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Introduction
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer or rectal cancer, is one of the most common cancers in Singapore. It affects the colon or rectum and is often detected through screening procedures like colonoscopies. Fortunately, Singapore has a well-developed healthcare system with world-class facilities, skilled oncologists, and advanced treatment options for colorectal cancer. This Colorectal cancer treatment in Singapore guide explores the various treatment options available in Singapore, from surgery to targeted therapy, providing patients with the necessary information to make informed decisions. Diagnosis and Screening
Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes. Singapore follows international guidelines for colorectal cancer screening, which includes:
The treatment of colorectal cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and genetic considerations. Singapore offers state-of-the-art treatments, which include: 1. Surgery
Surgery is often the first-line treatment for colorectal cancer, especially if detected early. The surgical options available in Singapore include:
Chemotherapy is commonly used to shrink tumors before surgery or destroy remaining cancer cells afterward. Singaporean hospitals offer various chemotherapy regimens, including:
Radiation therapy is particularly useful for rectal cancer, often combined with chemotherapy to enhance effectiveness. The main types include:
Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically attack cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Common targeted therapies for colorectal cancer include:
For some patients, especially those with specific genetic mutations (such as MSI-high tumors), immunotherapy can be an effective treatment. Drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) help the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. Leading Cancer Treatment Centers in Singapore
Singapore is home to several world-renowned medical institutions specializing in colorectal cancer treatment. Some of the top hospitals and cancer centers include:
Singapore stands as a regional hub for high-quality colorectal cancer treatment, with state-of-the-art medical facilities, experienced specialists, and a patient-centered approach. With early detection and advanced treatment options, the survival rate for colorectal cancer patients has significantly improved. If you or a loved one are facing colorectal cancer, seeking treatment in Singapore ensures access to top-notch medical care and innovative therapies for better health outcomes.
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer or rectal cancer, is one of the most common cancers in Singapore. It affects the colon or rectum and is often detected through screening procedures like colonoscopies. Fortunately, Singapore has a well-developed healthcare system with world-class facilities, skilled oncologists, and advanced treatment options for colorectal cancer. This Colorectal cancer treatment in Singapore guide explores the various treatment options available in Singapore, from surgery to targeted therapy, providing patients with the necessary information to make informed decisions. Diagnosis and Screening
Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes. Singapore follows international guidelines for colorectal cancer screening, which includes:
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): A simple test that detects hidden blood in stool samples.
- Colonoscopy: A procedure that allows doctors to examine the colon and rectum using a flexible tube with a camera.
- CT Colonography: Also known as a virtual colonoscopy, this imaging test provides a detailed view of the colon.
- Biopsy and Imaging: If an abnormality is found, a biopsy may be conducted along with imaging tests such as MRI or PET scans to determine the stage of cancer.
The treatment of colorectal cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and genetic considerations. Singapore offers state-of-the-art treatments, which include: 1. Surgery
Surgery is often the first-line treatment for colorectal cancer, especially if detected early. The surgical options available in Singapore include:
- Endoscopic Resection: For very early-stage cancers, doctors may remove cancerous polyps using an endoscope.
- Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery: Minimally invasive surgery that reduces recovery time and minimizes scarring.
- Open Surgery: Traditional surgery for more advanced cases where larger sections of the colon or rectum need to be removed.
- Colostomy or Ileostomy: In some cases, part of the colon is removed, and a stoma (opening) is created to allow waste to exit the body.
Chemotherapy is commonly used to shrink tumors before surgery or destroy remaining cancer cells afterward. Singaporean hospitals offer various chemotherapy regimens, including:
- Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Used after surgery to prevent recurrence.
- Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Administered before surgery to shrink tumors.
- Palliative Chemotherapy: Used in advanced-stage colorectal cancer to manage symptoms and prolong life.
Radiation therapy is particularly useful for rectal cancer, often combined with chemotherapy to enhance effectiveness. The main types include:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Uses high-energy X-rays to target cancer cells.
- Brachytherapy: Internal radiation therapy where radioactive material is placed close to the tumor.
Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically attack cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Common targeted therapies for colorectal cancer include:
- Anti-VEGF Therapy: Drugs like Bevacizumab (Avastin) block the blood supply to tumors.
- Anti-EGFR Therapy: Cetuximab and Panitumumab target specific proteins on cancer cells to slow their growth.
For some patients, especially those with specific genetic mutations (such as MSI-high tumors), immunotherapy can be an effective treatment. Drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) help the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. Leading Cancer Treatment Centers in Singapore
Singapore is home to several world-renowned medical institutions specializing in colorectal cancer treatment. Some of the top hospitals and cancer centers include:
- National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS): A leading institution providing comprehensive cancer care and research.
- Singapore General Hospital (SGH): Offers cutting-edge treatment and a multidisciplinary approach to colorectal cancer care.
- Mount Elizabeth Hospital: A private hospital known for advanced oncology treatments and personalized patient care.
- Gleneagles Hospital: Provides world-class surgical and medical oncology services.
- Raffles Cancer Centre: Focuses on multidisciplinary cancer treatment with a holistic approach.
Singapore stands as a regional hub for high-quality colorectal cancer treatment, with state-of-the-art medical facilities, experienced specialists, and a patient-centered approach. With early detection and advanced treatment options, the survival rate for colorectal cancer patients has significantly improved. If you or a loved one are facing colorectal cancer, seeking treatment in Singapore ensures access to top-notch medical care and innovative therapies for better health outcomes.