http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=86130&newsChannel=lifestyleMolt
Born blind, Yoo Ye Eun was abandoned by her natural parents, and adopted by a childless couple who could not have children of their own.
Some times, we are given blessings in disguise but we choose to "see" only the surface and failed to see beyond that. There's beauty, ability, skills or talent inside each of us. We must have self-belief so as to make the best use of our talents and achieve our fullest potential.
In the above video, Ye Eun's adopted mother expressed her concern over her "handicap" but Ye Eun expressed no such self-doubt. She was born blind and does not know the meaning of her handicap.
It's like that in many of us. As children, we knew no fears. As we grew up, adults, including our well-meaning parents and teachers, or some bad experiences, might plant these self-doubts and fears in us.
FEAR is basically False Expectations Appearing Real.
Winners never quit, quitters never win.
27 September 2008
24 September 2008
AIA/AHA uncertain future?
Way back in 2002, Cosmic Insurance hit the regulatory solvency margin set by MAS, and the Press Release below described what happened. Cosmic basically closed down, retrenching all staff except for a skeleton staff to handle all outstanding and ongoing claim matters.
********
MAS DIRECTS COSMIC INSURANCE TO CEASE ACCEPTING NEW BUSINESS
Singapore, 20 September 2002. MAS has directed Cosmic Insurance Corporation Ltd ("Cosmic") to cease accepting new business, including policy renewals, with effect from 20 September 2002. This is a pre-emptive move to protect the interests of the policyholders of Cosmic.
Under the directive, Cosmic will confine its activities to honouring all obligations under insurance policies accepted prior to 20 September 2002 and paying off all outstanding and future lawful claims. Cosmic will also appoint India International Insurance Private Limited (III) as its manager to discharge its liabilities to policyholders and claimants. Mr. Athappan, Chief Executive of III, and his team will work with Cosmic to ensure that these claims are handled in a smooth, orderly and timely manner. Cosmic has informed MAS that it will cooperate fully in complying with the directive.
Cosmic is a general insurance company whose principal line of business is offering motor insurance, performance bonds and fire insurance policies. The company has 26,000 policyholders and 15,000 claimants, and its business accounts for 3.3% of gross premiums in the general insurance industry. In view of Cosmic' small market share, the limitations placed on the company should not significantly affect the industry.
Over the past 12 months, Cosmic has experienced serious operational difficulties, including continued losses arising from higher claims, large uncollected premium balances, and inadequate loss reserves. MAS had given Cosmic' time to address these problems, but the company has not succeeded in overcoming them. Cosmic did raise additional capital to strengthen its financial position, but the amount raised was insufficient to restore the regulatory solvency margin that Cosmic was required to maintain under the Insurance Act for its domestic insurance policies.
This solvency margin is a buffer of assets in excess of its estimated liabilities. Its purpose is to protect the interests of policyholders. Financial statements as of 31 August 2002 show that although Cosmic still had a positive solvency margin of $21 million, this was $2 million short of the minimum required under the law.
In view of Cosmic's breach of the regulatory solvency margin and its other continuing operational difficulties, MAS exercised its statutory powers to direct the company to stop accepting new business and to run-off its existing business in an orderly manner.
All insurance policies issued by Cosmic remain valid. Existing policyholders will continue to enjoy insurance protection in accordance with the terms and conditions of their policies with Cosmic.
Cosmic has informed MAS that its directors have been seeking a financially strong partner for the company. While these efforts have to date been unsuccessful, MAS understands that Cosmic is making renewed attempts to find a partner. MAS' action does not preclude these efforts continuing, and if necessary the manager will cooperate in facilitating this process.
Cosmic' problem is an isolated one. No other general insurer in Singapore is in breach of its regulatory solvency margin, even though the industry as a whole faces difficult conditions. MAS will continue to monitor the financial condition of general insurance firms and stands ready to act, wherever necessary, to protect the interests of policyholders.
