All females need to know what a Pap smear is. It is a simple and yet important procedure that could literally be lifesaving.

Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women around the world [1]. In Singapore, it is expected that 429 women are diagnosed and 208 women die from the disease each year. This is unfortunate, as cervical cancers are preventable and curable when detected early [2].

The Pap test has been widely recognized as an effective way to detect early cervical cancer. It is affordable and easily accessible in most countries. They are crucial in detecting and thus preventing early-stage cervical cancers from developing into an invasive stage [1].

I wrote this article to help you understand the importance of cervical cancer screening with Pap smear. Read on to find out more on the procedure, function, and costs of a Pap test in Singapore!

Sneak peek: it can be free!

A chronic or prolonged cough refers to one that lasts eight weeks or longer in adults. It can be more than just an annoying ailment, interrupting sleep and leaving you feeling unrested and exhausted. Chronic cough can be highly uncomfortable and interfere with one's daily activities, work and even sleep. When severe, it may result in vomiting, chest pain and injury to the respiratory tract.

Let's take a close look at the causes and symptoms of a chronic cough, treatments available, and when to consult a doctor.

Do you know that one of the most common mental illnesses in Singapore is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly known as depression? It can happen to anyone from all walks of life. The most affected ones are usually young adults and the elderly.

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is one of the most well-known cosmetic surgical procedures in Singapore and around the world. You might have heard it mentioned in the media, in advertisements, and even in films. That said, do you know that a tummy tuck does so much more than just removing fat?

As a plastic surgeon, I have received a lot of questions about abdominoplasty. I am writing this article to help you understand everything there is to know about getting a tummy tuck in Singapore. Read on to find out more about the methods, costs, and also the factors to consider before getting a tummy tuck.

Gastric cancer may be the seventh most common cancer in Singapore, but most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. This may mean that the tumour has already spread to the surrounding lymph nodes. In this case, surgery can still remove the tumour and the affected lymph nodes, but because of the advanced stage, the patient will require chemotherapy after surgery. Sometimes the cancer may be so advanced that it has already spread to other organs in the body. That is why although it is the seventh most common cancer, gastric cancer is the fourth cause of cancer death in Singapore.