Second Friday of the month: Health / Wellness
Health is wealth. It's been said a gazillion times, but it's true. As a mom, I have to stay fit and healthy to be able to take care of my family's welfare. I must admit, hindi ako regular sa annual check-ups and lab tests, and I've never undergone mammography or bone scan, ever. I didn't feel the need then. But having friends and relatives who are cancer survivors, and a few who succumbed, I know I have to take preventive measures and self-checks, aside from eating right. So, when I was offered to take the Body Densitometry and 3D Mammography at Health Cube, I immediately said yes, kahit medyo kabado ako coz I am clueless about the procedures. I'm sharing my experience here so you if you're a "newbie" to these tests like me, you'll know what to expect. Plus, there's a giveaway at the end of this feature!
What I like about Health Cube is it's bright and welcoming atmosphere, unlike the cold sterile environment of hospitals. Mas comfortable dito ang patients and their companions can wait on couches situated around the fully-airconditioned facility. Plus, no fear of catching any virus that I usually feel when we go to a hospital. Kaya mas okay mag test dito, and you get to use their state-of-the-art equipment.
Last October was Breast Cancer Awareness month and HEALTH CUBE CHECK and PROTECT campaign was launched. This aims to help fight against women’s diseases and keep women aware of regularly monitoring themselves of potential health risks such as Breast Cancer and Osteoporosis. Health Cube offered their 3D Tomosynthesis Mammogram at a discounted rate to further promote breast exam and raise awareness on the disease.
My family have been patients of Health Cube since it's first branch on Wilson Street. This year, Health Cube expanded its operations with the Health Cube Advanced Medical Imaging Unit which offers various premium imaging services such as CT Scan, 3D Tomosynthesis Mammogram, and Bone Densitometry in a very modern facility, also located in Greenhills.
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| CT Scan room |
Both men and women can have breast cancer, and early detection is key. We have to practice self-checking, monitoring, and having a regular check-up which includes a mammogram especially for those at risk:
- 40 years old and up
- With family history
- Had early menstruation; had late menopause
- Smoker, drinker (alcohol)
- With no children, or no children before age 35
Breast cancer is the number one type of cancer in the Philippines, with the incidence rate steadily rising since 1980, affecting women as early as 30 years old.*
*Source: 2010 Philippine Cancer Facts & Estimates
WHAT IS A MAMMOGRAM?
Image used to check for signs of the disease in women who may or may not have any symptoms. Mammograms do not prevent breast cancer, but it can detect early signs, thus saving lives.
Health Cube now offers the latest in breast screening, first of its kind in Manila, with 3D Tomosynthesis Mammogram, also called breast tomosynthesis.
3D Tomosynthesis Mammogram
- This test produces a 3-dimensional view of the breast that helps identify and characterize individual structures without confusion of overlapping tissue
- Allows the physician to see thin mammography sections of the entire breast and gives a clearer image
- Decreases the need for further examinations
- 3D mammography is better at detecting changes earlier that regular 2D scans
- It can help distinguish superimposed tissue from real abnormalities = less anxiety for women whenever they are due for a breast exam
- Set appointment
- Women should not have menstrual period -- test should be done at least 1 week after you are clear
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Fill out forms upon arrival
- Friendly staff and/or professionals will lead you to the recovery/changing room
- Change into the robe or pink poncho provided
- Remove top/blouse, bra, accessories/jewelry
- You will be led to the mammogram room
- Physical breast exam will be done by a (female) medical staff
- Be ready to lift your poncho for the examination on each breast
- 3D scan is next
- Stand in front of the machine and be ready to let the girls hang =)
- Each breast will be (handled)moved, pressed and adjusted by the technician to position the breast on the black plate for proper scanning
- Face turned to side and cheeks pressed on the clear shield -- uncomfortable position
- Clear plate will press down on the breast once position is set -- inhale/exhale
- Same procedure on the other breast
- No pain, but very uncomfortable while breast is being sandwiched between plates
- Next position with upper arm and armpit on an angled plate, one side at a time
- More uncomfortable position since your arm is raised
- Scan will be seen on the control machine
- Results will be out after 3 working days -- via email or pick-up at the center
Option to meet with a Health Cube in-house doctor to discuss your test results. Separate fees for professional consultations.
Honestly, I was not ready and not comfortable to show my boobies, hehehe... but it had to be done, and eventually I didn't care after the first one. I found this funny afterwards coz I told the technician that I don't have boobs to position, kaya natagalan siya mag adjust, LOL!