********
********
MAS DIRECTS COSMIC INSURANCE TO CEASE ACCEPTING NEW BUSINESS
Singapore, 20 September 2002. MAS has directed Cosmic Insurance Corporation Ltd ("Cosmic") to cease accepting new business, including policy renewals, with effect from 20 September 2002. This is a pre-emptive move to protect the interests of the policyholders of Cosmic.
Under the directive, Cosmic will confine its activities to honouring all obligations under insurance policies accepted prior to 20 September 2002 and paying off all outstanding and future lawful claims. Cosmic will also appoint India International Insurance Private Limited (III) as its manager to discharge its liabilities to policyholders and claimants. Mr. Athappan, Chief Executive of III, and his team will work with Cosmic to ensure that these claims are handled in a smooth, orderly and timely manner. Cosmic has informed MAS that it will cooperate fully in complying with the directive.
Cosmic is a general insurance company whose principal line of business is offering motor insurance, performance bonds and fire insurance policies. The company has 26,000 policyholders and 15,000 claimants, and its business accounts for 3.3% of gross premiums in the general insurance industry. In view of Cosmic' small market share, the limitations placed on the company should not significantly affect the industry.
Over the past 12 months, Cosmic has experienced serious operational difficulties, including continued losses arising from higher claims, large uncollected premium balances, and inadequate loss reserves. MAS had given Cosmic' time to address these problems, but the company has not succeeded in overcoming them. Cosmic did raise additional capital to strengthen its financial position, but the amount raised was insufficient to restore the regulatory solvency margin that Cosmic was required to maintain under the Insurance Act for its domestic insurance policies.
This solvency margin is a buffer of assets in excess of its estimated liabilities. Its purpose is to protect the interests of policyholders. Financial statements as of 31 August 2002 show that although Cosmic still had a positive solvency margin of $21 million, this was $2 million short of the minimum required under the law.
In view of Cosmic's breach of the regulatory solvency margin and its other continuing operational difficulties, MAS exercised its statutory powers to direct the company to stop accepting new business and to run-off its existing business in an orderly manner.
All insurance policies issued by Cosmic remain valid. Existing policyholders will continue to enjoy insurance protection in accordance with the terms and conditions of their policies with Cosmic.
Cosmic has informed MAS that its directors have been seeking a financially strong partner for the company. While these efforts have to date been unsuccessful, MAS understands that Cosmic is making renewed attempts to find a partner. MAS' action does not preclude these efforts continuing, and if necessary the manager will cooperate in facilitating this process.
Cosmic' problem is an isolated one. No other general insurer in Singapore is in breach of its regulatory solvency margin, even though the industry as a whole faces difficult conditions. MAS will continue to monitor the financial condition of general insurance firms and stands ready to act, wherever necessary, to protect the interests of policyholders.
********
20 September 2008
AIA Singapore, AHA and AIG saga
It is reported that only 2600 policies have been surrendered so far, representing 0.1% of AIA's 2.6 million policies. These would mostly be participating (PAR) or investment-linked policies as these are the ones with surrender cash values. Together, these make up 88% of all of AIA's policies.The diagram on the right is taken from AIA's Participating Fund Commentary for Year 2007, which I received as a policyholder with 2 whole life and 1 endowment policies maturing in Yr 2021.
The total par fund assets were valued at S$14.8 billion as at 31/12/07. 74% are in fixed income assets (or bonds), with 21% very safe in SGS. The 15% in equities would have suffered approx 30% drop in values in Yr 2008, in line with local & global decline in stocks.
This week, Mark Wilson, regional president of AIG Life Companies and AIA president, reiterated that AIA Singapore had capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of more than 200 per cent, well above the regulatory minimum of 120 per cent.
That means AIA is saying it has sufficient capital to pay up the guaranteed benefits and cash values of all policies here.
Back on 10/10/07 , Genevieve Cua reported in the Business Times that
AIA's capital adequacy ratio is expected to fall somewhat. "A higher risk exposure will require us to hold more capital or be satisfied with a lower ratio, but our target is to stay at or above 200 per cent which is well within the strongest band. We're easily within the 230 to 240 per cent range." As at end-2005 when AIA's equity weighting was 11 per cent, its capital adequacy ratio was the industry's highest at about 523 per cent, which suggested that it could well afford to take on more risk.
