Cancer is a group of diseases caused by the growth of abnormal cells. Our bodies are composed of millions of tiny structures called cells. Normal cells reproduce themselves by dividing in a regular, controlled manner so that growth and repair of the body tissues can take place. However, this cell division can also produce abnormal cells which grow and multiply uncontrollably. When these cells invade and spread to other parts of the body, they are called cancer cells.
According to Ministry of Health, cancer is the number one killer in Singapore. One in three Singaporeans dies of cancer. Colorectal cancer and breast cancer are the most prevalent cancers for men and women respectively.
In an effort to improve clinical outcomes for cancer, JurongHealth Campus and the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) of the National University Health System (NUHS) formed the Western Cancer Action Network (WCAN). WCAN seeks to provide a comprehensive and integrated cancer care service from prevention and screening, diagnosis and treatment to survivorship as well as palliative and hospice care for the community in the west.
The JurongHealth Campus - NCIS Cancer Service at NTFGH specialises in the following types of cancers:
Breast cancer occurs in the tissues present in the breast.
Gastrointestinal cancer refers to cancer of the organs of the digestive system - including the esophagus, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon) and rectum.
Head and neck cancers refer to cancers that occur in the lip, oral cavity (mouth), nasal cavity (hollow space inside the nose), paranasal sinuses (a group of air-filled spaces that surround the nasal cavity, above the eyes, between the eyes and behind the ethmoids), pharynx ( throat), and larynx (voice box).
Urologic cancers include cancers of the bladder, kidney, prostate and testicles.
Treatment of cancer may involve one or more types of treatment i.e. surgery and/or chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The JurongHealth Campus-NCIS Cancer Service provides the following treatments and services.
Surgical oncology is the use of surgery in the identificayion of cancers (biopsies) and the removal of both benign and malignant tumours.
Medical oncology refers to the use of both cytotoxic and hormonal drugs in the treatment of cancer i.e. chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to control the growth and/or prevent the spread of cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be administered in the form of oral medication and/or intravenously.
Hormonal therapy uses hormones to slow and/or prevent the growth of cancer cells.
Radiation oncology uses high energy radiation treatment for cancer. Radiation can be used curatively or for the reduction of cancer pain in the management of cancer. The JurongHealth Campus-NCIS Cancer Service provides a comprehensive range of radiation therapy services in collaboration with NCIS for routine and advanced radiation therapy treatment, including intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image guided radiation therapy (IGRT).
The Geriatric Oncology's GOLDEN (Geriatric Oncology LongituDinal End to eNd) programme, is a sub-specialty committed to optimise cancer care for older adults through providing multi-disciplinary care and provision of appropriate cancer treatment to older patients. Our clinic provides a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) that carefully evaluates a person's medical condition, nutritional status, physical, mental and social functioning. With this assessment, interventions will be recommended to improve health outcomes for our patients. Available in NUH and NTFGH, a multi-disciplinary team of oncologist, geriatrician, nurse, pharmacist, therapist, dietitian and social worker will work with you to provide individualised cancer management to support you and your loved ones in the cancer journey.
Click here to learn more about geriatric oncology service.
Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 5.30pm
Sat: 8.30am - 12.30pm
Sun & PH: Closed
Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
Tower A - Specialist Outpatient Clinics
Level 7
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