CERVICAL CANCER VACCINE

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?
A woman’s cervix is located at the lower part of the womb. Changes can occur in these cells and in many cases, the cells return to normal on its own. However, in some cases, the cells change in an abnormal way and develop into cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be prevented if these abnormal changes are detected and treated in its early stages. In Singapore, about 200 women are diagnosed with the disease each year, and 80 die of it, most likely because it is discovered late.

HOW CAN CERVICAL CANCER BE DETECTED?
Cervical cancer can be detected by a Pap smear. It is a screening test to check for changes in the cells of your cervix whereby cells are collected from your cervix. The process takes only a few minutes. The cells are then smeared onto a glass slide and sent to a laboratory for further processing and examination under a microscope.

Pap smears are recommended for sexually-active females from age 18 onwards. The frequency of screening is from 1-3 years, depending on risks. Most family clinics should be able to provide this service.

THE LINK BETWEEN CERVICAL CANCER AND HPV
Some types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can infect the cervix, causing the cells to change. In about 90% of the infection cases, the virus clears by itself and the cells return to normal. In some cases, the infection can persist and cause the cells to grow in an abnormal way, developing into cervical cancer. Specifically, HPV types 16 and 18 causes about 70% of the cervical cancer cases worldwide.

WHAT IS THE HPV VACCINE? The HPV vaccines are targeted for use in females aged 9 to 26 years old. They are most effective in protecting against infection by the selected HPV types if given before first sexual exposure. Vaccination does not substitute for cervical cancer screening by regular Pap smears. However, new evidence shows that the vaccinations are effective in women up to 45 years of age.

It is important to know that the vaccine is not designed to protect against other HPV types (i.e. non-type 16 or 18) that cause about 1 in 3 cases of cervical cancer. It is also important to remember that the vaccination works by preventing infection by the specific HPV types – it does not treat existing HPV infections.

The vaccination schedule is 3 doses at 0, 1-2 month and 6 month interval. The Expert Committee for Immunisation in Singapore has recommended that HPV vaccinations be included in the national childhood immunisation programme.

In summary, HPV vaccinations are strongly recommended for girls and ladies from the age of 10 onwards, in particular teenagers and young adults. It should be considered for at-risk females up to 45 years of age as well.

Do drop by our clinics for any enquiries or a detailed consultation to find out more.

References :
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/diseases/cervicalcancer.aspx
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/healthscreening/article.aspx?id=8766 http://www.hpb.gov.sg/hpb2/qnahpb_faqmain.asp?strItemChoice=200511803814&strSubItemChoice=20051180393&action=SHOWTOPICS&m_strTopicSysID=2008430144324#20051180393 http://www.healthxchange.com.sg/News/Pages/Cervical-cancer-jabs-covered-by-Medisave.aspx

CHILDHOOD VACCINATIONS

For the newborn and the young children, there are many infections that can make them seriously ill. Fortunately for many of these serious and very contagious diseases, there are vaccinations available.

What vaccinations do is stimulate the child's body to produce antibodies that can fight and protect the child from these infections. Some vaccinations can last a lifetime, while others may need booster shots to 'strengthen' the antibodies titre (quantity) or make the antibodies last a long time.

As in many countries, Singapore's National Immunisation Registry has provided a recommended childhood immunisation schedule. (See chart)

At birth, the first 2 vaccinations (BCG and Hepatitis B) are usually done in the hospital. The subsequent vaccinations from age 1 to 18 months can be done at polyclinics, most family clinics or paediatric clinics.

In fact, the basic vaccinations are provided free at the polyclinics. The exceptions are Hepatitis B and Pneumococcus as well as the newer combination vaccinations that come with fewer side effects and injectable Polio (included in the 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 shots). There are also optional vaccinations to consider, eg., Chicken Pox, Meningitis and Hepatitis A.

Vaccinations scheduled for age 6 years (Pri 1) and 11 years (Pri 5) are conducted in the local primary schools by the School Heath Services. However, parents can choose to opt out and have the required vaccinations done by their family doctors. For secondary school girls, cervical cancer/HPV vaccine is also recommended.

