Bladder cancer is the 9th most common cancer in 2020. It is associated with a diet high in saturated fat, and it is 3 times more likely in those who smoke. Blood in the urine (called haematuria) is often the first sign of bladder cancer and it is important to have it checked right away. Early detection can offer the best chance for successful treatment.
Blood Cancer (leukemia)
Leukemia is the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow, which crowd out healthy cells. It is either acute (comes on suddenly) or chronic (lasts a long time). Extreme fatigue is usually the first symptom that causes patients to seek medical attention. Chronic leukemia on the other hand, develops slowly and may take months or even several years before symptoms appear.
Blood Cancer (lymphoma)
Lymphoma refers to cancers that start in the lymph system (the tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infections). There are 2 principal kinds of lymphoma – Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common in ages 15 – 30 and above 50 years, while non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common in older age groups.
Breast cancer is the number 1 most common cancer that afflict women in Singapore. All women are at risk of breast cancer, and your risk increases if you are 50 years of age or older, and/or your mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer. The best way to protect yourself from breast cancer is to do a monthly breast self-examination or go for regular mammograms.
Cervical cancer is the 10th most common female cancer in Singapore. About 190 cases are diagnosed every year. Early cervical cancer may present with no symptoms. The best protection against cervical cancer is to go for regular cervical cancer screening.
Colorectal cancer is the top cancer affecting men and the 2nd most common cancer affecting women in Singapore. Screening tests such as the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) and screening colonoscopy can help prevent it. Screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 50 years.
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, accounts for 1 – 2% of all cancers in Singapore. Of these, approximately two-thirds of cases are diagnosed in those over 65 years of age.
Larynx (throat) Cancer
Larynx or laryngeal cancer affects the cells lining the larynx or voice box. It is 9 times more common in men than in women and associated with smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol.
Liver cancer begins in the cells of your liver, a football-sized organ that sits in the upper right portion of your abdomen, beneath your diaphragm and above your stomach. In Singapore, 2,753 cases of liver cancer were reported between 2014 and 2018. Liver cancer is the 4th most common cancer in both men, and the third most likely to kill. It is also the 5th most common cause of cancer death in women.
Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer death for men and the 3rd most common cause of cancer death for women in Singapore. People who are above 40 years old, are a tobacco smoker, or have family members that have lung cancer have the highest risk of getting lung cancer.
Nasopharynx cancer is more common in men. In Singapore, nasopharynx cancer is the 9th most common cancer in men, usually affecting adults between 34 and 55 years of age. It is 20 – 30 times more common in those of Chinese descent.
Ovarian cancer is the 6th most common cancer affecting women in Singapore. It is more common in women who started menstruating at an early age, got pregnant at a young age or menopause at a late stage, suffer from endometriosis or have been on hormone replacement therapy for more than 5 years.
In Singapore, pancreatic cancer is the 5th and 4th most common cause of cancer death among men and women, respectively. Between 2014 and 2018, 1,119 cases were diagnosed.
Prostate cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in Singapore, mainly affecting older men above 65 years of age. Early detection through prostate cancer screening can help reduce mortality.
Stomach (gastric) Cancer
Stomach or gastric cancer is the 7th most common cancer in men and the 9th most common cancer in women in Singapore. On average, it is responsible for 300 deaths every year. In many cases, stomach cancer is asymptomatic in its early stages, causing many patients to present at a late or advanced stage.
Thyroid cancer is more common in women. In Singapore, it is the 8th most common cancer diagnosed in women, accounting for 3.9% of diagnosed cases between 2015 and 2019.