Oncologist talks about prevention, early detection
THE thought of being diagnosed with cancer is daunting.
We are more terrified of the idea that life is but a passing moment than we are of having abnormalities within our bodies.
The fragility of our being, along with thoughts of numbered days, is what frightens us.
In 2020, there were 29,530 cancer-related fatalities in Malaysia.
According to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, the three most common cancers diagnosed in Malaysia are breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer.
With 48,639 diagnosed cases in 2020, the percentages of each top cancer are as follows: breast cancer (17.3 per cent), colorectal cancer (13.6 per cent), and lung cancer (10.6 per cent).
Dr Zee Ying Kiat, Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology at Singapore Parkway Cancer Centre, said that cancer is a condition that occurs when our normal cells obtain the ability to divide uncontrollably.
“When cancer develops, it can attack surrounding normal and healthy tissues in our body. Cancer cells can also enter our bloodstream and travel to faraway places. These are some of the key features of cancer cells,” he said.
Prevention is better than cure
Given the extent of the problem in today’s society, Dr Zee is frequently asked if cancer can be prevented.
“The answer is yes. Fortunately, one in every three cancers can be prevented. How? Just by making basic dietary and lifestyle changes.”
He suggests the following approaches for cancer prevention:
• Diet – Consume more fruits and vegetables. Reduce your intake of processed foods and saturated fats.
• Daily lifestyle habits — Avoid smoking and engage in regular exercise to maintain a healthy body weight.
• Limit alcohol consumption, which can contribute to both liver disease and liver cancer.
While these are only a few of the dietary and lifestyle changes that might help reduce the risk, the oncologist also mentioned that avoiding certain infections can also help prevent cancer.
For example, preventing viral hepatitis B infection, which can be transmitted sexually or through contaminated blood, helps prevent both liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
“Another significant virus is the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), which, if infected, increases a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer,” he said.
Early detection is vital
In today’s Asian community, visiting a medical centre without being sick is frowned upon as it may bring bad luck. However, going to a hospital or clinic for a health screening is vital.
Dr Zee said that cancer screening can be a form of prevention.
“Screening aims to detect cancer even when there are no symptoms. By screening, we hope to detect cancer in its early stages, before it causes symptoms. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment will be.”
With the many methods available, Dr Zee used colon cancer screening as an example.
“We can detect blood in the stool by performing a stool test. If something is discovered, we can conduct further testing by performing a colonoscopy. If cancer is found, hopefully at an earlier stage, we can provide more effective treatment to increase the patient’s chances of survival.
“Furthermore, polyps are sometimes discovered during colonoscopy. Polyps are pre-cancerous, which means that if left alone, they have the potential to develop into cancer in the future. So, if polyps are discovered during a colonoscopy, doctors would remove them to prevent them from developing into cancer,” he said.
Another method of cancer screening is to take an X-ray of the breast, known as a mammogram.
Dr Zee, who is also a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, said mammograms can detect cancerous lumps in the breast even before the lump can be detected by touch.
Mammograms aim at detecting breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment is usually more effective.
Treating cancer
With over 20 years of experience in the medical field, the oncologist recalls how treatment methods were limited when he was a medical student in the 1990s.
These included surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Today’s list includes a slew of targeted therapies and cancer immunotherapies, as well as advancements in surgical and radiotherapy techniques.
This has resulted in better outcomes for cancer patients, including those in advanced stages.
The founding member of the Hepatopancreatobiliary Association of Singapore also said doctors usually combine different treatments for their patients in the hopes of attaining the greatest outcome.
“What everyone should understand is that a cancer diagnosis is not always a death sentence. Cancer is highly treatable, especially if detected early. If there is a problem, it is best to seek help as soon as possible.”
The specialist advised those with a family history of cancer to speak with their doctors about the role of early cancer screening.
A meaningful task
Inspired by his father, who is a doctor, Dr Zee decided to become an oncologist after seeing many people who were in a vulnerable situation due to cancer.
“Cancer treatment in the 1990s was limited. Despite this, I saw how meaningful it was to be an oncologist. Even if a patient has advanced cancer for which there is no cure, treatment could substantially palliate their cancer by not only prolonging life but also maintaining quality of life.”
Following his medical degree, Dr Zee worked in various hospitals in the United Kingdom and Singapore. He also trained at The Christie Hospital and Paterson Institute for Cancer Research in Manchester, where his focus was on anti-cancer drug development.
“I believe that medical research is crucial in identifying new and improved treatments for patients, with the goal of improving outcomes with fewer side effects. The drugs we use today did not appear out of thin air. They are the result of a rigorous clinical trial process involving patients, doctors, nurses, and scientists.”
On a personal note, Dr Zee finds it extremely meaningful and satisfying to be able to improve the lives of patients.
Passionate about his work, Dr Zee adds, “As a doctor, I get to see the direct impact of my work and how it benefits others.”
