患癌担心医药费老翁想放弃治疗 (Concerned about cancer treatment costs, elderly man thought of giving up)

​Mr Chen, a beneficiary of the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) Cancer Fund, was in his late 80s when he was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Dr Esther Chan, Senior Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology, NCIS, said when his cancer relapsed, he was very frail and unable to receive further treatment. Ms Hazel Foo, Senior Medical Social Worker, National University Hospital, related how the family could access the NCIS Cancer Fund within a day to bring in private nurses who took care of him in his last days at home. Details of The Last Mile Concert were mentioned.

狮城有约 | 十分访谈：善终与慈怀疗护 (Hello Singapore Straight Talk: Palliative care)

​Dr Yong Woon Chai, Senior Consultant, Division of Palliative Care, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), explained what a dignified death is and when palliative care may be delivered. Ms Alexis Koh, Principal Medical Social Worker, National University Hospital, discussed the challenges faced by patients and their families in achieving the goal of dying at home. Ms Koh talked about how the medical team can assist families in accessing financial assistance, such as that provided by the NCIS Cancer Fund, which The Last Mile Concert is raising funds for.

• Channel 8 狮城有约 (Hello Singapore), Youtube, 29 November 2023
  

Former ChildAid performer in separate fundraiser

​On 30 November, former ChildAid performer Dr Azariah Tan will perform alongside pop and jazz songbird Joanna Dong, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) senior pharmacist Teo Poh Yin and other artistes to raise funds for palliative care patients. Organised by NCIS in aid of the NCIS Cancer Fund, The Last Mile Concert will be held at School Of The Arts’ concert hall. Tickets to The Last Mile Concert are available from Sistic.

Daughter who helps dad fulfil his last wish of dying at home: 'It was not easy'

​Mr Chen, a beneficiary of the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) Cancer Fund, was in his late 80s when he started chemotherapy at NCIS. Dr Esther Chan, Senior Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology, NCIS, said he was found suitable for compassionate discharge with end-of-life support at home being made available. Ms Hazel Foo, Senior Medical Social Worker, National University Hospital, said bringing him home was a tough decision for the family, especially his daughter. The family could access the NCIS Cancer Fund within just a day and were able to bring in private nurses who took care of him in his last days at home. Details of The Last Mile Concert, with tickets being available at Sistic, were mentioned.

• Stomp, 28 November 2023, Daughter gets help as cancer-stricken dad fulfils his last wish of dying at home: 'It was not easy'
  

Pameran Kesihatan Lelaki tingkat kesedaran barah (Men's health exhibition raises cancer awareness)

​The Men's Health Exhibition aims to raise awareness about cancers that usually afflict men while also empowering them to get checked. The event, which is a collaboration with agencies including National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, features sharing from experts as well as game booths.

Jumpa doktor jika risau hadapi barah prostat (See a doctor if you`re worried about having prostate cancer)

Dr Arshvin Kesavan, Associate Consultant, Department of Urology, National University Hospital (NUH), said a strong family history would be the biggest risk factor for prostate cancer. He added that patients who are known carriers of certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA (BReast CAncer gene), are also at risk.  

National University Health System is actively providing free information about prostate cancer through its website and that of National University Cancer Institute, Singapore's (NCIS). The NUH Urology Department has specialist cancer nurses who manage prostate cancer patients, offering counselling services and advising them on the various avenues to seek help and funding for treatments. NCIS works closely with the Singapore Cancer Society and actively encourage patients to join the Prostate Cancer Support Group – The Walnut Warriors.

Jarang berlaku tapi barah darah mieloma sering berulang (It is rare but myeloma blood cancer often recurs)

​Prof Chng Wee Joo, Senior Consultant in National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, which is part of National University Health System, said myeloma is the third most common blood cancer in adults in Singapore, after lymphoma and acute leukaemia. He explained the ways in which myeloma relapse may occur and how such patients are treated with a combination of drugs.

兄弟组织永春与桃源双庆32万元捐四机构 (Brother associations Eng Choon Hway Kuan and Taoyuan Club Committee celebrate double happiness, $320,000 donated to four institutions)

​The Eng Choon Hway Kuan and Taoyuan Club Committee celebrated their 155th and 100th anniversaries respectively, and had donated $320k to four organisations, including National University Cancer Institue, Singapore.

What to do: The Last Mile Concert 2023

​The concert will feature Ms Teo Poh Yin, Senior Pharmacist at National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, together with award-winning pianist Azariah Tan, jazz vocalist Joanna Dong, instrumental band Lorong Boys and the M’Ode Wind Quintet. Proceeds from the concert will go towards National University Cancer Institute, Singapore Cancer Fund, a sub-fund of the National University Health System Fund, to aid patients on terminal discharge as part of their end-of-life journey.

Why It Matters: Cancer survivorship, how Singaporeans and their loved ones can feel more inspired and encouraged to fight cancer

​National University Cancer Institute, Singapore celebrated its 15th anniversary with a family carnival and launched a new “NCIS Fights Cancer” web-based mobile game. Adj A/Prof Chee Cheng Ean, Executive Director of National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, said National University Cancer Institute, Singapore is the only public academic cancer centre in Singapore catering to both paediatric and adult patients in one facility. She listed some of National University Cancer Institute, Singapore’s achievements, such as the Haplo-17 protocol and NCIS ChemoCalc. She said National University Cancer Institute, Singapore launched community cancer programmes years before the national Healthier SG initiative.

• The Evening Runway with Elliott Danker, 16 November 2023, Timothy Go & Chua Tian Tian (4pm - 7pm)

Wong grateful to beat cancer

​Discus king James Wong shared how he battled stage 2 bile duct cancer and now wants to become an advocate for regular cancer screenings. Adjunct A/Prof Chee Cheng Ean, Executive Director, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, said that such screenings are an “essential step” to a healthier future. She added that those who share their cancer journey with others – such as Wong – are taking a “brave step”.

• The New Paper, 12 November 2023, Discus king JamesWong opens up about his cancer battle
  

Screening for nose cancer extended to 3 more polyclinics

National 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. 

难忘吞咽如吞玻璃 妇顽强抗胜鼻咽癌 (Painful swallowing akin to swallowing glass, woman bravely battles nose cancer)

​Ms Vivien Soon, a 42-year-old educator, was diagnosed with stage 3 nasopharyngeal cancer in January. She received treatment at National Cancer Institute, Singapore and also joined its oneHeart support group to encourage other cancer patients. As part of NCIS’s 15th anniversary, National Cancer Institute, Singapore has commissioned “NCIS Fights Cancer”, a web-based mobile game to raise funds for National Cancer Institute, Singapore, Cancer Fund while educating players on cancer.

NUHS launches Singapore's large-scale nose cancer screening research study in the community

National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, celebrates 15 year anniversary with NCIS Celebrates Life carnival

​National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) proudly marks its 15th anniversary as a national centre for cancer with the launch of "NCIS Celebrates Life," a weekend family carnival dedicated to honouring NCIS’ journey in cancer care and cutting-edge translational research. Examples of NCIS’ ground-breaking trials, such as QPOP and Haplo-17 protocol, were also mentioned. Adj A/Prof Chee Cheng Ean, Executive Director of NCIS, was quoted on the significance of NCIS Cancer Fund, a sub-fund of the National University Health System Fund, for cancer research.