- [email protected]
- +6567898888
-
Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Sat: 8:30am - 12:30pmSun & PH: Closed
FEBRUARY 23, 2022
Recent Post
FEBRUARY 23, 2022
Women's Health
Did you know there is a vaccination for cancer of the cervix?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus that causes genital warts. Infection with HPV generally occurs through contact with infected skin, most commonly through sexual contact. There is a high rate of transmission of the infection (50– 80 percent risk) when there is unprotected sexual activity with someone who has an active HPV infection.
Infection with the genital wart virus is extremely common. It is thought that 80 percent of sexually active women will develop an HPV infection during their lives. Infections are most common in young women, and are seen most commonly in women just after they become sexually active. The more sexual partners one has, the more likely they will contract the HPV virus.
Most genital wart infections are cleared by the body within 12–24 months. In less than 10 percent of infections, the virus is not cleared by the body and persists.
When the virus infects the cervix, it can cause changes in the cells of the cervix which can be precursor changes of cervical cancer and be detected as an abnormal Pap smear.
Sometimes the changes in the cells seen with an acute HPV infection will resolve over time, in other instances, the changes may progress to more abnormal cells and cervical cancer.
Cancer of the cervix is the second most common cause of cancer in women worldwide. Pap smears endeavour to detect early changes in the cells, before they progress to become cancerous. Pap smear changes caused by HPV are highest in women less than 30 years old. In Australia, Pap smears are recommended every two years for all women between 18 and 69 years of age, starting two years after first sexual intercourse.
There are many strains of the wart virus, and it is known that several (such as HPV 16 and 18) are more likely to cause abnormal cells in the cervix and cancer of the cervix as well as cancers of the anus, penis, vulva and vagina. Other strains of the virus (such as HPV six and 11) will cause genital warts only, but do not lead to cancers of the genital tract. Approximately 10% of the population will develop genital warts in their lifetime. Genital warts are most common in the 15–24 year old age group.
Two vaccines against the common strains of HPV virus which cause genital warts and changes in the cells of the cervix have been developed: CERVARIX and GARASIL.
These vaccines are intended to prevent initial HPV infection so ideally are given before women become sexually active. In women already infected with HPV, the vaccines do not treat the infection or prevent disease caused by the strain causing the infection. In women who have not been exposed to the HPV virus, the vaccines are very effective (90–100 per cent) at preventing infection and disease.
Antibodies to the virus from the vaccination are produced in almost 100% of people vaccinated. The duration of immunity from the vaccination is not yet known so it is not clear whether booster shots will be needed.
GARDASIL is available in Singapore and is given in three doses – today, and two and six months from today. It protects against HPV strains six, 11, 16 and 18.
The vaccination is recommended for females aged 10–13 years i.e. before they become sexually active. The vaccination can also be given to girls aged 14–18 years, even though some may have commenced sexual activity, as hopefully they would not yet have been exposed to HPV virus. If given to women 18–27 years of age, it’s effectiveness will depend upon past sexual history and previous exposure to HPV. Safety and efficacy has not been studied in women older than 27 years.
HPV vaccinations are generally well tolerated. Side effects may include discomfort, swelling and redness at the injection site. Much less commonly, fainting or symptoms of allergy may occur after the vaccination.
Did you know there is a vaccination for cancer of the cervix?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus that causes genital warts. Infection with HPV generally occurs through contact with infected skin, most commonly through sexual contact. There is a high rate of transmission of the infection (50– 80 percent risk) when there is unprotected sexual activity with someone who has an active HPV infection.
Infection with the genital wart virus is extremely common. It is thought that 80 percent of sexually active women will develop an HPV infection during their lives. Infections are most common in young women, and are seen most commonly in women just after they become sexually active. The more sexual partners one has, the more likely they will contract the HPV virus.
Most genital wart infections are cleared by the body within 12–24 months. In less than 10 percent of infections, the virus is not cleared by the body and persists.
When the virus infects the cervix, it can cause changes in the cells of the cervix which can be precursor changes of cervical cancer and be detected as an abnormal Pap smear.
Sometimes the changes in the cells seen with an acute HPV infection will resolve over time, in other instances, the changes may progress to more abnormal cells and cervical cancer.
Cancer of the cervix is the second most common cause of cancer in women worldwide. Pap smears endeavour to detect early changes in the cells, before they progress to become cancerous. Pap smear changes caused by HPV are highest in women less than 30 years old. In Australia, Pap smears are recommended every two years for all women between 18 and 69 years of age, starting two years after first sexual intercourse.
There are many strains of the wart virus, and it is known that several (such as HPV 16 and 18) are more likely to cause abnormal cells in the cervix and cancer of the cervix as well as cancers of the anus, penis, vulva and vagina. Other strains of the virus (such as HPV six and 11) will cause genital warts only, but do not lead to cancers of the genital tract. Approximately 10% of the population will develop genital warts in their lifetime. Genital warts are most common in the 15–24 year old age group.
Two vaccines against the common strains of HPV virus which cause genital warts and changes in the cells of the cervix have been developed: CERVARIX and GARASIL.
These vaccines are intended to prevent initial HPV infection so ideally are given before women become sexually active. In women already infected with HPV, the vaccines do not treat the infection or prevent disease caused by the strain causing the infection. In women who have not been exposed to the HPV virus, the vaccines are very effective (90–100 per cent) at preventing infection and disease.
Antibodies to the virus from the vaccination are produced in almost 100% of people vaccinated. The duration of immunity from the vaccination is not yet known so it is not clear whether booster shots will be needed.
GARDASIL is available in Singapore and is given in three doses – today, and two and six months from today. It protects against HPV strains six, 11, 16 and 18.
The vaccination is recommended for females aged 10–13 years i.e. before they become sexually active. The vaccination can also be given to girls aged 14–18 years, even though some may have commenced sexual activity, as hopefully they would not yet have been exposed to HPV virus. If given to women 18–27 years of age, it’s effectiveness will depend upon past sexual history and previous exposure to HPV. Safety and efficacy has not been studied in women older than 27 years.
HPV vaccinations are generally well tolerated. Side effects may include discomfort, swelling and redness at the injection site. Much less commonly, fainting or symptoms of allergy may occur after the vaccination.
Taking care of one’s health is a responsibility that should never be neglected, and women’s health is particularly intricate and requires dedicated attention. AsiaMedic Health Screening in Singapore is committed to empowering women with the knowledge of their health status through comprehensive health screenings. By investing in regular health check-ups, women can proactively manage their well-being and stay on top of any potential health issues. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and AsiaMedic is here to support women in their journey towards optimal health and wellness.
Recent Post
 |
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. |
 |
Introduction
Consultant Radiologist Dr Raymond Quah graduated from the National University of Singapore in 2002. From 2004 to 2006, he served as a medical officer in the Republic of Singapore Navy. He obtained the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (UK) and Master of Medicine in Radiology (Singapore) in 2009. Subsequently, he received specialist accreditation in Radiology in 2011, and was also admitted as Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Singapore. In 2012, he was awarded the HMDP award by MOH, and was a visiting fellow at the Maastricht University Medical Centre, where he studied and performed research on body MRI under Prof. dr. Regina Beets-Tan, who is world-renowned for her work on imaging of rectal cancer. As part of the pioneering team at Ng Teng Fong Hospital in 2015, he contributed to organising and troubleshooting radiology operations. From 2013 to 2020, he has served on the executive council of the College of Radiologists. From 2017 to 2024, he worked as a radiologist in Farrer Park Hospital. Dr Quah is experienced in reading computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, and has a subspecialty interest in body imaging and oncological imaging. |
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
 |
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. |