So, given the fall in market values of the par fund, the CAR is probably closer to 200% than 230%.
In reply to queries about asset sales by AIG, Mr Wilson said: “AIA is the jewel in the crown of AIG ... I can confirm that the Asian life and general operations are not one of the things that are being considered for sale.”
Bu, therein lies the problem and future of AIA Singapore. It will have a hard time convincing people to buy its policies as long as it is linked to AIG, which may be saddled with liabilities of up to US$1.42 trillion, compared to assets of US$1 trillion, and whose books appear so bad that no investment companies/banks dared to invest in it, thus triggering its near-collapse.
Its approx 4000 agents, many of whom also represent AHA (the regional operating arm of AIG) will face a double whammy, trying to convince the public to buy/renew either AIA or AHA policies. I expect many AHA general insurance policyholders to turn to other general insurers when their policies fall due for renewal in the coming weeks or even months.
I also expect that AHA and her agents may start using the brand name of AHA rather than AIG when talking to clients.
AHA president Kevin Goulding recently said, 'Our capital adequacy ratio (CAR) stands at 176 per cent compared to the published CAR requirement per the (Monetary Authority of Singapore) of 120 per cent.'
17 September 2008
The 5 Warning Symptoms of a Stroke
The five warning symptoms of a stroke are:
Promptly recognizing stroke warning symptoms and seeking immediate emergency care can mean the difference between life and death or disability.
Patients whose stroke is caused by an interruption of the blood supply to the brain (blood clot) can be treated with clot-busting drugs, but such medicines should be given within three hours of symptom onset.
Other type of strokes may require immediate surgery to prevent serious disability or death.
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the arms, legs, or face, especially on one side.
- Sudden vision problem in one or both eyes.
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or difficulty walking.
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Promptly recognizing stroke warning symptoms and seeking immediate emergency care can mean the difference between life and death or disability.
Patients whose stroke is caused by an interruption of the blood supply to the brain (blood clot) can be treated with clot-busting drugs, but such medicines should be given within three hours of symptom onset.
Other type of strokes may require immediate surgery to prevent serious disability or death.
14 September 2008
5 Surprising Reasons Why You're Gaining Weight
Extracted from the article of the same title by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD on WebMD.
It's no mystery that a diet full of fried foods, giant portions, decadent desserts, alcohol, and sugary soft drinks will lead to weight gain. And there's little question why the pounds pile up when you take in more calories than you burn in physical activity. But how do you explain weight gain when your lifestyle includes regular exercise and a healthy diet that is controlled in calories?
Several things should be considered if you are gaining weight while watching calories and being physically active. More than likely, it's a variety of things working together that have resulted in the weight gain.
Here are five factors that can cause the scale to creep up when you least expect it.
1. You May Be Gaining Weight Because of Lack of Sleep
The body functions best when well rested. "When you don't get enough sleep, your body experiences physiological stress and, biochemically, you store fat more efficiently."
When you're tired, you also don't handle stress as well, so you may reach for food as a coping mechanism. Further, you may be taking in extra calories from late-night snacking. Some people think eating might help them get back to sleep, but all it really does is add more calories to their daily total.
Symptoms that you may not be getting enough rest include fatigue, low energy levels, nodding off easily, and feeling irritable.
Strive to get eight hours of sleep each night.
When you develop good sleeping rituals and get regular exercise, you sleep better.
2. You May Be Gaining Weight Because of Stress
We live in a society that demands we do more, be more, and achieve more. Stress moves us forward and helps cope with life's demands, but it also affects our mood and emotions.
Stress response triggers a biochemical process where our bodies go into survival mode.
"Our bodies store fuel, slow down metabolism, and dump out chemicals [cortisol, leptin, and other hormones] which are more likely to cause obesity in the abdominal region."
Many people reach for food to help ease the stress. But, of course, this doesn't work in the long run.
Susan Bowerman, MS, RD, assistant director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, says stress eaters tend to prefer high-carbohydrate foods because these foods trigger an increase in the brain chemical serotonin, which has a calming effect. "It is almost like self-medicating," she says. "Many people binge on starchy foods to make themselves feel better."
