Cancer Care

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 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 which 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 which 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.

Facilities

Find a Cancer Specialist

Make an Appointment

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:

Make time for yourself. Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holiday season result in you sidelining your exercise routines. Exercise has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and has been proven to benefit both your brain and body. If you already have an exercise routine, try your best to make time for it, or depending on your fatigue and fitness level, you can try sprinkling in mini-walks throughout your day.

Know your limits and be gentle with your post-cancer self. It may be frustrating not being able to do as much as you used to, but try not to beat yourself up about it. You can consider shopping online instead of braving crowded shopping malls, or asking for help to put up your Christmas tree instead of doing it yourself. Pushing yourself too hard to operate at full capacity may backfire instead.

Get enough rest as not getting enough sleep can leave you not only cranky and far more likely to catch a cold, but it also comes with more serious health ramifications such as being more susceptible to stroke, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. If you have trouble sleeping, consider cutting back on caffeine and limiting your screen time before bed.

Beware of bugs and we aren’t talking about the creepy-crawly variety. Be sure to wash your hands, especially if you are hanging out with little ones. If you are in active treatment or are immunocompromised, you may want to mask up.

Validate your feelings and take time to consider the difficulties you have gone through and overcome this year. It is okay if you don’t feel in the mood to celebrate or if your holiday is more low-key than others. If you have the energy to, you can try going out and experiencing things that bring you joy. It is okay if it is not 100% the same feeling, but give yourself the chance to have that enjoyment.

Farrer Health

Facing the Emotions in Cancer Care

Ms. Siti Mariam, Senior Therapist, offers her perspectives on the emotions and behavior surrounding cancer diagnosis and treatment; and when therapy can help.
Read the story