Articles for Workplace Health Facilitators

People with cancer face many challenges as they cope with their condition. It can be difficult to cope with these challenges as they undergo their treatment and as their condition worsens. Caring for people with cancer entails holistic approach that caters to their physical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual needs.

Cancer support groups are created with the purpose of building patients' resilience, educating them about self-care and helping them to ease their emotional burden. Some of the available support groups in Singapore include the Singapore Cancer Society, Children's Cancer Foundation, Brain Tumour Patient Care Group, Breast Cancer Foundation and The Revival Connection.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is cancer that occurs in the nasopharynx, which is located behind the nose and above the back of the throat. Naso pharyngeal cancer is the 6th most common cancer among males in Singapore.

Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer among males and 2nd most common cancer among females in Singapore. Regular screening tests such faecal occult blood test and colonoscopy can help prevent colon cancer.

The bladder is a hollow organ where urine is stored. Bladder cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the bladder. Bladder cancer is the 9th most common cancer among males in Singapore.1  Bladder cancer in the early stages can often be cured. Some known risk factors for bladder cancer can be controlled to aid in prevention and early detection. Some prevention measures include: Avoiding/quitting Smoking prevents the collection of the chemicals in the ...

Liver cancer is the fourth common cancer among males in Singapore (NRDO cancer registry 2006). When the cancer occurs in the cells of the liver it is called primary liver cancer. When cancer from other organs such as colon, lung and breast spreads to liver it is called metastatic liver cancer.

Cervical cancer is cancer of the neck of the womb which is called cervix and is one of the most common cancers that affect a woman’s reproductive organs. Cervical cancer is the 6th most common cancer among women in Singapore. The incidence of cervical cancer has reduced considerably in the last few years due to screening with PAP smears.1 

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in among Singaporean women. Symptoms of ovarian cancer in the early stages are often non-specific and mimic those of many digestive and bladder disorders.

Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in Singapore women. Women of all age groups are affected; however it is more common in women above 40 years old.

Prostate cancer is the 3rd most common cancer among Singaporean men. Prostate specific tumor antigen (PSA) blood testing can be done in men with symptoms suggestive of prostate cancer or in men at high risk of developing prostate cancer.