Our clinics provide vaccinations for
1) childhood

2) adult

(Tetanus, Polio, Flu, Hepatitis A&B, Cervical Cancer/HPV, Chicken Pox, etc)

3) elderly

(Flu, Pneumoccocus, etc)

4) travel

(Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Flu, Polio, Tetanus, Meningitis).

For enquiries, please call our clinics:

AMK - 6554 2918

Novena - 6254 2008

nex - 6634 4918

*Edit* - from 1st Dec 2011, there is a change in the MMR vaccination schedule. The 2nd dose of MMR should be completed by age 2 (previously during Pri 1 at age 7).

http://www.nir.hpb.gov.sg/nir/sv/eservices/eservicesv;HPBSession=P2p4FGQXM76H2mPyHy0q4K8klhZtNwvgNb4wbgHjPdWbtbpp1npd!-269283691?ACTION=DISPLAY_IMMUNSCH

CHOLESTEROL AND GLUCOSE SCREENING

In collaboration with our kind sponsors, Xepa-Soul Pattinson, we are providing
FREE Cholesterol and Glucose blood screenings
for our patients.

For the initial period, the screening promotion will only be available at
our new clinic at nex Shopping Mall #01=54/55.

Patients aged 35 years and above
can call us at Tel: 6634 4918 or visit our clinic personally for registration.
Both new and old patients are welcome.

The blood sampling, laboratory tests and review of the results only are FREE. Blood pressure readings will also be taken at the same visit.

For our patients at AMK and Novena who are interested, you can also leave your particulars and contacts with our staff in the meantime. We are planning similar screening promotions as well at a later date.

For the general population aged 40 years and older, routine health screening is recommended for diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and obesity. For females, additional screening is also recommended for breast and cervical cancer.

For more reading on health issues and education, we recommend patients to visit the
Health Promotion Board Online website which provides good reading material on many common diseases and conditions. http://www.hpb.gov.sg/diseases/default.aspx

Lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride)
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/diseases/article.aspx?id=772
Diabetes
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/diseases/article.aspx?id=680
High blood pressure
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/diseases/article.aspx?id=766

OneDoctors Medical Centre @ nex

Our new clinic at nex Shopping Mall is open and ready for consultations from today, 4th Dec 2010.

Our opening hours will be slightly different from AMK and Novena branches.

At nex, we will be open
DAILY from 9am - 10pm.

Our unit is located at #01-54/55, along the outer wing of nex, just outside the UOB Bank and next to Upp Serangoon Road.

3RD CLINIC AT NEX SHOPPING MALL

We will be opening our 3rd clinic at the upcoming nex - the biggest shopping mall in the north-east of Singapore. The new nex shopping mall is scheduled to open in Dec 2010.

For our 3rd clinic at nex, it will be called OneDoctors Medical Centre. We will be providing Family Medicine consultation services. Just like our other 2 clinics, it will be OPEN DAILY to better serve the needs of our patients in the neighbourhood. An Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist service will also be available at the medical centre in early 2011.

Our unit is at #01-54/55. We are the unit closest to the main road, Upper Serangoon Road and just next to the MRT entrance at Serangoon Central/Upper Serangoon Rd cross-road junction.

nex is a six-storey mall of 600,000 sq ft and it is bigger than Ang Mo Kio Hub and Junction 8 combined. It is conveniently located at the Serangoon MRT Station Interchange.

http://nex.com.sg/wheresnex_map.php

CERVICAL CANCER VACCINE

Cervical cancer vaccine is available at our clinic. The course consists of 3 doses over a 6-month period.

