Cancer is the leading cause of mortality in many countries. Due to the latest technology and innovations, there are several ways to stop cancer from spreading. Some types of cancer are preventable or detectable. Many can be treated with early diagnosis and interventions.
National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) provides comprehensive clinical cancer genetic testing to identify individuals at risk of hereditary cancer syndromes across all tumour types. However, low uptake of genetic testing is reported in Asia. At NCCS, there is concern that removing the availability of subsidies could potentially diminish the uptake rate of genetic testing in those who need it. Dr Ngeow et al. relay that efforts to increasing predictive testing rates and implementation of a formal subsidy programme are significant to impact public health. (Refer to 鈥淚mpact of Subsidies on Genetic Testing Uptake in Singapore: Is it Feasible?")
Dr Lim's article ("Cancer in Women: Trends in Singapore") highlights the increasing incidence of cancers such as breast, ovarian and uterine cancer in females. Despite having effective treatment, breast cancer is still the top cause of cancer death in women. Cervical cancer is the only cancer that has been decreasing in incidence in women in the last recent years.
With the advent of immunotherapy, advanced stage cancer patients are able to keep the disease in track without progression.
In Features section, there are also articles introducing osimertinib (a new drug for advanced lung cancer patients), various tools used by oncologists to fight against cancer and targeted therapies, etc.
Grab a copy of APBN February issue now for your leisure reading, and to keep up to date on news regarding the latest research and breakthroughs in health and biotechnology from all over the world.