Health Update

by Julie Cabatit-Alegre

Perhaps there is no other word more feared in the world than the one that starts with the big C. Being told that one has cancer almost seems tantamount to being handed a death sentence. But this need not be. Not anymore. The important thing to remember is that cancer can be cured. This, Dr. Quek Swee Chong, clinical director of the preinvasive disease services unit at the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Singapore, points out. The preinvasive disease service is focused on prevention — managing and dealing with the pre-cancer condition.

Here are some statistics. Cervical cancer is the second commonest cancer and the number one killer of women worldwide. There are about 500,000 new cases a year, resulting in 230,000 deaths a year. Sixty percent occurs in Asia. And yet, cervical cancer is almost 100 percent preventable, says Dr. Quek. Greater education and greater provision of health service lead to reduced incidence of the disease. The treatment for pre-cancer stage is almost 100 percent effective. A majority of cancers pass through the pre-cancer stage, which may last for up to 10 years. This can be detected by Pap smears. Colposcopy, a common gynecology follow-up for abnormal Pap smears, plays a central role in the cervical screening. The KK Colposcopy Suites has set up the first digital colposcopy network in Asia. Each colposcopy room has a data and image archival terminal (MediScan), which is connected by a local network. An additional terminal at the patient reception allows pre-registration and input of patient demographic data. (more…)