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Cancer is the term used for a wide variety of diseases characterised by abnormal cell growth in a part of the body. If the cancer spreads to other organs, it is called metastasis. Because of the many types of cancer and the different body parts it can start from, cancer treatment and cancer care also take on varied forms.
The National Cancer Centre Singapore reports breast cancer as the most common cancer affecting women in the country from 2015-2019, while colorectal cancer is the most common among men. In Singapore, cancer treatment costs vary depending on the type of cancer, procedures required, and length of cancer treatment. Subsidies are available for hospital bills but do not cover daily expenses.
When doctors suspect cancer, they can order further tests to confirm it. Early detection is critical for cancer care, so it’s best to talk to your doctor if you are high risk or exhibit symptoms. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best type of cancer screening for you.
Some of the tests used for cancer diagnosis include biopsies, imaging tests, laboratory tests and physical exams. Biopsies are the most definitive way to diagnose most types of cancer.
After confirming a cancer diagnosis, the next step is to determine whether the disease is in its early or advanced stage. Your doctor will prescribe the best possible course of treatment for cancer based on the type and stage of cancer you have.
Depending on the severity of the tumour and its location, cancer care can be one or a combination of treatment options. Some of the most common cancer treatments include:
There will be times when doctors are unable to remove all cancerous cells with the options available, or sometimes, patients experience a relapse after some time. If this happens, treatment for cancer can focus on shrinking the tumour or slowing its growth. The ultimate goal of cancer care and treatment is to prolong the life of the patient with little to no symptoms.
These options make cancer treatment cost in Singapore wide-ranging. Cancer insurance may help for expensive treatments for cancer, like surgeries or chemotherapy, which usually consists of multiple cycles.
Undergoing treatment for cancer can take a toll on the physical and emotional well-being of both the patient and their family. A good cancer care program recognises the importance of a strong support system, both for mental health and to increase the chances of a good outcome.
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