No two cancers are the same. At Farrer Park Hospital Cancer Care, your treatment is built around your specific cancer type, stage, and personal circumstances. Our multidisciplinary teams — oncologist, surgeon, radiologist, pathologist, and allied health professionals — are aligned on your care plan and are with you every step of your recovery journey.
Our oncology specialists and surgical team are experienced across the full spectrum of cancer types, including:
| Common Cancers | Specialist Cancers |
| Colorectal cancer | Lymphoma and leukaemia |
| Breast cancer | Pancreatic cancer |
| Lung cancer | Oesophageal cancer |
| Prostate cancer | Kidney cancer |
| Liver cancer | Ovarian cancer |
| Stomach cancer | Head and neck cancer |
| Cervical cancer | Soft Tissue Sarcoma |
| Thyroid cancer | Brain tumors |
| Uterine cancer | Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma) |
| Bladder cancer | Metastatic cancers |
The cancer recovery journey moves through stages — getting your diagnosis, starting treatment, managing treatment side effects, rebuilding physical strength, attending follow-up appointments, and adjusting to life beyond diagnosis. Every patient's path is different and each stage requires a different kind of support. What stays constant is the continuous, coordinated care from our care team, at every step.
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Before any treatment is recommended, our team conducts a thorough assessment using the most appropriate combination of the following:
Imaging and Scanning
• CT scan (computed tomography)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• PET-CT scan (positron emission tomography)
• Ultrasound
• Mammography
• X-ray
Farrer Park Hospital's Diagnostic Imaging Suite is equipped with AI-powered imaging services to assist your care team in making clinical decisions at every stage of your journey.
Laboratory and Pathology
• Blood tumor markers
• Biopsy (tissue sampling)
• Histopathology
• Molecular and genetic testing
• Liquid biopsy
Endoscopic Procedures
• Colonoscopy (colorectal cancer)
• Gastroscopy (upper GI cancers)
• Bronchoscopy (lung cancer)
Cancer treatment at Farrer Park Hospital is planned by a multidisciplinary team and tailored to your specific cancer type, stage, and overall health. The most common approaches are described below, and many patients receive a combination of treatments.
Surgery
Surgical removal of a tumor is often the primary treatment for solid cancers when the cancer is localised. Our surgical oncologists are experienced in both conventional open surgery and minimally invasive techniques — laparoscopic (keyhole) and robotic-assisted procedures — which typically result in smaller incisions, less post-operative pain, and faster recovery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It may be used as a primary treatment, before surgery to shrink a tumor (neoadjuvant), after surgery to reduce recurrence risk (adjuvant), or in combination with radiation therapy. Our oncology nurses and support team manage treatment in a dedicated environment designed for patient comfort.
Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy)
Radiotherapy uses precisely targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells. Advanced techniques available at or through Farrer Park Hospital include:
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy works by activating the body's own immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. It has shown strong results in certain cancer types — including lung cancer, melanoma, and some colorectal cancers — particularly where conventional chemotherapy has limited efficacy. Your oncologist will advise whether immunotherapy is appropriate for your cancer type and profile.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs that attack specific proteins or genetic mutations in cancer cells, leaving healthy cells less affected than conventional chemotherapy. It is particularly relevant for cancers where molecular testing reveals a targetable mutation — including certain breast, lung, and colorectal cancers.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is used for cancers that are driven by hormones — most commonly breast cancer and prostate cancer. It works by blocking the body's production of certain hormones or preventing cancer cells from using them.
Palliative Care
For patients where curative treatment is not the goal, palliative care focuses on symptom management, quality of life, and support for both patient and family.