Both May and Bowerman recommend relaxation techniques as well as exercise, which also burns calories and provides other health benefits.
3. You May Be Gaining Weight Because of Medications
Some prescription drugs used to treat depression, mood disorders, seizures, migraines, blood pressure, and diabetes can cause weight gain, from a modest amount to as much as 10 pounds per month. Some steroids, hormone replacement therapy, and even oral contraceptives may also cause gradual weight creep.
Your medicine cabinet might be the cause of your weight gain if you've gained 5 or more pounds in a month without a change in your lifestyle.
Every drug works a little differently to cause weight gain, from increasing appetite, altering the way fat is stored, to how insulin levels change.
In the case of antidepressants, weight gain may not even be related to the action of the drug -- feeling better can also result in a heartier appetite.
Some drugs can cause fluid retention that shows up on the scale as weight gain, but is not fat, and is usually easily corrected.
Experts say that some of the most common types of medications that may cause weight gain are: Steroids, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Antiseizure medications, Diabetes medications, High blood pressure medications, Heartburn medications.
But it's important to remember that a few extra pounds may be well worth the trade-off of what a particular medication does for your overall health, experts say. Further, even if your medications are the cause of your weight gain, you still need to be mindful of eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
If you suspect your medication is causing weight gain, talk to your health care provider to see about changing your prescription. But whatever you do, don't go off your medication without seeking medical advice. There could be very serious consequences if you stop taking your medication without consulting your physician.
4. You May Be Gaining Weight Because of a Medical Condition
The most common medical condition that causes weight gain is hypothyroidism. A deficiency of thyroid hormone can decrease metabolism, causing appetite loss and weight gain.
If you are feeling fatigued, lethargic, swelling, hoarse voice, intolerance to cold, sleeping too much, or headaches, you should see your doctor for an easy test to determine if you have hypothyroidism.
Much rarer is a condition known as Cushing's syndrome -- a disorder caused by an excess of the hormone cortisol -- that can also result in weight gain.
5. You May Be Gaining Weight Because of Menopause
Women reach menopause at a range of ages, but most are in midlife and are often less physically active than when they were younger. Along with aging comes a natural slowing of metabolism.
At the same time, hormonal changes can trigger hunger, depression, and poor sleep.
When women go through menopause, they lose estrogen, causing their shapes to change -- usually a loss of hip and thigh weight. And they start to gain more in the middle. Estrogen favors fat deposition in the lower body, and when you lose this hormone, fat is more likely to be deposited in the midsection (much like men).
The key to avoiding this extra belly fat is to maintain and increase the amount of lean body mass, which will, in turn, increase your metabolism or calorie burn rate.
"Women need to understand how critically important weight lifting and strength training is to their health," says Bowerman. And don't worry, doing strength training won't make women muscle-bound, experts say.
Exercise also helps offset bone loss that can come with menopause. A combination of exercise and a healthy, calorie-controlled diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is the answer to thwarting menopausal weight gain.
It's no mystery that a diet full of fried foods, giant portions, decadent desserts, alcohol, and sugary soft drinks will lead to weight gain. And there's little question why the pounds pile up when you take in more calories than you burn in physical activity. But how do you explain weight gain when your lifestyle includes regular exercise and a healthy diet that is controlled in calories?
Several things should be considered if you are gaining weight while watching calories and being physically active. More than likely, it's a variety of things working together that have resulted in the weight gain.
Here are five factors that can cause the scale to creep up when you least expect it.
1. You May Be Gaining Weight Because of Lack of Sleep
The body functions best when well rested. "When you don't get enough sleep, your body experiences physiological stress and, biochemically, you store fat more efficiently."
When you're tired, you also don't handle stress as well, so you may reach for food as a coping mechanism. Further, you may be taking in extra calories from late-night snacking. Some people think eating might help them get back to sleep, but all it really does is add more calories to their daily total.
Symptoms that you may not be getting enough rest include fatigue, low energy levels, nodding off easily, and feeling irritable.