The vaccines are currently approved for use in females aged 10 and above. The vaccines protect against infection by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It is preferably given before first sexual exposure. Vaccination does not substitute for cervical cancer screening by regular Pap smears for sexually active females. MOH's Expert Committee on Immunisation (ECI) has recommended that HPV vaccines, which are clinically safe and effective, be included into the National Childhood Immunisation Programme (NCIP) for females, in order to prevent cervical cancer. (30 Sep 2010)

ST report 22/7/2010

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1070877/1/.html

About the vaccine -

http://www.cervicalcancercampaign.org/ccfacts/vaccine.html

About cervical cancer -

http://www.hpb.gov.sg/diseases/cervicalcancer.aspx

http://www.hpb.gov.sg/healthscreening/article.aspx?id=8766

HFMD

The numbers of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases are still high in Singapore. Actually HFMD cases are seen all year round in Singapore. Every now and then, however, there are outbreaks especially in places like childcare centres, kindergartens and primary schools.

According to the latest MOH figures, there are 732 reported cases of HFMD for the week 37, 12-18 Sept 2010 (compared to 157 in 2009).

HFMD is highly contagious. It is usually spread by direct contact from person to person via body fluids like saliva and nasal discharge, fecal material and fluid from the rash.

The diagnosis of HFMD is usually based on clinical symptoms, which include:

• low-grade fever
• oral ulcers
• rashes in palms, soles or buttocks
• loss of appetite and lethargy
• some may also have mild gastric flu or cough/cold symptoms

*The pictures below are taken from the Health Promotion Board website.*

The child with HFMD is usually not very sick but he should stay 'isolated' at home for 5-7 days even if the symptoms are mild. Very rarely, HFMD can develop complications especially with the EV71 virus. Seek immediate medical attention if the child is vomiting excessively, dehydrated, extremely tired or unusually irritated.

Management of HFMD is usually symptomatic. This includes 'tender loving care' from care-takers. Doctors usually prescribe:

• topical oral medication for the painful ulcers
• fever/pain medications
• anti-inflammation medications to help with recovery
• and rarely antiviral medications for the very sick or immune-suppressed patients
• medical leave for 5-7 days

Hygiene practices are of paramount importance for the infected child, care-takers and family members. Wash hands before meals and after visiting toilets. Do not share eating utensils and toys. Also remember to look out for symptoms among the family members including adults.

Lastly, send the child back to childcare or school only when there are no more:

• fever
• oral ulcers
• rashes.

Read more:
http://www.moh.gov.sg/mohcorp/diseases.aspx?id=418
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/diseases/article.aspx?id=792

FLU VACCINE 2010-2011

Both our clinics at AMK and Novena are currently carrying limited stocks of the seasonal Flu vaccines.
* Please call our clinics to check stock status beforehand.

People who should get the seasonal vaccine each year are:
1.Children aged 6 months up to 5 years
2.Pregnant women
3.People 65 years of age and older
4.People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, gross obesity, low immunity
5.People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
6.People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
a.Health care workers
b.Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
c.Household contacts and caregivers of children

The present flu vaccine covers the following:
•A/California/7/2009(H1N1)-like strain (pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 strain);
•A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like strain;
•B/Brisbane/60/2008-like strain.
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/recommendations2010_11north/en/index.html

Do NOT vaccinate if there is egg allergy or acute fever.

OPEN ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Both our clinics at AMK Central and Novena Ville
will be OPEN on:

VESAK DAY (Friday, 28th May 2010)
8am - 11pm

Happy Holidays to all Buddhists and everyone who celebrates Vesak Day!
OneDoctors Family Clinic

CONTACT US

Telephone:
OneDoctors Family Clinic (AMK) - 6554 2918
OneDoctors Medical Centre (NEX) - 6634 4918

OneDoctors Family Clinic (HollandV) - 6469 8938
OneDoctors Family Clinic (Yishun) - 6257 8980
OneDoctors Family Clinic (Punggol) - 6385 8018

Feedback: admin@onedoctors.com.sg
For patient matters, please indicate CLINIC BRANCH.
For urgent matters, please visit/call clinic branch directly.
For medical report requests, please write in directly to clinic branch (with signed patient consent).
*This mailbox is intended for non-urgent matters only. We thank you for your understanding if there is any delay in our reply. 


OPENING HOURS:
http://www.onedoctors.com.sg/search/label/Opening%20Hours 

CLINIC LOCATIONS:
 http://www.onedoctors.com.sg/search/label/Locations%20and%20Maps