Happy Mother’s Day!

It's your turn to be reminded that your health is just as important.

Today, we honour you, the devoted carers who tirelessly nurture others.

We've curated this landing page to empower you with the resources and tools you need to take charge of your health and well-being. From information on women's health topics like Pap smears and breast self-examination, to tips for managing peri-menopause, we've got everything you need to support you in your health journey.

Pap Smear

Tests for: Cervical Cancer (cancer cells / early cancer cells / infections)

The procedure:
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus that's at the top of your vagina.

Why it’s important:
Pap smears can detect cervical cancer early, and can also detect changes in your cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future. Detecting these abnormal cells early with a Pap smear is your first step in halting the possible development of cervical cancer.

You may be eligible for a free or subsidised Pap Smear under Screen For Life, a program by the Singapore government to promote early detection and prevention of chronic diseases. To check your eligibility, visit the Screen For Life website and log in via Singpass.

Book your Pap Smear appointment

Breast self examination

Tests for: Breast Cancer

The Procedure:

  • Remove any kind of garment and position yourself in front of a large mirror which reflects at least your upper body

  • Breast self-examination starts with the visual inspection

    • One breast may be larger than the other

    • New disparities in size should be noted

      • Dimpling in the skin

      • Changes in breast shape

      • Swelling in both the breasts

      • Any rashes, erythema, puckering

      • Textural anomalies resembling an orange peel (peau d’orange).

  • Any changes in the nipples must be monitored

  • Asymmetric venous distribution or dilation

  • The visual survey of the breast tissue requires an inspection from the following three angles:

    • With arms at the side,

    • Arms raised above the head while bending forward, and

    • Hunched over with the hands placed on the hips. 

Why it’s important:

Regular breast self examination allows women to become familiar with their breasts and to detect any changes early. By regularly examining your breasts, you can become more aware of what is normal for your breasts, and you can notice any changes or abnormalities that may develop.

Early detection of breast cancer is important because it increases the chances of successful treatment and improves the outcome. In addition to self-examination, regular mammograms and clinical breast exams are also recommended for breast cancer screening.

Women should discuss their breast cancer screening plan with their healthcare provider to determine the best approach for their individual needs.

Talk to a 1doc Family Physician

What Changes At
Peri-Menopause

What is it:

Perimenopause is the period of time leading up to menopause when a woman's body begins to transition from reproductive to non-reproductive. It is a natural biological process that typically starts in a woman's 40s, but can begin as early as her 30s, and can last for several years until menopause is reached.

Perimenopause is a normal part of the aging process, but some women may experience more severe symptoms that require medical treatment. Hormone therapy and other medications can help manage symptoms, and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management can also be effective in reducing symptoms.

Menopausal changes:

  • Skin, Mucosal & Hair changes

    • Reduced Skin thickness

    • Reduced elasticity

    • Reduced hydration

    • Increased wrinkling

    • Hair loss

  • Central Nervous System

    • Vasomotor symptoms

    • Sleep disruption

    • Depression and anxiety

    • Cognitive changes

    • Migraine

  • Weight & Metabolism

    • Weight gain

    • increased visceral adiposity

    • increased waist circumference

  • Sexual Dysfunction

    • Decreased sexual desire

    • Dyspareunia

  • Urogenital System

    • Vaginal dryness

    • Vulva itching and burning

    • Dysuria

    •  Urinary frequency

    •  Urgency

    •  Recurrent lower urinary tract infectionx

  • Musculoskeletal System

    • Joint pain

    • Sarcopenia

Managing symptoms:

It's important for women to talk to their healthcare provider about any changes they may be experiencing during perimenopause to determine the best approach for managing their symptoms and maintaining their overall health

Talk to a 1doc Family Physician

Thyroid Diseases

What is it:

Thyroid illness refers to any condition that affects the function of the thyroid gland, a small gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism and many other bodily functions. There are several types of thyroid illness, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.

Symptoms:

  • Hypothyroidism: fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation, depression

  • Hyperthyroidism: weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, diarrhea, sweating

  • Thyroid nodules: a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness

  • Thyroid cancer: a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, enlarged lymph nodes

What to do:

If you are experiencing symptoms of thyroid illness, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend blood tests to measure levels of thyroid hormones or imaging tests, such as ultrasound or a thyroid scan, to evaluate the size and function of the thyroid gland.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition, but may include medication to regulate thyroid hormone levels, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland, or active surveillance for certain types of thyroid nodules.

It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for managing your thyroid illness and to monitor your condition over time. With appropriate treatment and ongoing care, most people with thyroid illness can lead healthy, active lives.

Talk to a 1doc Family Physician

1doc Family Physicians

At 1doc, we are proud to have a team of highly qualified family physicians who are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive healthcare to women of all ages.

Our physicians understand the unique health needs and concerns of women and are committed to providing personalised care and support to help you achieve your best health. Whether you need preventive care, family planning services, or treatment for a specific health condition, our female physicians are here to provide the expert care and guidance you need.

Dr Eugene Loke

Family Physician, Medical Director

  • Dr. Loke graduated from the National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine in 1996. He qualified as a Family Physician in 2012 and has been operating a small Family Medicine Group Practice, Mediline Wei Min Clinic Serangoon Gardens, since 2004.

    He is an Adjunct Lecturer for the Division of Family Medicine, Department of Medicine at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. In 2023, he received the Dean’s award for Teaching Excellence.

    Dr Loke also leads 1doc Academy who’s Health Coach Programme is designed to train individuals to become certified health coaches. These coaches play a crucial role in guiding and supporting others on their health and wellness journeys.

    Qualifications

    MBBS (NUS, Singapore)
    GDFM (Family Medicine)

Dr Nigel Lim

Family Physician

  • Dr. Lim is an experienced family physician who has trained across a wide range of specialties including Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology and Emergency Medicine. He previously served in a polyclinic and was part of a team of doctors and allied health professionals delivering holistic primary care to the community, and regularly performed minor surgical procedures.

    Dr. Lim was a former national swimmer and has a keen interest in Sports Medicine. He obtained the Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (GDSM) and is competent in the management of musculoskeletal conditions.

    Qualifications

    MBBS (NUS, Singapore)
    Graduate Diploma of Family Medicine (GDFM, Singapore)
    Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (GDSM, Singapore)