Strive to get eight hours of sleep each night.
When you develop good sleeping rituals and get regular exercise, you sleep better.
2. You May Be Gaining Weight Because of Stress
We live in a society that demands we do more, be more, and achieve more. Stress moves us forward and helps cope with life's demands, but it also affects our mood and emotions.
Stress response triggers a biochemical process where our bodies go into survival mode.
"Our bodies store fuel, slow down metabolism, and dump out chemicals [cortisol, leptin, and other hormones] which are more likely to cause obesity in the abdominal region."
Many people reach for food to help ease the stress. But, of course, this doesn't work in the long run.
Susan Bowerman, MS, RD, assistant director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, says stress eaters tend to prefer high-carbohydrate foods because these foods trigger an increase in the brain chemical serotonin, which has a calming effect. "It is almost like self-medicating," she says. "Many people binge on starchy foods to make themselves feel better."
Both May and Bowerman recommend relaxation techniques as well as exercise, which also burns calories and provides other health benefits.
3. You May Be Gaining Weight Because of Medications
Some prescription drugs used to treat depression, mood disorders, seizures, migraines, blood pressure, and diabetes can cause weight gain, from a modest amount to as much as 10 pounds per month. Some steroids, hormone replacement therapy, and even oral contraceptives may also cause gradual weight creep.
Your medicine cabinet might be the cause of your weight gain if you've gained 5 or more pounds in a month without a change in your lifestyle.
Every drug works a little differently to cause weight gain, from increasing appetite, altering the way fat is stored, to how insulin levels change.
In the case of antidepressants, weight gain may not even be related to the action of the drug -- feeling better can also result in a heartier appetite.
Some drugs can cause fluid retention that shows up on the scale as weight gain, but is not fat, and is usually easily corrected.
Experts say that some of the most common types of medications that may cause weight gain are: Steroids, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Antiseizure medications, Diabetes medications, High blood pressure medications, Heartburn medications.
But it's important to remember that a few extra pounds may be well worth the trade-off of what a particular medication does for your overall health, experts say. Further, even if your medications are the cause of your weight gain, you still need to be mindful of eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
If you suspect your medication is causing weight gain, talk to your health care provider to see about changing your prescription. But whatever you do, don't go off your medication without seeking medical advice. There could be very serious consequences if you stop taking your medication without consulting your physician.
4. You May Be Gaining Weight Because of a Medical Condition
The most common medical condition that causes weight gain is hypothyroidism. A deficiency of thyroid hormone can decrease metabolism, causing appetite loss and weight gain.
If you are feeling fatigued, lethargic, swelling, hoarse voice, intolerance to cold, sleeping too much, or headaches, you should see your doctor for an easy test to determine if you have hypothyroidism.
Much rarer is a condition known as Cushing's syndrome -- a disorder caused by an excess of the hormone cortisol -- that can also result in weight gain.
5. You May Be Gaining Weight Because of Menopause
Women reach menopause at a range of ages, but most are in midlife and are often less physically active than when they were younger. Along with aging comes a natural slowing of metabolism.
At the same time, hormonal changes can trigger hunger, depression, and poor sleep.
When women go through menopause, they lose estrogen, causing their shapes to change -- usually a loss of hip and thigh weight. And they start to gain more in the middle. Estrogen favors fat deposition in the lower body, and when you lose this hormone, fat is more likely to be deposited in the midsection (much like men).
The key to avoiding this extra belly fat is to maintain and increase the amount of lean body mass, which will, in turn, increase your metabolism or calorie burn rate.
"Women need to understand how critically important weight lifting and strength training is to their health," says Bowerman. And don't worry, doing strength training won't make women muscle-bound, experts say.
Exercise also helps offset bone loss that can come with menopause. A combination of exercise and a healthy, calorie-controlled diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is the answer to thwarting menopausal weight gain.
09 September 2008
Career Seminar 16 Sep 2008
Our next Career Seminar for suitable, self-motivated, entrepreur-minded candidates who would like to find out more about financial planning as a business:
Date : 16 Sep 2008 (Tuesday)
Time : 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Venue: Centre for Excellence, Level 2 (Above Hans)
1 Pickering Street, Great Eastern Centre
Mr Adam Khoo, a self-made millionaire, will share on his Ultimate Business Success factors.
