Prioritizing Cancer Control: Prevention, Screening, and Advanced Treatment

Cancer is a growing global health crisis, with alarming statistics highlighting the urgency of action. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reported nearly 20 million new cases and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths in 2022 alone. This grim trend is projected to worsen, with an estimated 35 million new cases annually by 2050. Southeast Asia, in particular, faces a significant burden, with over 1.1 million new cases and 700,000 deaths in 2022, with breast, lung, and colorectal cancers leading the charge. 

Dr. Zee Ying Kiat
Senior Consultant of Medical Oncology
 Parkway Cancer Center 

Parkway Cancer Center recently hosted a media roundtable event titled "Common Adult Cancers: Prevention, Screening, and Treatment" at the New World Hotel. Dr. Zee Ying Kiat, Senior Consultant of Medical Oncology at Parkway Cancer Center, led the discussion, highlighting the importance of awareness and education in empowering individuals to take proactive steps in their health journey. By understanding cancer risk factors, embracing preventive measures, and seeking early detection, individuals can play a vital role in mitigating the impact of this devastating disease. 

The fight against cancer requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing prevention, early detection, and advanced treatment strategies. Parkway Cancer Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer care, leveraging advanced medical technology, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate support for patients and their families. With ongoing research and innovation, the hope is to continue improving the quality of life for those affected by cancer.

A Holistic Approach: Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to combating cancer, emphasizing prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. This holistic strategy aims to reduce the impact of cancer and improve patient outcomes.

 

Parkway Cancer Center: Leading the Way in Southeast Asia

 

Parkway Cancer Center, a leading cancer care institution in Southeast Asia, is actively contributing to this global effort. They provide state-of-the-art facilities, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive support services for patients, all while promoting awareness and education.

 

Understanding Cancer: Causes and Prevention

 

Cancer develops when normal cells transform into tumor cells, which can become aggressive and spread to other parts of the body. While genetic factors play a role, lifestyle choices are often the primary drivers of cancer development. Dr. Zee Ying Kiat, Senior Consultant of Medical Oncology at Parkway Cancer Center, emphasizes that about one in five people develops cancer, and one in ten dies from it before the age of 75. He stresses the importance of understanding cancer risk factors and adopting healthy lifestyle choices to reduce risk.

 

Early Detection: A Key to Survival

 

Early detection through screening is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and increasing survival rates. Dr. Zee highlights the importance of regular screenings, particularly for cancers like breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer. He cautions that not all cancers have effective screening tests, but those that do offer a significant advantage in early diagnosis and treatment. He has a special interest in colorectal cancer, also emphasized that in East and Southeast Asian countries, researchers have observed a significant rise in colorectal cancer rates.

“Early diagnosis, even before the onset of symptoms, is crucial in allowing doctors to deliver more effective treatment with potentially higher rates of cure. This underlines the importance of screening for colorectal cancer.” he remarked. 

 

Advancements in Treatment: Tailored Approaches for Better Outcomes

 

Parkway Cancer Center is at the forefront of cancer treatment, offering personalized treatment plans and utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that involves a team of specialists and allied health professionals. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, each tailored to the individual patient's needs and cancer stage.

Overcoming Cancer with Resilience and Strong Support System

Insights from Parkway Cancer Center Symposium “Adjusting to Changes” 

Cancer continues to rise in incidence across Southeast Asia. In 2020, almost 10 million people died from cancer globally, a number which is expected to rise to 16.3 million by 2040. In 2022, the Southeast Asian region alone witnessed over 1.1 million new cases in addition to the cases worldwide. While factors such as an aging population and changes in lifestyle contribute to this rise, advancements in healthcare and increased awareness also play significant roles.

Recognizing the multifaceted challenges faced by cancer patients, Parkway Cancer Center (PCC), a Singapore-based treatment center for cancer patients, recently hosted a symposium last March 23, 2024 at Conrad Centennial, Singapore, that aimed to address key aspects of the cancer journey, from diagnosis to survivorship, to guide patients on how to better cope with treatment implications, and caregivers and providers alike to better take care of the ones who need their help. 

