CanHOPE is a non-profit cancer counselling and support service provided by Parkway Cancer Centre, Singapore.
ABOUT CANCER
What is Cancer?
When the genetic material (DNA) of a cell becomes damaged or changed, it produces mutations that affect normal cell growth and division. When this happens, cells do not die when they should and new cells form when the body does not need them. The extra cells may form a mass of tissue called a tumour. When these tumours becomes malignant, they become cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body.
Key Facts
An estimate of 9.7 million people have died from cancer in 2022
1 in 9 men & 1 in 12 women die from cancer
Most common cancers are Lung, Breast, Colorectal, Prostate, Skin Cancer (non-melanoma) and Stomach
*STATISTICS TAKEN FROM WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO)
What Causes Cancer?
Cancer arises from the transformation of normal cells into tumour cells in a multistage process that generally progresses from a pre-cancerous lesion to a malignant tumour. These changes are the result of the interaction between a person’s genetic factors and 3 categories of external agents, including:
Physical carcinogens, such as ultraviolet and ionizing radiation
Chemical carcinogens, such as asbestos, components of tobacco smoke, aflatoxin (a food contaminant), and arsenic (a drinking water contaminant)
Biological carcinogens, such as infections from certain viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
Ageing is another fundamental factor for the development of cancer. The incidence of cancer rises dramatically with age, most likely due to a build-up of risks for specific cancers that increase with age. The overall risk accumulation is combined with the tendency for cellular repair mechanisms to be less effective as a person grows older.
Risk Factors
Tobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity are major cancer risk factors worldwide
Hepatitis B and C virus and some types of HPV increase the risk for liver and cervical cancer, respectively
Modifying or avoiding key risk factors can significantly reduce the burden of cancer
Screening and Prevention
30-50% of cancers are preventable by healthy lifestyle choices
Early cancer detection and treatment can reduce cancer deaths
Some of the most common cancer types, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer and colorectal cancer have high cure rates when detected early and treated according to best practices
Wall of Hope
I’M A SURVIVOR My name is Andi and I'm a cancer survivor.Back in 2004 when I was 16 yo, I was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma, it was at the right side of my buttock. Surgery, radiation and also chemotherapy was done at that time. Then in 2009 it relapsed around the same area. In 2022 it relapsed on my right thigh, and again in 2024 it relapsed this time on my left thigh with different type of cancer. Be thankful to GOD, and always believe that He is able to heal us and help us. Andi IN MEMORY OF she touched our lives with her kindness, and no nonsence personality, she will be and is already greatly missed. Karri Hammond IN MEMORY OF Papa, although you’ve passed on 7 years you are still fondly remembered. You’ve taught me many things eg being brave to drive on the road when I got my driving licence and keeping the family together especially during your last stage of life. The many weekends and days that we spent visiting you at the hospice and nursing home helped to bring our family closer. Appreciating family relationships and a good bonding time for all of us. May you be well and happy. 🌷 Papa Chua CT IN MEMORY OF Thanks for all the memories! You are a warrior! IN HONOUR OF You fought hard my dear. You did well! Nicole I’M A SURVIVOR Diagnosed breast cancer in 2010, mastectomy was done, undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy and also oral. Lucky to have so many friends and family members around me, who gave me so much hope and encouragement. Also attended the CanHOPE support group, where we shared experiences during the sharing session. I also assist to set up Line Dancing sessions for cancer patients since 2011 till now. Stay happy and positive. Patricia Tham Lai Kuan IN MEMORY OF Those we have lost IN HONOUR OF All Survivors. Continue the fight! IN HONOUR OF Jamilah A. I’M A SURVIVOR Cancer very disruptive!! Turned my life upside down. From a focused and down-to-earthperson, I became someone lacking in confident, confused and full of emotions. I hated theword “Strong”. “Be strong”, “Stay strong”, “You are strong”, “Thought you are strong”, blah,blah…. Never an easy journey!!But when you trust, submit and be a true slave to the only ONE, things will get easier. Seekhelp. Make authentic decision for yourself and no one else. Never give up HOPE!! Rose