Registration will start at 6.30pm followed with a buffet dinner.
SPECIAL BONUS: A seminar bonus of $200 will be awarded to the potential recruit who submits an application form on that day and is contracted by 15 Dec 08.
Please email me or call me at 94560418 to register for this life-changing event, free of charge.
Date : 16 Sep 2008 (Tuesday)
Time : 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Venue: Centre for Excellence, Level 2 (Above Hans)
1 Pickering Street, Great Eastern Centre
Mr Adam Khoo, a self-made millionaire, will share on his Ultimate Business Success factors.
Registration will start at 6.30pm followed with a buffet dinner.
SPECIAL BONUS: A seminar bonus of $200 will be awarded to the potential recruit who submits an application form on that day and is contracted by 15 Dec 08.
Please email me or call me at 94560418 to register for this life-changing event, free of charge.
04 September 2008
Service from the heart
Here is a great story from SimpleTruths.com on service and how we can make a difference in our own small ways.
http://www.stservicemovie.com/
http://www.stservicemovie.com/
02 September 2008
Coffee may lower risk of uterus cancer: Japan study
AFP - Monday, September 1
TOKYO (AFP) - - Women who drink a lot of coffee may have less risk of developing cancer of the uterus, a Japanese study said Monday.
The study led by Japan's health ministry monitored some 54,000 women aged 40 to 69 over about 15 years, during which time 117 women developed cancer in the womb, according to the medical team.
The researchers at Japan's National Cancer Center divided the women into four groups by the amount of coffee they drank.
They found the group of women who drank more than three cups of coffee every day were more than 60 percent less likely to develop uterine cancer than those who had coffee fewer than two times a week, the study said.
"Coffee may have effects in lowering insulin levels, possibly curbing the risks of developing womb cancer," the study said.
The medical team also studied the effects of drinking green tea, but did not find any link to uterine cancer.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control, uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women.
Below info is taken from KK Women's & Children's Hospital website:
Cancer of the uterus is the 3rd commonest cancer of the female genital tract in Singapore. It usually affects the endometrium (lining of the uterus). If it is found and treated early, the cure rate is very good - it can be over 90% when the disease is at an early stage. The more advanced the disease is, the lower the cure rate. This is why early detection is so important.
Who Is At Risk?
In Singapore, the majority of uterine cancer is diagnosed after 40 years of age, most commonly between 50 and 70 years old. Some women have a higher risk of uterine cancer:
•Women who are obese
•Women who do not ovulate regularly and often miss periods
•Women who have late menopause (when menstrual periods end, which is usually around age 50)
•Women with polycystic ovarian disease (in which the ovaries contain many abnormal cysts)
•Women with endometrial hyperlasia (abnormal thickening of the endometrium)
•Women who have had cancer of the ovary, breast or colon
•Women with a close family member (mother or daughter) with uterine cancer
It is also thought that some women who take oestrogen alone after menopause may be at risk for cancer of the uterus. If oestrogen is given along with another hormone, progesterone, this combination protects against the risk of uterine cancer.
Women who have ever used the most common type of birth control pills, combination (oestrogen plus progesterone) birth control pills, have a reduced risk of uterine cancer. This protection persists for at least 10 years after a woman stops taking the pill.
A woman may have some or all of the risk factors described here and never have uterine cancer. But women at risk should be aware of the symptoms of uterine cancer and discuss their concerns with their doctor. Regular check-ups, including pelvic examinations, are important.
Symptoms
At present, there is no simple way to screen for uterine cancer. The key to finding the disease in an early stage is being alerted to its symptoms which include:
•Abnormal bleeding which is not according to the usual menstrual pattern
•Spotting
•Discharge
The cause of any abnormal bleeding needs to be looked into by your doctor. Except when combination hormone therapy is being taken, any bleeding or spotting after menopause is abnormal, no matter when amount or colour. Ask your doctor about any bleeding or spotting you have after menopause.
