Cancer Care

Brain Tumors

A brain tumor is the abnormal growth of cells in or near your brain. Brain tumors may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). However, regardless of whether they are cancerous or not, brain tumors can grow large enough to press on surrounding nerves, tissues and blood vessels, impacting brain function and your health.

Types of Brain Tumors

There are several types of brain tumors, benign brain tumors tend to be slow-growing brain tumors while malignant brain tumors tend to be fast-growing brain tumors. Some types of brain tumors include:

Gliomas and related brain tumors: Approximately 78% of malignant brain tumors are gliomas, tumors which develop in the glial cells. Types of gliomas include astrocytoma, the most common type of glioma and form in the astrocytes, and ependymomas which develop from ependymal cells.
Choroid plexus tumors: This type of brain tumor starts in cells that make the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. While the tumor can happen at any age, it most commonly occurs in children under 2 years old.
Meningiomas: Meningiomas tend to develop slowly and form in the meninges, the layers of tissue that protect your brain and spinal cord.
Chordomas: Chordomas typically begin at the base of your skull and the bottom of your spine. They are slow-growing and are mostly benign.

Signs and Symptoms

Whether cancerous or not, brain tumors can cause serious problems if it grow large enough over time and press on brain tissue. Brain tumors can cause problems by:

Invading and destroying healthy brain tissue
Putting pressure on brain tissue
Increasing pressure within your skull
Causing the build-up of fluid in your brain
Causing bleeding in your brain

Depending on where the tumor develops, you may experience the following symptoms:

Weakness and fatigue
Difficulty walking
Problems with balance
Partial or complete vision loss
Difficulty understanding or using language
Issues with your memory

Life After Cancer: Navigating Survivorship in the 21st Century

Learn more about what to expect with post-cancer care and what to expect during your post-cancer treatment with Medical Oncologist Dr. John Chia and Radiation Oncologist Dr. David Tan.
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Understanding Cancer: Your Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support

Advancements in medical technology today offer hope despite the rising incidence of cancer worldwide. With a comprehensive approach to cancer care, including support from experienced clinical oncologists, specialists, and healthcare professionals, many cancers may be effectively treated or managed.

Empowering Yourself with Knowledge

This resource provides information about cancer, including:

Types of Cancer: Learn about different forms of cancer and their specific characteristics.
Early Detection: Understand the importance of cancer screening for early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.
Treatment Options: Explore various cancer treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Financial Assistance: Discover available financial aid options to help manage the cost of cancer care.
Reducing Your Risk: Learn about lifestyle factors and preventive measures to minimize your cancer risk.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Normally, the body replaces old or damaged cells with new ones. However, genetic mutations or other factors can disrupt this process, leading to the formation of abnormal cells that multiply uncontrollably and form tumors.

Types of Tumors:

Benign Tumors: Non-cancerous tumors that do not spread to other parts of the body.
Malignant Tumors: Cancerous tumors that can spread to other parts of the body, also known as metastasis.

What Causes Cancer?

Cancer is caused by a complex interplay of factors, including:

Non-Modifiable Factors: Age, family history, and inherited genetic mutations.
Modifiable Factors:
- Lifestyle: Diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
- Environmental Exposures: Radiation, ultraviolet rays, pollutants, and certain viruses and bacteria.

Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer symptoms vary depending on the type and location. However, some general signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Swelling or lumps
Skin changes
Persistent cough or headaches
Unusual bleeding or bruising

Important Note: These symptoms may also be indicative of other health conditions. Speak to our Specialists today for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Common Cancers in Singapore

Men
Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer and rectal cancer, and is a disease in which the cells in the colon and rectum mutate and change.

Prostate cancer occurs specifically in the prostate, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, where cells mutate to form tumors that may be localized or spread to nearby tissues.

Lung cancer is a disease in which cells in the lungs mutate to form tumors that interfere with the lung's primary function of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.
Women
Breast cancer develops in breast tissue where tumors form, and most breast cancers begin in the ducts and glands of breasts.

Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer and rectal cancer and is a disease in which the cells in the colon and rectum mutate and change.

Lung cancer is a disease in which cells in the lungs mutate to form tumors that interfere with the lung's primary function of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide,

Cancer Treatment Goals

Complete tumor removal.
Prevention of cancer recurrence or spread.
Symptom management and palliative care.

Cancer Prevention

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, you may reduce your risk by:

Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet.
Getting regular exercise.
Undergoing recommended cancer screenings.
Getting vaccinated against certain cancer-causing viruses (e.g., HPV).

Farrer Park Cancer Care is supported by a panel of multi-disciplinary oncology experts to guide patients and their caregivers on their cancer journey; using innovative approaches to cancer treatments with new technologies, personalized care plans and therapies.

From understanding a cancer diagnosis to deciding on a treatment plan, we are here to meet the spectrum of needs required by our patients, providing them with clinical care and working together to make informed decisions as we navigate with them through the disease into remission.

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