increasing physical activity and reducing alcohol consumption alone.
So, what are the risks of developing breast cancer and what can you do to protect yourself?
Lifestyle changes includes:
- A healthier diet
- Physical activity of a moderate intensity (45 minutes, five times a week is recommended)
- Adequate sleep
- Adequate sunlight for Vitamin D
- Breast feeding
- Quitting smoking
Diet changes includes:
- Increasing fruit and vegetable intake
- Increasing fibre intake
- Increasing soy, phytoestrogens (found in beans, seeds and grains) and fish, fish oil and iodine
- Reducing excess body weight
Risk factors for breast cancer include early puberty and late menopause (which can be prevented by the diet changes mentioned). Use of the oral contraceptive pill has also been shown to increase risk in some cases, and oestrogen-mimicking toxins such as pesticides and bisphenol A (BPA), which is found in many everyday products, are also known as breast cancer triggers.
These risks sound scary, but they can be offset by some of the changes mentioned already. Early puberty can even be delayed by some of these changes, because they reduce oestrogen exposure.
Of course, these lifestyle changes are no guarantee, but they will make a difference to your overall health, thus helping reduce potential risk. You may need to put down your glass of wine and pick up your pair of running shoes, but it could save you running to your doctor.
A gentle dose of early morning sunshine can do wonders for your Vitamin D intake, and is a lot easier than harsh rays of radiotherapy. Things like broccoli may also be hard to swallow at first for young girls, but you will find it is a less bitter pill than chemotherapy.
If you are not convinced yet, these changes can also help prevent other causes of cancer. Including bowel and lung cancer, and the greatest killer of women – cardiovascular disease. So have fun (exercising in the sun), chase this down with a blueberry soy smoothie, followed by a veggie and tofu stir fry, and sleep well.
Breast screening Singapore is an important preventative healthcare measure that aids with the early diagnosis of breast cancer.
Recent Post
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr. Lisa Ho obtained her medical degree from the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom in 2013. Upon return to Singapore, she entered the Singhealth Emergency Medicine residency programme where she rotated through various emergency departments, surgical and medical specialties in the public restructured hospitals. Dr. Ho has a keen interest in musculoskeletal medicine and graduated with a Masters in Sports and Exercise Medicine from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland and a Post graduate diploma in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound from University of East London, United Kingdom. She completed the Singhealth Sports and Exercise medicine staff registrar training programme in 2022 and was responsible for setting up protocols for the ultrasound guided injection service in Sengkang General Hospital. She was also a team physician for the 2023 South East Asian Games in Cambodia. Dr. Ho is passionate about helping patients lead their best life with preventative medicine, through general health and musculoskeletal screening and exercise prescription. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family and dog, practicing her Japanese and doing pilates. |
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Introduction
Aesthetic Physician Dr. Elendrus Teo graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and also holds a NUS Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine. Dr. Teo firmly believes that looking good helps to empower an individual to exude the best possible version of themselves, giving them the opportunity to further their confidence and success. Dr. Teo possesses both clinical and surgical competencies, having had previous rotations in general surgery, family medicine, and ENT. His interest in aesthetics was piqued while spending several years of training in the facial plastics team within the ENT practice. Through the interactions and experiences with patients over the years, Dr. Teo decided to venture into aesthetic medicine, helping patients build their confidence and self-belief by looking their best. To keep himself at the forefront of aesthetic medicine technologies and treatments, Dr. Teo continually attends relevant local and overseas courses and conferences, notably with the renowned Dr. Mauricio de Maio. He also attended several aesthetic medicine graduate workshops held at the Singapore National Skin Centre and other prestigious centers. He has completed various courses on facial fillers, Pigment Lasers, Lasers for skin resurfacing, Fractional Lasers, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment, Lasers, and IPL for hair removal, Chemical Peels, and Devices for Skin Tightening and Body Contouring. Friendly and approachable, Dr. Teo is a family-oriented man who provides both confidence and assurance to his patients. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, football, and other sports. |
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Introduction
Aesthetic Physician Dr. Eileen Lew obtained her medical degree from the prestigious University College of London (UCL) in the United Kingdom. Since then, she has accumulated extensive surgical experience in both Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and Kandang Kerbau Hospital (KKH) where she underwent training in obstetrics and gynaecology, general/breast surgery and internal medicine. During training, she has received numerous accolades from her peers and patients for her dedication towards patient care, awarding her the Best Housemanship award in her year. In her quest for excellence to better treat her patients, she has had the privilege to experience the distinguished mentorship from renowned tutors in the USA and the acclaimed Harley Street in London (UK). Dr. Lew’s focus is on safe, modern, minimally invasive treatments, and she believes that when it comes to aesthetic procedures, less is most certainly more. Dedicated to attaining the best results possible whilst maintaining a philosophy of safety first, the look of satisfaction on her patient’s faces and the rebuilding of their confidence is what drives her on. Always keen to keep abreast of medical advancements, Dr. Lew has presented in various surgical conferences and published in acclaimed scientific journals. In addition to obtaining a Diploma in Practical Dermatology from the distinguished University of Cardiff (UK), she also possesses a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM), and is currently an active member of the AAAM. She is fully accredited in aesthetic procedures such as Botox, fillers, chemical peels, lasers and light therapies. Her passion lies in treatment and management of scars, in particular keloidal scars. Outside medicine, she finds joy in spending time with her family including an active child, and passion in crafts and food. |
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Introduction