Cancer is most treatable when found early — often before symptoms appear. The following screening tests are recommended based on age and risk factors:
| Cancer Type | Recommended Screening |
| Colorectal cancer | FIT test (annually from age 50) or colonoscopy(every 10 years from age 50) |
| Breast cancer | Annual mammogram from age 40–49; every 2 years from age 50 |
| Cervical cancer | Pap smear every 3 years from age 25; HPV test every 5 years from age 30 |
| Prostate cancer | PSA blood test from age 50 (or age 40 with family history) |
| Lung cancer | Low-dose CT for high-risk individuals (age 50–80, heavy smokers) |
If you have a family history of cancer, have been experiencing unexplained symptoms, or simply want to understand your risk profile, our specialists can advise on the most appropriate screening plan for you.
A cancer diagnosis affects far more than the body. Our care model includes a dedicated support team alongside the clinical team.
Nutritional Support
Our dietitians provide personalised nutritional guidance tailored to your cancer type and treatment regimen. Maintaining good nutrition during cancer treatment is directly linked to treatment tolerance and recovery outcomes.
Psychological Support and Counselling
Our counsellors and medical social workers are experienced in the emotional and psychological challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. Support is available for patients and their families throughout the treatment journey.
Rehabilitation
Our Rehab Centre provides physiotherapy and occupational therapy for patients managing the physical effects of cancer and treatment — including fatigue, lymphoedema, post-surgical recovery, and the management of treatment side effects.
Singapore is one of Asia's leading destinations for medical travel, and Farrer Park Hospital is experienced in coordinating care for patients from across the region — Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, India, Bangladesh, and beyond.
Our International Patient Services team assists with appointment scheduling, insurance and billing documentation, accommodation arrangements, and translation services. Many international patients choose Singapore for cancer care because of the combination of clinical expertise, advanced technology, and English-language communication.
To enquire about international patient services, contact us at [email protected]
What cancers does Farrer Park Hospital treat?
Our oncology team treats all major cancer types including colorectal, breast, lung, prostate, liver, gastric, thyroid, cervical, lymphoma, and rare cancers.
How do I make an appointment with an oncologist at Farrer Park Hospital?
You can make an appointment directly through our website, call (65) 6363 1818, or ask your GP for a referral letter. A referral is not required to see a specialist at Farrer Park Hospital. Alternatively, you can find a Cancer Specialist from our panel of specialists.
Do I need a referral to see a cancer specialist?
No. You can make a direct appointment with our oncology specialists at Farrer Park Medical Centre. If you have been referred by another doctor, please bring your referral letter, along with any existing reports or scans.
How long does cancer diagnosis take?
It depends on the cancer type and the investigations needed. Less complex cases with existing scans and biopsy results can be assessed in a single consultation. More complex cases requiring new imaging or pathology typically take several days to two weeks for a complete diagnostic assessment.
Can I use MediShield Life or an Integrated Shield Plan for cancer treatment?
Yes. Cancer treatment at Farrer Park Hospital is covered by MediShield Life and most Integrated Shield Plans. Our Admission and Discharge team can assist with pre-admission matters, such as financial counselling, LOG matters and pre-authorisation certification. For enquiries, please email [email protected].
What is the difference between chemotherapy and immunotherapy?
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells directly, affecting both cancerous and some healthy cells. Immunotherapy activates your own immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy typically has a different side effect profile and is used for specific cancer types. Your oncologist will advise on the most appropriate treatment for your diagnosis.
What happens after cancer treatment ends?
Your oncologist will put in place a follow-up plan — typically regular check-ups and scans at defined intervals to monitor for recurrence. Our rehab team, dietitians, and counsellors continue to support you through recovery and the transition back to normal life.
Can I get a second opinion on my cancer diagnosis?
Yes. We welcome patients seeking a second opinion and treat every consultation with the same thoroughness. Please bring all existing scans, biopsy reports, and treatment records to your appointment.
Is Farrer Park Hospital able to treat advanced or late-stage cancer?
Yes. Our oncology team has experience managing cancers at different stages and across multiple types, including metastatic disease. Treatment goals for advanced cancer may focus on disease control, symptom management, and quality of life.
