Perspectives On Cancer Mortality And Health Screening In Singapore
Cancer mortality rates in Singapore are alarmingly higher compared to several developed countries. According to The Straits Times’ article, 51 out of 100 cancer patients in Singapore succumb to the disease, a stark contrast to the 24 in Australia and 25 in the United States. Even within Asia, Singapore lags behind nations such as South Korea (38) and Japan (41) . These statistics underscore the pressing need for early detection and proactive healthcare measures.
Understanding The Gap: The Role Of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
According to the article, the Asia-Pacific Medical Technology Association (ApacMed) has pointed out that countries with lower cancer mortality rates often utilise advanced diagnostic tools like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). NGS helps identify biomarkers in cancers, enabling targeted treatments that can improve patient outcomes. However, the adoption of NGS in Singapore remains limited due to the lack of clinical guidelines, insufficient reimbursement, and low familiarity among healthcare providers.
While NGS holds promise for improving cancer care, Associate Professor Ravindran Kanesvaran from the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) cautions against viewing it as a silver bullet. He notes that other factors, such as age at diagnosis, lifestyle choices, and access to care, significantly influence cancer outcomes. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) emphasises the need for sustainable implementation of precision medicine technologies, including NGS, to ensure their cost-effectiveness and clinical relevance.
The Case For Health Screening In Singapore
While NGS adoption in Singapore is still evolving, one accessible and impactful approach to improving cancer outcomes is health screening. Regular health screenings can detect cancer at an early stage, making it more treatable and significantly improving survival rates. According to Associate Professor Kanesvaran, countries like Australia, where cancer screening rates are higher, tend to have better outcomes.
Health screening involves tests and checks that identify potential health issues before symptoms appear. For cancers such as breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer, screening can play a pivotal role in early detection. For instance, mammograms, Pap smears, and faecal occult blood tests are proven methods for identifying cancers early, often before they spread.
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Benefits Of Health Screening
- Early Detection Saves Lives: Detecting cancer in its early stages often allows for less invasive treatments and higher chances of survival.
- Cost-Effective: Early diagnosis reduces the need for expensive treatments associated with advanced cancer stages.
- Improved Quality Of Life: Early treatment can minimise complications, allowing patients to maintain better overall health and well-being.
- Personalised Preventive Care: Health screenings can identify risk factors and guide lifestyle changes to prevent disease progression.
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Key Takeaway
While advanced technologies like NGS are promising, they are not yet widely available or practical for the general population. In the meantime, health screening remains a reliable and accessible option for early cancer detection.
As healthcare continues to evolve, a balanced approach that combines innovative technologies with proven preventive measures like health screening will be crucial. Early detection saves lives, and making health screening a priority today can lead to a healthier, more resilient population tomorrow.
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.