9 factors behind Singapore’s status as a hub of cancer treatment and care in Asia

​Report noted that one of the key factors leading to Singapore being a preferred destination within Asia for oncological treatments is domestic institutions such as National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, which is at the forefront of cancer research and treatment, attracting talent locally and internationally.

Kafe meriah jadi ‘rumah terbuka’ Raya, temukan artis baru dan lama (Lively cafe becomes Raya ‘open house’, meeting new and senior artistes)

​The R&W Bikerz Cornerz cafe in Changi Village recently hosted a festive event celebrating Hari Raya Puasa. Ms Maisarah Dhaniyah, Senior Patient Service Associate, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), who performed in her personal capacity, was called a young talent. She expressed appreciation for the chance to perform alongside established artists, highlighting the intergenerational collaboration.

癌症治疗影响心脏功能 患者接受专科护理后趋稳 (Cancer treatment affected heart function; patient’s condition stabilised after specialist care)

National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS), is the first in the region to be recognised as a Global Centre of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology – an achievement that highlights the unique collaboration between NUHCS and National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) in addressing the critical intersection of heart disease and cancer. The Cardio-Oncology team, comprising Dr Tan Li Ling and Dr Koo Chieh Yang Christopher from the Department of Cardiology at NUHCS, presented findings which reveal that cancer patients may benefit from personalised heart care. 

Media highlighted the journey of Mdm Lim, a stage 4 breast cancer patient who was co-managed by NUHCS and NCIS after she experienced a decline in heart function during her cancer treatment. The Cardio-Oncology team treated Mdm Lim’s heart condition, which involved starting her on cardiac medications that would be beneficial to the heart and close cardiac monitoring while she continued treatment for her cancer. 

With continued cancer treatment and regular follow-up reviews, both Mdm Lim’s cancer and heart function are now under control and she is looking forward to training as a dragon boater in the coming weeks.

• 8world, 12 April 2024, 本地研究：胆固醇水平低于一般的癌症病人 患心脏病风险却更高 (Local study: Cancer patients found to have heart attacks at lower cholesterol levels)
  

• Berita Mediacorp, 12 April 2024, Lebih banyak rawatan khusus bagi pesakit barah diperlukan: NUHCS (More specific treatments for cancer patients are needed: NUHCS)
  

Personalised heart care for cancer patients: NUHCS recognised in emerging field of cardio-oncology

Princess of Wales’ diagnosis highlights rise in cancer cases among under-50s

​Dr Gloria Chan, Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, said the search for the cause of a rising trend in young-onset cancers worldwide is still ongoing. She explained the "birth-cohort" effect, where patients who are born in 1990 are four times more likely to develop young-onset colorectal cancer than those born in 1950.

Prof Jimmy So, Head and Senior Consultant, Division of General Surgery (Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery), Department of Surgery, National University Hospital; Head and Senior Consultant, Division of Surgical Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, said that despite advancements in medical imaging and non-invasive diagnostic techniques, screening methods have their limitations in sensitivity and specificity. Dr Daniel Huang, Consultant, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, said a study published in Jama Network in 2023 suggested that increased screening is unlikely to be the main driver of the rising rates of early-onset cancers. 

Early cancer awareness and prevention

​In a live interview, Dr Sreyes Ravi, Resident Physician, Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, discussed the cancers common among the Indian population. He also shared about the national cancer screening programmes that are available and the importance of early cancer detection for better treatment outcomes.

Princess of Wales’ diagnosis highlights rise in cancer cases among those under 50

​Dr Gloria Chan, Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, said the search for the cause of a rising trend in young-onset cancers worldwide is still ongoing. She explained the "birth-cohort" effect, where patients who are born in 1990 are four times more likely to develop young-onset colorectal cancer than those born in 1950.

Prof Jimmy So, Head and Senior Consultant, Division of General Surgery (Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery), Department of Surgery, National University Hospital; Head and Senior Consultant, Division of Surgical Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, said that despite advancements in medical imaging and non-invasive diagnostic techniques, screening methods have their limitations in sensitivity and specificity. Dr Daniel Huang, Consultant, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, said a study published in Jama Network in 2023 suggested that increased screening is unlikely to be the main driver of the rising rates of early-onset cancers. 

Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis – what you thought you knew about cancer might be wrong

Prof Jimmy So, Head and Senior Consultant, Division of General Surgery (Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery), Department of Surgery, National University Hospital (NUH); Head and Senior Consultant, Division of Surgical Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), said it is not uncommon for cancer to go undetected until surgery, due to the often non-specific nature of cancer symptoms. He talked about the limitations in diagnostic techniques and how medical advancements such as targeted therapies benefit patients. 

