How Radiotherapy Helps To Effectively Treat Cancer in Women

Medically reviewed by Dr Johann Tang, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist

Cancer screening enables one to detect cancers at a earlier stage, where treatment is available and the cancer is more likely to be curable. Learn more about some common cancers affecting women such as cervical and breast cancer, as well as radiotherapy treatment options in Singapore.

What are some common cancers that affect women?

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the top cancer affecting women in Singapore, with approximately 2000 women being diagnosed every year. The majority of breast cancers begin in the ducts and lobules, although they can also start in connective tissue. One of the most common symptoms of breast cancer is a lump in the breast or armpit, with other symptoms including swelling, skin irritation and redness, as well as bloody discharge and ulceration.

Seeking timely breast cancer treatment in Singapore is essential in significantly increasing the likelihood of surviving and making a full recovery. Women are recommended to undergo breast cancer screening via a mammogram which allows for early diagnosis and treatment.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer affects the cervix, which is the lower part of the womb that connects the vagina to the upper part of the uterus. Long–lasting infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer, although it can also occur less frequently without the presence of HPV. Some common symptoms include vaginal bloody discharge and pain.

Cervical cancer treatment in Singapore, as well as preventive measures, play a key role in reducing the risk of cervical cancer. They include undergoing regular pap smear tests which test for abnormality of cells on the cervix’s surface, getting the HPV vaccine early on in life, as well as practicing safe sex.

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, refers to cancer that affects the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. Endometrial cancer often affects women past menopause, and is frequently detected at early stages due to a key symptom of abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Endometrial cancer is often detected via pelvic and ultrasound exams, making regular check ups important to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. Treatment usually involves a total hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Depending on the stage of the disease, post operative  radiation therapy is usually recommended to properly destroy cancer cells.

What radiotherapy treatments are available?

External beam radiation therapy, or EBRT, is the most commonly used treatment method for numerous cancers, including breast and endometrial cancer. These treatments utilise a beam of high-energy xrays directed at the target region via a LINAC machine, which destroy the DNA of cancer cells and prevent their proliferation. Radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy.

External Beam Radiotherapy either via 3D conformal or IMRT techiniques are often used in the treatment of breast cancer in Singapore. It utilises imaging technologies such as CT scans to create detailed 3D images of the tumour, allowing for precise directing and conforming of radiation beams for effective destruction of tumour cells while reducing damage to surrounding tissue. Another option is Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI), which focuses on specific regions of the breast and offers a shorter treatment course, making it useful for reducing radiation exposure and treatment side effects.

Brachytherapy is another commonly used treatment in Singapore for cervical cancer as well as endometrial cancer. In contrast to EBRT, brachytherapy involves the insertion of a radioactive source into the body via applicator tubes. This is usually done after the external beam treatment or as the main treatment, depending on the type of cancer and stage of the disease.

Looking for effective cervical, endometrial, or breast cancer treatment in Singapore? Get in touch with us today to arrange for an appointment and treatment.