Colorectal cancer
The colon-rectum is the last part of the gastrointestinal tract. Colorectal cancer is formed from the cells lining this
tract. Signs and symptoms appear only when the cancer is in its advanced stage. Screening is with the faecal occult blood test.

Signs and symptoms
Change of bowel habits
Rectal bleeding, especially dark-coloured blood mixed with stools
Abdominal distension and discomfort, abdominal lumps
Painful defecation
Anemia and weight loss

Breast cancer
This is the most common cancer in Singaporean women, with 200 - 300 women dying from the disease each year. Screening is with mammography.

Signs and symptoms
A hard fixed lump in the breast
Bloody nipple discharge
Itch and rash on the nipple
Skin changes on the breast

Cervical cancer
This is the fifth most common cancer in Singaporean women. Among the three major ethnic groups in Singapore, the Chinese have the highest incidence rate of 11.5 per 100,000 women per year. This is followed by the Malays and Indians at 7.4 and 6.1 per 100,000 women per year respectively. Screening is with the Pap smear test.

Signs and symptoms
Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
Irregular bleeding in between periods or after menopause
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Heart disease
This occurs when the coronary arteries, which carry blood and oxygen to the heart, become clogged and damage the heart. In many cases, it leads to heart attacks and sudden death

Signs and symptoms
Chest pain (angina)

Stroke
This is a condition where the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off and the brain cells in that part cannot
function. Detection of stroke risk is with cardiovascular screening, which tests for blood pressure, and cholesterol and sugar levels in the blood.

Signs and symptoms
Sudden weakness or numbness, usually on one side of the body
Sudden difficulty with walking
Sudden severe giddiness, loss of balance and coordination
Difficulty in speaking or understanding
Behaviour changes such as laughing or crying at an inappropriate time, feeling depressed or showing bad temper.

Information from the Singapore Heart Foundation, Singapore Cancer Society and Health Promotion Board