Dr Lim Li Min, Consultant, Division of Gynaecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NUH, and Division of Gynaecologic Oncology, NCIS, listed the symptoms that should prompt people to seek medical attention, such as unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite.

• News Beezer, 27 March 2024
  

How often you should get a cancer screening and why tumour-marker tests don't always detect cancer

​Dr Samuel Ow, Senior Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, explained how colonoscopy can potentially detect colorectal cancer at a very early stage, even in a pre-cancerous stage. For all cancers, he said it is important to follow the recommended screening schedule, or as advised by a doctor.

• The News Singapore, 9 March 2024, How often should you get a cancer screening and why tumour-marker tests don't always detect cancer

S’pore scientists create way to preserve cancer tumour cultures for better targeted drug testing

​Commenting on a new technology that uses hydrogel to preserve cancer tumours for drug testing, Prof Lee Soo Chin, Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), said patient outcomes would improve if the method is proven to be able to accurately select the best drug for the patient. She cited a 2021 NCIS trial on six patients with advanced gastric cancer, where drugs were tested on cancer cells from patients extracted during their biopsy to see if they would be effective, prior to putting patients through treatment.

Singapore Cancer Society to roll out rehab, cancer screening services as it marks 60th anniversary

​The Singapore Cancer Society announced at its 60th anniversary event a series of initiatives focused on early detection and cancer care. It will offer its community rehabilitation services at National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, to expand its outreach to patients living in the west.

• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 18 February 2024, 虽昂贵但具潜力 王乙康：政府将探讨如何普及细胞基因疗法 (Ong Ye Kung: It’s costly but has potential; government looking into ways to popularise cell and gene cancer therapy)
  

• Berita Mediacorp, 17 February 2024, Pemerintah akan cuba pastikan rawatan barah dimampui semua pesakit: Ong Ye Kung (Government will try to ensure that cancer treatment is affordable for all patients: Ong Ye Kung)
  

Study links certain types of gut bacteria to pre-cancerous growths in colon

​Dr Jonathan Lee, Consultant, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital (NUH), is part of a team behind a new study that has linked certain types of gut bacteria to specific pre-cancerous colorectal polyps. He said if people could manipulate what they eat plus their innate microbes, they can get a better outcome towards cancer prevention. He added that Singapore researchers at National University of Singapore, NUH, Tan Tock Seng Hospital and A*STAR are studying local data, paving the way for a locally validated microbial test kit for colorectal cancer.

How long can a person have cancer and not know something is wrong?

​Dr Samuel Ow, Senior Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore and Singapore Cancer Society’s council member and chairperson of the society’s community health committee shared why early detection is crucial for effective cancer treatment and that individuals should not ignore early unexplained symptoms that are persistent.

• The News Singapore, 11 February 2024, How long can a person have cancer and not know something is wrong?
  

Tackling costs of cancer treatment

A commentary by Ms Lorna Tan, head of financial planning literacy at DBS Bank, covered the findings of a survey designed by National University Cancer Institute, Singapore and local think-tank Research For Impact, which underscored the importance of financial literacy in comprehending the financial implications of a cancer diagnosis. Among the 1,200 respondents who had not had a cancer diagnosis, about four in 10 said they would not be financially prepared to manage the costs of cancer treatment while for those with health and/or critical illness insurance, only five per cent were “very confident” that their policies could fully cover the cost of cancer treatment.

Ms Tan opined that it was prudent for everyone to review their insurance needs regularly in the light of family medical history and individual circumstances. Moving ahead, policymakers, clinicians, medical social workers and financial professionals have crucial roles to play in mitigating the impact of financial toxicity on cancer patients and their families.

Man tells those who avoid him that cancer is not contagious

Mr Leonard Cheok was diagnosed with stage 2 colorectal cancer in 2016. He underwent surgery and had a stoma created to remove waste, but opted not to undergo chemotherapy. He spoke at the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) outreach event, “Fighting Cancer, Living Stronger”, at Kampung Admiralty Community Plaza on 27 January, ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February. He recalled a nurse at National University Hospital found him jovial and suggested that he share his experience with newly diagnosed patients to encourage them.

His doctor, Adj A/Prof Chee Cheng Ean, Executive Director and Senior Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology, NCIS, said at least one-third of patients express concerns about undergoing chemotherapy. She added that doctors ensure that patients are provided the necessary information to make an informed decision. 

• AsiaOne, 2 February 2024, Cancer is not contagious, man tells those who avoid him

• Stomp, 1 February 2024, Cancer survivor tells people afraid to go near him it's not contagious: 'Cancer cells stay in my body'