Overall, my mammography experience was not as bad as I expected, coz my mom and aunts had tests before and told me it was a bit painful. At Health Cube, it was quick and painless (or tolerable), with warm customer service, and use of the latest technology. I will meet with their doctor next week to interpret and discuss my results. I'll update you when it's done.
Below is a copy of the results. I am clear, thank God! =) At my age, I do need to have this annually.
Below is a copy of the results. I am clear, thank God! =) At my age, I do need to have this annually.
Osteoporosis (a medical condition in which bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue or calcium and/or Vitamin D deficiency) is another serious health concern for us women. Remember, women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men since we have less bone mass. The rate of bone loss also speeds up after menopause, when estrogen levels fall. Bone densitometry is the test to check for risk of osteoporosis.
WHAT IS BONE DENSITOMETRY?
WHAT IS BONE DENSITOMETRY?
Bone Densitometry, also called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), is an enhanced x-ray technology that measures the strength of your bones.
Bone Densitometry
- Can detect serious bone loss, a.k.a. Osteoporosis
- Helps prevent fracture and disability
- Procedure is completely painless and easily performed with minimal radiation exposure
- Can identify problems early, enabling you to start treatment and prevent further bone loss
- Set appointment
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Fill out forms upon arrival
- Friendly staff and/or professionals will lead you to the recovery/changing room
- Change into the blue robe provided
- Remove clothes, accessories/jewelry
- You will be led to the bone densitometry room
- For Whole Body Densitometry, scanning of the forearm first
- Be very still until scan is complete
- Bed will be adjusted for lying down
- Technician will position your body to center -- you will see a red laser light crosshair
- Very relaxed and painless procedure
- Results will be out after 3 working days -- via email or pick-up at the center
Whole Body Densitometry : Php6,000 / procedure - est. 10 minutes
Option to meet with a Health Cube in-house doctor to discuss your test results. Separate fees for professional consultations.
My results showed that I need more calcium and Vitamin D. I kinda expected that already, and I know that if I was still stuck with a sedentary lifestyle, my results will be worse. The good news for me is that the recommended exercises are all achievable through my pilates workout. Buti nalang I am enjoying my fitness routine, which will really help improve my bone health.
My results showed that I need more calcium and Vitamin D. I kinda expected that already, and I know that if I was still stuck with a sedentary lifestyle, my results will be worse. The good news for me is that the recommended exercises are all achievable through my pilates workout. Buti nalang I am enjoying my fitness routine, which will really help improve my bone health.
I have to thank HEALTH CUBE for this very enlightening and informative experience. Knowing the results gave me peace of mind and strengthened the importance these annual tests for early detection and protection.
To help share Health Cube Check and Protect campaign,
Health Cube is happy to give
One (1) FREE 3D Tomosynthesis Mammogram
to one lucky My Mom-Friday follower!
Health Cube is happy to give
One (1) FREE 3D Tomosynthesis Mammogram
to one lucky My Mom-Friday follower!
JOIN NOW in 5 easy steps:
- Follow Health Cube on Facebook
- Follow My Mom-Friday on Facebook
- Follow @mymomfriday on Instagram
- Share this article on Facebook
- Leave your name, Instagram handle, and email on the comment box
Terms:
- Open to any resident in the Philippines.
- Winner is expected to personally appear and take the 3D mammography at Health Cube Advanced Medical Imaging Unit in Greenhills, San Juan.
- Procedure should be scheduled and done within 60 days from the date of my email notification.
- Raffle will close at midnight of November 25, 2016. Winner will be drawn via randomizer and announced the following week.
Visit HEALTH CUBE today!
Health Cube Greenhills Inc.
Basement 1 Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan City
Tel: (632) 650-1111
E-mail: clinics@healthcube.com.ph
Health Cube Advanced Medical Imaging Unit
Ground level, BTTC Centre
288 Ortigas Avenue cor. Roosevelt Street, Greenhills, San Juan City
288 Ortigas Avenue cor. Roosevelt Street, Greenhills, San Juan City
Tel: (632) 650-2222
E-mail: imaging@healthcube.com.ph
Health Cube provides personalized healthcare for more discerning patients who want affordable and quality care in a pleasant out-patient setting. Health Cube offers various diagnostic services, physical and occupational therapy, and home to an impressive roster of expert and skilled physicians.
CONGRATULATIONS ENTRY #2 = TINA ONG!
You won the 3D Tomosynthesis Mammogram from Health Cube!
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