World Cancer Day: Cancer Awareness In Singapore

World Cancer Day is a global initiative observed annually on February 4th, aimed at raising awareness about cancer, encouraging its prevention, early detection, and treatment, and advocating for ongoing support for those affected by the disease. With World Cancer Day, we would like to shed awareness on cancer and the top cancer prevalent in Singapore, as well as how we can prevent and detect these cancers early with the help of health screening. 

Understanding Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. These abnormal cells can form a mass of tissue called a tumour, which can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumours have the potential to invade nearby tissues and organs, as well as to spread to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis.

Cancer can develop in virtually any part of the body, and there are more than 100 different types of cancer, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviour. 

It is a result of a combination of factors. Some of the key factors that can contribute to the development of cancer are genetic mutations, environmental factors such as UV, radiation, and chemical exposure as well as  lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use.

Top Cancer In Singapore

Cancer is the #1 cause of death in Singapore, accounting for 28.2% of all deaths from 2017-2021. 

The five most common types of cancers in Singapore reported for males and females from 2017-2021 are:

Males:

• Prostate (6,912 cases / 16.8%)
• Colon & rectum (6,697 cases / 16.3%)
• Lung (5,567 cases / 13.5%)
• Lymphoid neoplasms (2,986 / 7.3%)
• Liver (2,984 / 7.3%)

Females:

• Breast (12,735 cases / 29.7%)
• Colon & rectum (5,542 cases / 12.9%)
• Lung (3,388 cases / 7.9%)
• Uterus (3,133 / 7.3%)
• Lymphoid neoplasms (2,221 / 5.2%)

In terms of mortality (i.e. frequency of cancer deaths) over the same period, the top 5 types of cancers are:

Males:

• Lung (3,988 / 24.8%)
• Colon & rectum (2,324 /14.4%)
• Liver (2,019 / 12.5%)
• Pancreas (1,099 / 6.8%)
• Prostate (1,080 / 6.7%)

Females:

• Breast (2,304 / 17.2%)
• Colon & rectum (2,091 / 15.6%)
• Lung (2,004 / 14.9%)
• Pancreas (975 / 7.3%)
• Liver (828 / 6.2%).

Survival Rate For Cancer In Singapore

According to the Singapore Cancer Registry, the five-year Age Standardised Relative Survival for cancers diagnosed at Stages I, II, III and IV were 91.7%, 81.4%, 56.0% and 18.6% respectively. The ten-year ASRS for cancers diagnosed at Stages I, II, III and IV were 87.6%, 76.1%, 47.4% and 13.7% respectively.

Based on these figures, Stage I cancers have the highest survival rate, 91.7% for five-year ASRS and 87.6% for ten-year ASRS. This highlights the importance of regular cancer screening to detect cancer at its early stages when it is more treatable.

Health Screening For Cancer Prevention

Many cancers often do not present any symptoms until they have become advanced. What we can do to protect ourselves against the risk of getting cancer is to go for regular health screenings or cancer screenings. Cancer screening is carried out on people who are asymptomatic (i.e. not experiencing any symptoms of cancer) with the objective of detecting cancer while it is still in the early stages and is more easily treatable. 

Regular health screenings play a pivotal role in preventing and detecting cancer at an early stage when treatment is often more effective. Singapore offers comprehensive health screening programs that focus on identifying potential health risks, including various types of cancer. These screenings typically include examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging studies tailored to assess an individual’s overall health and identify potential warning signs.

For breast cancer, mammograms are recommended, while colonoscopies and faecal occult blood tests are crucial for detecting colorectal cancer. Additionally, lung cancer screenings may involve imaging tests, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are commonly used for prostate cancer detection. Engaging in routine health screenings allows individuals to take proactive measures to maintain their well-being and catch any potential issues in their early stages.

Recommended Health Screenings In Singapore

In Singapore, the Ministry of Health has guidelines for health screening, stating the recommended screenings for men and women at average risk for particular chronic diseases. Know more about them in our Health Screening Services page.

Health Screening From Health365 Partners

Health365 in partnership with trusted medical providers in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand offers health screening packages. Discover your options now at our Health365 shop.

If you have any questions about health screening packages and bookings, contact us by clicking the button below.