Common Health Concerns for Women Over 30

Due to the fast-paced modern world, many women find themselves juggling multiple roles as they get older. This often results in increased stress levels, a sedentary lifestyle and various health issues. With age also comes increased health risks. What may not have been a cause for concern at 20 can pose risks by the time we hit 30 or 40. Read on to learn more about the four most common critical illnesses that are affecting women in Singapore.

1. Heart disease 

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one killer of women worldwide; they cause about 1 in 3 female deaths in Singapore every year.  According to a survey by Singapore Heart Foundation, 34 per cent of women have the misconception that breast cancer poses the biggest health threat. In reality, breast cancer was the cause of 445 deaths in Singapore in 2019 and cardiovascular disease took the lives of 2,689 women. Another misconception is that heart disease predominantly affects men or the elderly.  

The symptoms may include shortness of breath, palpitation, dizziness and vomiting which are often wrongfully attributed to menopause or a hormonal balance. In some cases, women have “silent” heart attacks which present no symptoms whatsoever.

The primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease may include high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, physical inactivity, obesity or being overweight, a family history of the disease, and smoking. In fact, a study of over 15,000 heart attack patients in Singapore revealed that almost 8 in 10 young heart attack patients, aged 40 and younger, are smokers.

Medical experts recommend that women aged 18 years and above should undergo screening for cardiovascular disease risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension.

The best gift you can give to your heart is to maintain a well-balanced diet, exercise on a regular basis, avoid smoking and overconsumption of alcohol, and manage your stress level.

2. Breast cancer

Aside from CVDs, breast cancer also poses major health risks to women. According to the Singapore Cancer Society, close to 2,000 women in Singapore are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and 1 in 13 will be affected by the disease. In fact, breast cancer cases are exponentially on the rise as more younger women in Singapore are becoming affected.

A number of factors can lead to breast cancer. These include drinking alcohol, having a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain (particularly after menopause), having fewer or no children, or giving birth to your first child after 30. Being over 50, having a family history of breast cancer or a personal history of ovarian cancer may also increase the risk. 

It is a common perception among many women that a lump does not signify cancer because they are young and at less risk. This can result in the cancer being larger in size and more aggressive if it is diagnosed later at an advanced stage. 

For early detection, it is recommended that you self-examine your breasts every month to spot lumps or any abnormalities. If you’re 40 and above, make sure to schedule a mammogram screening. For those aged 50 and above, it’s important you go for a mammogram every two years. 

3. Ovarian cancer

The fifth most common cancer in Singaporean women, ovarian cancer is deemed the deadliest gynaecological cancer as it is typically detected only at an advanced stage after it has already spread. This is due to the ovaries being hidden away deep in the body cavity, making it difficult to medically detect pre-cancer and early cancer cells. As it affects the vital organs, it is critical for women to be aware of the signs and symptoms and schedule regular medical screenings for early detection. The peak age groups affected are women in their 40s and 50s. 

Despite what you may read, the CA125 blood test, related tumour marker blood tests, and regular ultrasounds of the ovaries are not necessarily effective in detecting ovarian cancer. While these tests are often part of routine medical screening packages, they may only help you to uncover other non-cancerous conditions. 

If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, personal history of other cancers, late or no pregnancy, early menstruation or late menopause, you may be at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

The disease is also often referred to as a silent killer as it presents little to no symptoms. Additionally, any symptoms that do present are often unclear and easily confused with gastritis, gallbladder disease, or colorectal conditions.

4. Cervical cancer 

In 2019, a report by the Ministry of Health found that Singaporean women, 30 years old and above, are increasingly being diagnosed with late-stage cervical cancer.  

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually-acquired infection and it is the tenth most common cancer in women here and the fifth most common cancer in women aged 15 to 44. It is treatable however when detected early.

Approximately 309 women in Singapore are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, leading to 172 deaths.  If you are a woman aged between 25-69 who has (at any point) had sexual activity, it is recommended you go for a regular cervical smear (pap test or HPV test) as part of Singapore’s national cervical screening programme. Another way to protect yourself would be to opt for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination if you’re eligible. 

Preventive measures

Along with regular health screenings and making healthy lifestyle choices, you may also consider getting a critical illness insurance plan that is specifically tailored for women. AXA CritiCare For Her offers extensive benefits to support women with critical illnesses from early diagnosis to recovery.

We have you covered at each stage of critical illness, with the provision of female illness benefit reset; surgery benefit; reconstructive surgery; as well as support benefit.

One of the more affordable plans in the market starting at $0.75 a day, AXA CritiCare for Her provides 3.5 times your selected coverage and a host of benefits such as

●        Free biennial health checkups to facilitate early detection

●        Free coverage is extended to your children if they are diagnosed with critical illnesses

●        Customisable policy term: 10 years, 20 years or till age 65

●        Customisable Sum Assured, ranging between S$25,000 to S$150,000

Disclaimer:

This article is for general information only and does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of AXA Insurance Pte Ltd and should not be construed as the provision of advice or making of any recommendation. There is no intention to distribute, or offer to sell, or solicit any offer to purchase any product. We recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified financial advisory professional before making any decision to purchase an insurance or investment product. Whilst we have taken reasonable care to ensure that all information provided was obtained from reliable sources and correct at time of publishing, information may become outdated and opinions may change. We are not liable for any loss that may result from the access or use of the information herein provided.

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