The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permissionNational University Health System (NUHS) is expanding a five-year study to more polyclinics under National University Polyclinics (NUP) to evaluate tools for the early diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Launched in November 2022 and initially conducted at Jurong and Pioneer Polyclinics, this study has been extended to Bukit Batok, Choa Chu Kang, and Clementi Polyclinics. The study is part of an integrated research programme involving National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, and other institutions to enhance early detection of NPC and improve patient survival rates. The objective is to recruit 20,000 participants aged 35 to 60. The screening is provided free of charge and includes a serology test, saliva self-collection, and a questionnaire.
Dr Joshua Tay, Consultant, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, National University Hospital (NUH), shared that the study will use an early antigen serology marker to pick up the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the nose, as EBV has been found in nearly all nose cancer cells. Those identified to be high risk will be referred to specialists at NUH for further evaluation.
A/Prof Thomas Loh, Group Chairman of NUHS Medical Board and Senior Consultant at NUH’s Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, shared that the study will allow the team to reach out to the at-risk population in the community, to identify and effectively treat early-stage disease. It is also hoped that the study can help to develop a cost-effective and practical screening model to dramatically increase the early diagnosis of NPC.
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