Cancer Care

Managing Your Cancer During the Holidays

The holidays and everything that comes with it, from cleaning, shopping, planning gatherings, and spending time with friends and family, can be stressful at the best of times. Factor in cancer treatment, or the lasting effects of past cancer treatments, and normal holiday stress can become too much.

Here are some tips for making this season of cheer more manageable:

Get support from family and friends
One of the most important things to remember is that you do not have to take on everything yourself. Support from family and friends can make a significant difference. If a holiday gathering is happening at your home, consider turning it into a potluck so everyone contributes a dish, or suggest hosting the event at someone else’s place instead. Do not hesitate to ask loved ones for help with tasks such as cleaning, preparing food, wrapping presents, or decorating. People often want to support you but may not know how unless you reach out.
Know your limits
It is also essential to understand and respect your limits. Holiday activities—including cooking, entertaining, and travelling—can place added physical strain on your body, especially during or after cancer treatment. Be mindful of the tasks that may cause stress and look for ways to scale them back or spread them out. Break larger responsibilities into smaller, manageable steps and give yourself permission to rest whenever you need to. Protecting your energy is not just practical—it is part of caring for your overall well-being.
Start new traditions
At the same time, it may help to redefine what the holidays look like for you this year. It is perfectly acceptable to say no to old traditions that may tire you out. If attending large family gatherings feels too exhausting, you can connect with loved ones through video calls or send personal cards to share your holiday wishes. You may even find comfort in creating new traditions that are more manageable, such as enjoying a quiet festive movie night or having a small meal with a few close friends or family members.
Eat healthy foods
Eating well can also support your physical and emotional resilience during the holidays. A balanced diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly and maintain energy levels. Try to limit sugary treats and alcohol and if you have dietary restrictions related to treatment, plan ahead by preparing suitable meals for yourself or eating before attending gatherings so you do not feel pressured to eat foods that may make you uncomfortable.
Validate your feelings
Finally, give yourself permission to feel whatever emotions arise during the holiday season. If you find yourself unable to enjoy a moment the way you once did, pause and check in with yourself. Allow space for joy when it comes, but also give yourself permission to cry, reflect, or step away if needed. Remember that some things are beyond your control, and feeling overwhelmed or sad does not mean you have done anything wrong. Be gentle with yourself, challenge self-blaming thoughts, and focus on what you can influence.

By asking for help, honouring your limits, embracing new traditions, nourishing your body, and validating your feelings, you can make the holiday season more manageable and meaningful, on your own terms.

Life After Cancer: Navigating Survivorship in the 21st Century

Fear of Cancer Recurrence, or FCR, is a clinical condition that is defined as ‘the fear, worry, or concern about cancer returning or progressing’. However, with a good understanding of what to expect during your post-cancer treatment, doctors and patients can work together to put those fears to rest. We speak to Medical Oncologist Dr. John Chia and Radiation Oncologist Dr. David Tan about life after cancer treatment.

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Understanding Cancer: Your Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support

Advancements in medical technology today offer hope despite the rising incidence of cancer worldwide. With a comprehensive approach to cancer care, including support from experienced clinical oncologists, specialists, and healthcare professionals, many cancers may be effectively treated or managed.

Empowering Yourself with Knowledge

This resource provides information about cancer, including:

Types of Cancer: Learn about different forms of cancer and their specific characteristics.
Early Detection: Understand the importance of cancer screening for early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.
Treatment Options: Explore various cancer treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Financial Assistance: Discover available financial aid options to help manage the cost of cancer care.
Reducing Your Risk: Learn about lifestyle factors and preventive measures to minimize your cancer risk.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Normally, the body replaces old or damaged cells with new ones. However, genetic mutations or other factors can disrupt this process, leading to the formation of abnormal cells that multiply uncontrollably and form tumors.

Types of Tumors:

Benign Tumors: Non-cancerous tumors that do not spread to other parts of the body.
Malignant Tumors: Cancerous tumors that can spread to other parts of the body, also known as metastasis.

What Causes Cancer?

Cancer is caused by a complex interplay of factors, including:

Non-Modifiable Factors: Age, family history, and inherited genetic mutations.
Modifiable Factors:
- Lifestyle: Diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
- Environmental Exposures: Radiation, ultraviolet rays, pollutants, and certain viruses and bacteria.

Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer symptoms vary depending on the type and location. However, some general signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Swelling or lumps
Skin changes
Persistent cough or headaches
Unusual bleeding or bruising

Important Note: These symptoms may also be indicative of other health conditions. Speak to our Specialists today for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Common Cancers in Singapore

Men
Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer and rectal cancer, and is a disease in which the cells in the colon and rectum mutate and change.

Prostate cancer occurs specifically in the prostate, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, where cells mutate to form tumors that may be localized or spread to nearby tissues.

Lung cancer is a disease in which cells in the lungs mutate to form tumors that interfere with the lung's primary function of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.
Women
Breast cancer develops in breast tissue where tumors form, and most breast cancers begin in the ducts and glands of breasts.

Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer and rectal cancer and is a disease in which the cells in the colon and rectum mutate and change.

Lung cancer is a disease in which cells in the lungs mutate to form tumors that interfere with the lung's primary function of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide,

Cancer Treatment Goals

Complete tumor removal.
Prevention of cancer recurrence or spread.
Symptom management and palliative care.

Cancer Prevention

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, you may reduce your risk by:

Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet.
Getting regular exercise.
Undergoing recommended cancer screenings.
Getting vaccinated against certain cancer-causing viruses (e.g., HPV).

Farrer Park Cancer Care is supported by a panel of multi-disciplinary oncology experts to guide patients and their caregivers on their cancer journey; using innovative approaches to cancer treatments with new technologies, personalized care plans and therapies.

From understanding a cancer diagnosis to deciding on a treatment plan, we are here to meet the spectrum of needs required by our patients, providing them with clinical care and working together to make informed decisions as we navigate with them through the disease into remission.

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