Detecting cancer early: it’s all in the signs

As famous actress-singer Ann Jillian once said, “There can be life after breast cancer. The prerequisite is early detection.”¹

Cancer has the highest mortality rates² amongst critical illnesses in Singapore. Specific to this critical illness, a low proportion of early-stage cancer diagnoses was attributed as a potential contributing factor for high mortality rates³ for some cancers.

So while it is often repeated, early detection can save lives, especially in the context of cancer. Knowing the signs can empower us to take action early and seek treatment if needed. In this article, let’s understand how we can detect cancer early and why it is crucial for better clinical outcomes.

Can cancer be detected and treated early?

As we mentioned briefly earlier: when it comes to cancer detection, earlier is indeed better. Cancer survival rates have improved significantly due to advancements in medical technology for screening and treatment. Early cancer detection could provide cancer patients with the best chance of survival⁴.  Cancer in its early stages is more treatable and curable and results in greater likelihood of successful treatment and in turn, chances of recovery. Early treatment also has financial benefits, as it lowers medical costs by reducing the resources required for care.

Early detection has enabled many people to recover from cancer, including some of our favourite actors and actresses. For example, Goodfellas actor Robert De Niro and Modern Family star Sofia Vergara were able to detect and treat their cancers early. In fact, Sir Ian McKellen of the X-Men films, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer and has since recovered, once said, “If it’s diagnosed early, it’s manageable.”

How can we detect cancer? How can health screenings help?

Although older people may be more susceptible, younger individuals are also at risk of developing health issues. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo regular health screenings to prevent any unpleasant surprises.

In the context of cancer, health screenings are important as they are designed to spot changes or abnormalities in the body that could indicate the presence of cancer. It is essential to go for regular screenings as a one-off screening will only pick up abnormalities present at the time of screening. According to Ministry of Health, health screenings are recommended to be done once a year or once in two or three years, or when a person reaches a certain age⁵. A basic health screening typically has several components and tests that can help identify any health issues, including cancer, and provide warning signs of potential issues that you can take preventive action for.

Apart from health screenings and check-ups, paying attention to physical changes can also help you determine if there might be a potential health issue as well.

What are the early signs and symptoms for the most common cancers in Singapore?

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Singapore, with 12,303 women³ diagnosed with the disease between 2016 and 2020. More than 90% of the cases are detected early⁶. However, there is a risk of cancer recurring. According to National University Cancer Institute, at least 30% of early breast cancer cases face a high risk of recurring⁷. A woman’s risk for breast cancer is also higher if she has a family member who had breast or ovarian cancer.

According to Singhealth⁸, there may be no symptoms in the early phase when breast cancer first develops. However, as the cancer grows, signs and symptoms include persistent lump or thickening in the breast, redness or change in the size or shape of the breast. Other symptoms observed include bloody discharge from the nipple, or a persistent rash in the nipple.

One of the best ways to catch breast cancer early is by having mammograms once every two year after age 50, or annually from 40 onwards, if decided by your doctor⁹. A mammogram is a breast X-ray and is the best breast cancer screening that can detect a tumour before symptoms appear or you can feel it. You can also perform a self-examination.

Colorectal and rectum cancer

Colorectal and rectum cancer, sometimes known as colon cancer, is the most common cancer in males and the second most common cancer in females, with 6,513 men and 5,364 women³ diagnosed between 2016 and 2020. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer deaths³ in both genders.

Many people with colorectal cancer do not experience symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, in later stages, some cancer symptoms¹⁰ that people have experienced include blood in the stools, persistent abdominal discomfort or pain, change in the consistency or calibre of stools, and general abdominal discomfort.

Colorectal and rectum cancer can be screened and detected by several tests, such as colonoscopy and stool tests¹¹. People aged 50 and above are advised to go for regular screening for colorectal and rectum cancer.

Prostate cancer

Perhaps one of the more well-known cancers, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in males, where 6,283 cases of prostate cancer³ were diagnosed in Singapore between 2016 to 2020.

According to SingHealth, early stages of prostate cancer are usually asymptomatic but more advanced stages of prostate cancer may present symptoms¹² including frequent urination, weak and interrupted urinary stream, blood in urine, and difficulty in passing urine.

Prostate cancer can be diagnosed through a digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, transrectal ultrasound scan, biopsy and other diagnostic tests¹².

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in Singapore, with 5,368 males and 3,252 females³ diagnosed with the disease between 2016 and 2020.

There may be no noticeable symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer. However, as the cancer develops into a more advanced stage, common symptoms experienced¹³ can include persistent cough, blood in phlegm, recurring chest infection and fever, shortness of breath, constant chest pain and weight loss.

Lung cancer is typically diagnosed through imaging and diagnostic tests, such as chest X-ray and computerised tomography (CT) scan, bronchoscopy or needle biopsy¹³.

Safeguarding yourself

Early detection and screening are often regarded as the best means of achieving positive treatment outcomes. It’s also recommended to undergo screening tests. In Singapore, you may be eligible for complimentary tests such as pap smear, mammogram, or faecal immunochemical test.

A cancer diagnosis not only brings emotional distress but also financial burden due to the high treatment costs. Having cancer insurance can significantly reduce this financial load for the patient and their family during such difficult times.

For example, a comprehensive plan might include pre-early cancer coverage, such as the FWD Cancer 2.0 insurance, which offers payout if a specialist doctor recommends the removal of a benign tumour or has diagnosed a borderline malignant tumour. After a first claim for any stage of cancer, you can continue to enjoy coverage for new or recurring late-stage cancer¹⁴.

Alternatively, there are also more affordable plans that cover 90% of all critical illness claims in Singapore¹⁵. This includes FWD Big 3 Critical Illness insurance, a plan that provides 100% payout upon diagnosis of cancer, heart attack, or stroke.