Understanding treatment and its implications 

The symposium commenced with an enlightening opening remark by Dr. Richard Quek, a Senior Medical Oncologist at Parkway Cancer Center. 

During the first session, Nurse Manager at PCC, Jeyanthi Anandan, delved into the intricacies of preparing for and commencing cancer treatment. She expounded on various treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, and offered practical advice on coping with common side effects. Her insights empowered attendees with knowledge to confront the treatment journey with resilience and trust to one’s support system.

“Trust and believe that each step you are taking, you are moving towards the objective and the goal of cancer care. Most importantly, don’t forget your cancer support system. They play an important role in the daily life of cancer patients, contributing to better coping of physical and emotional states, and improving overall quality of life. Social support also helps the patients to return to society as best as they could,” Anandan said during her talk.

For combatting fatigue, a pervasive symptom during and after cancer treatment, Senior Staff Nurse at PCC Stella Teo shed light on managing its implications through self-care practices and nutritional guidance. She emphasized strategies to boost energy levels and overcome physical and emotional challenges. Understanding fatigue as a symptom and its underlying causes equips participants with tools for effective self-management. Besides these, Teo also put emphasis on the importance of self-care for the care-givers to better help their loved ones with cancer. 

To empower physical and mental resilience of patients, Kira Ho, a Senior Physiotherapist from IHH Healthcare SG, underscored the transformative power of exercise for cancer warriors. By tailoring safe and adaptable exercise programs, Ho highlighted the role of physical activity in maintaining strength and bolstering mental resilience. But while exercising is essential, she emphasized that not all the time patients have the strength to do more. “Some days you feel like you can do more, and some days you just feel like you can’t do anything, and that is okay. Be kind to yourself.” she said. 

Life After Cancer

Chia Hui Erl Senior Counselor at PCC and Senior Occupational Therapist from Singapore Cancer Society, Shanice Yeow, offered a compassionate perspective on adjusting to life post-cancer. They provided guidance and navigated the complexities of emotional healing and transitioning to a new normalcy. By addressing the psychological aspects of survivorship, both facilitated a holistic approach to recovery. 

“I think it’s important for us to review what is normal for us, and to share openly with your family and friends so that together we can adopt a broader range of what normal is. With the support of family and friends, modify or create new roles and tasks that will help you to reintegrate back to life,” Erl shared during her talk about adjusting to life after cancer.

Hui Erl also highlighted that listening and understanding to one's own internal narrative helps patients rebuild mental and emotional strength. “You know how the mind is capable of choosing any sort you want to believe? So it is really a blessing if you choose self-compassionate narratives that help us make healthier choices.” she added.

Parkway Cancer Center as a beacon of hope for global patients 

The insightful discussion is just a glimpse of what PCC values as an organization and the hands-on team they have who delivers quality cancer-care, from diagnosis to survivorship, to each and every patient. Whether an individual is from Singapore or from other parts of the world, PCC is capable of reaching out and providing the global standard and holistic cancer-care for everyone who needs their help.

“The key to a successful treatment is a strong and experienced multidisciplinary oncology team taking care of the patient. This care journey must start from getting the diagnosis by the pathologist to the close interdisciplinary treatment discussions by the medical oncologist, surgeon and radiation oncologist to give the best care for the patient,” Dr. Quek, Senior Medical Oncologist, said during the interview with Manila Bulletin, emphasizing that a strong and experienced multidisciplinary oncology team largely contributes as well to a patient's healing journey.

While Parkway Cancer Centre regularly conducts symposiums to share knowledge and advancements in cancer treatment, its offerings extend far beyond these events. PCC offers comprehensive care and support throughout their treatment with a multidisciplinary team of experts, advanced treatment modalities, comprehensive support services, continuum of care, and international patient services. 

For more information about PCC cancer care services for local and international patients, visit https://www.parkwaycancercentre.com/ph/home