Aesthetic Physician Dr. Tiffiny Yang is a fully qualified medical doctor who previously practiced medicine and surgery in various hospitals before joining International Medical Group, a medical practice with primary focus on medical aesthetics. She can converse fluently in English and Mandarin. Dr. Tiffiny Yang habitually attends international courses and conferences outside of Singapore to keep herself updated with the latest global developments in medical aesthetics practice. These include, amongst others, the annual Minimally Invasive Facial Aesthetics Surgery conference in Japan, where she obtained deep insights into Japanese medical aesthetics techniques. She was also appointed as a trainer for certain courses conducted by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. In the last 10 years of her practice, Dr. Tiffiny Yang had personally administered botox, facial fillers, medical lasers and various other aesthetic procedures to countless patients, attesting to the breadth of her experience. Her practice methodology is centred on the philosophy that every patient is distinctly different from the other, for which the best beauty solutions need to be curated & tailormade. After more than a decade of medical aesthetics experience, Dr. Tiffiny Yang has managed to codify the various tailor-made solutions specially curated by her for the benefit of each unique individual. Dr. Tiffiny Yang’s curated & tailormade aesthetics methodology has seen many satisfied patients who have been with Tiffiny Yang Aesthetics for many years. A key plank of Dr. Tiffiny’s methodology is to know and understand the key principles of achieving youth and beauty, then applying them adeptly to the many facets of her practice and skincare range. |
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Introduction
Consultant Radiologist Clinical Interest & Subspecialty: Neuroradiology (Brain, Head & Neck, Spine) and Neuro-intervention Dr. Santhosh Raj is a Consultant Radiologist with 20 years of experience in radiology. He graduated from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2002 and obtained the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (U.K.) in 2008. Upon completing the Advanced Specialist Training (AST) in Singapore in 2013, he joined the Neuroradiology subspecialty team at Singapore General Hospital. In 2015, he completed his training in Neuro-intervention at the National Institute of Clinical Neurosciences in Budapest, Hungary, through the SingHealth Health Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowship. In addition to his routine work, Dr. Santhosh also reports MRI Brain Volumetry scans that are used to assess structural brain degeneration, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). He also reports Ultra Low-Dose (Submilisievert) CT Lung, which allows lung screening at doses lower than routine lung screening CT scans. Other innovative imaging scans that he developed in the past include Intracranial Vessel Wall Imaging (3T MRI), an optimized CT Arterio-Venography (CTAV) of the brain, and an optimized Multiphasic CT Angiography of the Neck and Brain (acute stroke management). His past appointments include Deputy Director of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (SGH), and Director of Radiology Training (SGH). He was also Clinical Lecturer at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS), and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Duke NUS. Dr. Santhosh is particularly interested in imaging informatics and artificial intelligence (AI). He is passionate about teaching and developing innovative imaging scans. He also loves to walk and spend quality time with his family. |
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Introduction
Consultant Radiologist Dr. Eugene Low was awarded the Singapore Armed Forces Medical Scholarship in 2001 to study Medicine at the National University of Singapore and attained his MBBS in 2006. Dr Low then trained and obtained his post-graduate qualifications in Diagnostic Radiology FRCR (UK) and MMed (Spore) in 2012. In 2016, he was awarded the Health Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowship by the Singapore Armed Forces to train in Musculoskeletal and Interventional Radiology at Vancouver General Hospital and the University of British Columbia in Canada. Under the mentorship of Prof Peter Munk, Prof Bruce Forster and Prof Hugue Ouellette, the fellowship centred on advanced musculoskeletal imaging, sports imaging and musculoskeletal interventions. Upon his return to Singapore and during his tenure as Consultant at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, he started several interventional programmes for tumour ablations (for both palliative and benign), vertebroplasties, hydrodilatation clinics for adhesive capsulitis and other musculoskeletal ultrasound-guided procedures. |
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr. Chua Boon Suan graduated from the National University of Singapore. Upon graduation, Dr. Chua has worked in various major restructured hospitals in Singapore, including the Emergency Department of Tan Tock Seng Hospital, General Medicine and General Surgery Departments of Singapore General Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She was part of the SARS taskforce in TTSH and tended to ill patients with suspected SARS during the outbreak. Following these rotations, she spent the large part of her medical career in primary care in NHG polyclinics. For the last fifteen years, she has been seeing her patients in the Health Screening and Wellness Centres of various hospitals, including TTSH, Mt Alvernia, National University Hospital and Farrer Park Hospital. From her years of experience in primary care, she has developed a special interest in health screening and chronic disease prevention. She believes that patients should understand the potential health issues and identify them before they become symptomatic and difficult to treat. She also takes interest in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Dr. Chua is fluent in English and Mandarin, and conversant in Hokkien and Teochew. |
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr. Shirley Lee graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1998. She was awarded the Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine in 2007. Her clinical experience includes rotations across major restructured hospitals in Singapore. Dr. Lee is a Family Physician, who has interests in Health Screening and Preventive Medicine. Dr. Lee believes in a holistic approach to care for her patients that encompasses physical and mental well-being. Dr. Lee always advocates forming strong collaborative partnerships with her patients to achieve good health outcomes. Dr. Lee is fluent in English and Mandarin, and conversant in most dialects. |
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr Elizabeth Heah graduated from the University of Manchester in 2018. She has since been practicing in Singapore, with experience from Singapore restructured hospitals in the departments of General Surgery, Internal Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She is passionate about preventative medicine and adopts a holistic approach to healthcare. Outside of medicine she enjoys practicing yoga, interior design and pottery. |