Prevention And Early Detection
There are several things you can do to lower your risk of uterine cancer and to improve the changes of early detection :
•Report any abnormal vaginal bleeding promptly to your doctor. Most bleeding is not caused by cancer, but only your doctor can perform the tests needed to diagnose the problem.
•Get a yearly pelvic examination.
•Eat a healthy diet. A diet that prevents obesity can help prevent cancer. This means eating foods that are low in fat and cholesterol and high in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables and wholegrain breads and cereals.
Do not take chances if you think you have a problem. See your doctor at once. When uterine cancer is found early, the outlook is excellent. Delay in seeking treatment makes this disease much harder to cure.
TOKYO (AFP) - - Women who drink a lot of coffee may have less risk of developing cancer of the uterus, a Japanese study said Monday.
The study led by Japan's health ministry monitored some 54,000 women aged 40 to 69 over about 15 years, during which time 117 women developed cancer in the womb, according to the medical team.
The researchers at Japan's National Cancer Center divided the women into four groups by the amount of coffee they drank.
They found the group of women who drank more than three cups of coffee every day were more than 60 percent less likely to develop uterine cancer than those who had coffee fewer than two times a week, the study said.
"Coffee may have effects in lowering insulin levels, possibly curbing the risks of developing womb cancer," the study said.
The medical team also studied the effects of drinking green tea, but did not find any link to uterine cancer.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control, uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women.
Below info is taken from KK Women's & Children's Hospital website:
Cancer of the uterus is the 3rd commonest cancer of the female genital tract in Singapore. It usually affects the endometrium (lining of the uterus). If it is found and treated early, the cure rate is very good - it can be over 90% when the disease is at an early stage. The more advanced the disease is, the lower the cure rate. This is why early detection is so important.
Who Is At Risk?
In Singapore, the majority of uterine cancer is diagnosed after 40 years of age, most commonly between 50 and 70 years old. Some women have a higher risk of uterine cancer:
•Women who are obese
•Women who do not ovulate regularly and often miss periods
•Women who have late menopause (when menstrual periods end, which is usually around age 50)
•Women with polycystic ovarian disease (in which the ovaries contain many abnormal cysts)
•Women with endometrial hyperlasia (abnormal thickening of the endometrium)
•Women who have had cancer of the ovary, breast or colon
•Women with a close family member (mother or daughter) with uterine cancer
It is also thought that some women who take oestrogen alone after menopause may be at risk for cancer of the uterus. If oestrogen is given along with another hormone, progesterone, this combination protects against the risk of uterine cancer.
Women who have ever used the most common type of birth control pills, combination (oestrogen plus progesterone) birth control pills, have a reduced risk of uterine cancer. This protection persists for at least 10 years after a woman stops taking the pill.
A woman may have some or all of the risk factors described here and never have uterine cancer. But women at risk should be aware of the symptoms of uterine cancer and discuss their concerns with their doctor. Regular check-ups, including pelvic examinations, are important.
Symptoms
At present, there is no simple way to screen for uterine cancer. The key to finding the disease in an early stage is being alerted to its symptoms which include:
•Abnormal bleeding which is not according to the usual menstrual pattern
•Spotting
•Discharge
The cause of any abnormal bleeding needs to be looked into by your doctor. Except when combination hormone therapy is being taken, any bleeding or spotting after menopause is abnormal, no matter when amount or colour. Ask your doctor about any bleeding or spotting you have after menopause.
Prevention And Early Detection
There are several things you can do to lower your risk of uterine cancer and to improve the changes of early detection :
•Report any abnormal vaginal bleeding promptly to your doctor. Most bleeding is not caused by cancer, but only your doctor can perform the tests needed to diagnose the problem.
•Get a yearly pelvic examination.
•Eat a healthy diet. A diet that prevents obesity can help prevent cancer. This means eating foods that are low in fat and cholesterol and high in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables and wholegrain breads and cereals.
Do not take chances if you think you have a problem. See your doctor at once. When uterine cancer is found early, the outlook is excellent. Delay in seeking treatment makes this disease much harder to cure.
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