The 365 Cancer Prevention Society (365CPS) is actively emphasising the importance of early gastric cancer identification with its "Stay CLEAR of Gastric Cancer" campaign, which will provide free screenings to eligible persons from October to November 2024. This promotion, currently in its third year, targets those over the age of 40, particularly those with blue or orange CHAS cards, and encourages them to sign up for screenings through the Society's website before November 30, 2024. The campaign's goal is to reduce the number of deaths from late-stage stomach cancer by promoting early detection.
Gastric cancer, often known as stomach cancer, begins with abnormal cell proliferation in the stomach's inner layer. If not treated, malignant cells can migrate to deeper layers, lymph nodes, and even distant organs such as the liver and lungs. According to the Singapore Cancer Registry 2022 Annual Report, roughly 600 new instances of gastric cancer are detected each year, making it the eighth most prevalent cancer in men and tenth among women. Unfortunately, stomach cancer typically goes undiagnosed, with signs such as indigestion, bloating, or black stools developing only later on.
In Singapore, individuals diagnosed with stage one stomach cancer had a 90% survival probability, however this figure falls rapidly to fewer than 20% for those diagnosed with stage four. This sharp contrast emphasises the significance of early detection, as late-stage diagnosis contributes considerably to the cancer's local fatality rate of 53%. Gastric cancer kills an estimated 800,000 people worldwide each year, emphasising the importance of routine screening.
Certain variables raise the risk of acquiring stomach cancer. These include being male, being 50 or older, having a family history of the condition, or having Helicobacter pylori infection, which can result in peptic ulcers and stomach cancer. For at-risk adults, stomach cancer screening is straightforward and non-invasive, requiring only a brief blood test. This project by 365CPS offers an important chance for early detection, potentially saving lives.
Mr. Andrew Soh, Assistant Director of Fundraising, Marketing, and Volunteer Management at 365CPS, encourages at-risk adults to participate in the campaign and receive annual stomach cancer screenings. This allows people to catch the disease early and live a healthy life. He observes that the usual way of identifying stomach cancer via endoscopy is frequently regarded as intrusive and expensive, making the GASTROClear blood test a more accessible option.
Diet plays an important part in preventing stomach cancer. According to 365CPS dietician Ms. Ng Jing Wen, eating a well-balanced diet with fewer salted and preserved foods, as well as eating more fruits and vegetables high in vitamins, will help minimise the risk of contracting this cancer.
Eligible persons can participate in the "Stay CLEAR of Gastric Cancer" screening initiative, which can be signed up for on the 365CPS website. Participants will first undergo a pre-screening consultation, followed by a GASTROClear blood test. If any abnormalities develop, more testing or treatments will be indicated.
The public can also help by donating to the 365 Cancer Prevention Society via numerous outlets. Contributions ranging from $30 to $300 can help fund various components of the campaign, such as covering consultation fees or entirely supporting a beneficiary's exam. All donations are eligible for 250% tax reduction, and any extra monies will be used to further the Society's cancer prevention objective.
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