- Cancer is when cells in the body change and grow out of control.
- In most types of cancer, the abnormal cells grow to form a lump or mass called a tumor.
General FAQ
1. What is cancer?
2. What causes cancer?
- The current understanding of what causes cancer is not complete and there is no single exact cause of cancer. Like many diseases, cancer develops gradually as a result of a combination of environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors.
- Examples are cigarettes, environmental toxins, sun exposure, or liver damage.
3. Is cancer contagious?
- No, cancer is not contagious. Cancer occurs as a result of out-of-control cell growth and; therefore can’t be spread from person to other person.
4. What are the symptoms of cancer?
- It’s important to note that the specific symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but here are some general signs that may indicate the presence of cancer:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained pain in any part of the body
- Fatigue
- Skin changes
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Persistent cough or hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent fever or night sweats
- Lumps or thickening
- Unexplained bleeding
5. What is cancer staging?
- The process of determining how far the cancer has spread. It is important to know the stage of the cancer before determining which treatment options are best.
- Most often, physicians use the TNM system for staging.
6. Can I exercise during treatment?
- Yes, exercise has been shown to be safe for people going through active cancer treatments. In fact, it can be one of the best ways to relieve some of the symptoms associated with your cancer or cancer treatment.
7. How to prevent cancer?
- Cancer can be prevented by establishing preventive methods including not smoking, preventing sun damage, practicing safe sexual behavior, eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet, and having regular.
- Pap tests would reduce the incidence of cancer.
- However, many people who develop cancer don’t have any known risk factors.
8. What are the most common types of cancer in Singapore?
- According to statistics from National Cancer Centre Singapore (source), prostate, colorectal and lung cancer are the most common cancers in males, while in females, it is breast colorectal and lung cancer.
9. Which cancer treatment is the most effective?
- At present, surgery is the most effective cancer treatment at an early stage of disease progression.
TCC Treatment Options
10. What are the treatment options The Cancer Centre offers?
- Standard types of treatment for cancer offered by The Cancer Centre include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biological therapy.
- Our medical oncologist will recommend the treatment methods according to the type and stage of cancer.
- If you have questions, or wonder if The Cancer Centre offers a certain diagnostic test or specific cancer treatment, please contact us at +65 6835 1000 or by email at [email protected]. You can also reach us at ‘Ask Us A Question’ section at the bottom of the website.
11. Does TCC have any clinical trials or research trials available for my type of cancer?
- Yes – when you are evaluated in our cancer clinic, your physician will discuss with you clinical trials that are most appropriate for your diagnosis and condition.
- No – unfortunately, we don’t provide any clinical trials but you will undergo several oncology consultations to come up with an accurate diagnosis and the best possible treatment options. Our oncologist will gather all available information, medical history, which includes any symptoms you’re experiencing.
12. How do I make an appointment at TCC?
- Kindly go to our contact us page to book an appointment.
14. How to do a screening at TCC?
- You can make an appointment with our specialists to first diagnose any issues or troubles you might be facing.
- Once diagnosed, the specialist will advise you on the required or necessary screening for your condition. At TCC Singapore, we offer customised cancer screening services, encompassing Urine / Stool Analysis, X-ray, Ultrasound scan, Pap smear, CT scan as well as genetic screening for BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. This genetic screening aims to identify specific genetic mutations or alterations that may increase the risk of developing cancer.
15. How long will my appointment take?
- The time varies from clinic to clinic, and from patient to patient. When scheduling your appointment, please feel free to ask how long it should take.
16. Do I need a second opinion?
- Cancer is often a confusing and frightening diagnosis.
- Many people refer to a few doctors or medical professionals before deciding. Asking for a second opinion is common practice.
- It may help you feel more comfortable with the health care decisions you make.
- Also helps you understand the disease better and options available for treatment.
- Call +65 6835 1000 where our experienced oncology nurses can assist you or your family members in deciding which of our specialists would be most appropriate for you to see for a second opinion.
17. How can I finance my cancer treatment?
- The Cancer Centre Singapore plays a proactive role in helping patients receive quality cancer care. We do have two types of financial help i.e. insurance and medisave.
- We work with a vast national network of insurance for local as well as international expatriates.
- Although our staff will help you get insurance authorization to receive treatment, you are responsible for understanding the terms of your health care plan. Call your insurance company to confirm that TCC is on their list of providers.
18. What is Medisave?
- Medisave is the national savings scheme which helps individuals put aside part of their income in their Medisave Accounts to meet their personal or their dependants’ hospitalization expenses, especially after retirement.
19. What is Medishield?
- MediShield Life is a fundamental health insurance program that offers Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents comprehensive and lifelong coverage against substantial healthcare expenses, without regard to age or health status.
20. How do I make a claim?
- TCC can help you with the process of utilizing Medisave for Medishield.
- You will need to bring the required documents such as photocopies and medisave account holder’s NRICS, type of plan and name of insurers, CPF Statement. Completed Medisave Authorisation Form for outpatient payment.
21. Can TCC support my Visa application?
- Contact us at +65 6835 1000 or by email at [email protected].
22. What do I need to prepare for my first appointment at TCC?
- Things to note before arrival
- New or referral patients are advised to bring their referral letter to the first consultation.
- Be sure to bring your insurance card and any of your medical records.
- Bring a list of your medications and allergies.
- We encourage you to take notes during your appointment. You can also write down your questions before the appointment.
- Ask a family member or friend to come with you to stay for the duration of your consultation and testing. A family member or friend can provide emotional support and be another set of ears in the room.
References
https://www.nccs.com.sg/patient-care/cancer-types/cancer-statistics
https://cancercentersocal.com/faqs/
https://hillman.upmc.com/patients/what-to-expect/faq
https://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/cancer/cancer-faq
https://www.sunwaycancercentre.com/frequently-asked-questions/
https://cccnevada.com/patient-resources/faq/
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=35&contentid=FAQGeneralCancer
https://www.rogelcancercenter.org/about/cancer-answer-line/frequently-asked-questions#second-opinion
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20370588