Singaporeans Ignorant About Lung Cancer, The Deadliest No 1 Killer In Singapore, Says Survey Findings
Thursday, 01 November 2007
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Some even think cancer is contagious
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Female patients, including those who have never smoked, form a significant proportion of lung cancer patients |
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Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November 2007 to spread preventive health message
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Singapore, 01 November 2007 -
Singaporeans polled in a new survey on lung cancer, including as many as 4 in 10 respondents with first-hand experience with cancer survivors, or had themselves suffered from cancer, do not know even the basic facts of lung cancer despite it being the deadliest Number 1 killer cancer in Singapore.
These findings of 500 respondents in the survey, commissioned by the Singapore Cancer Society and the National Cancer Centre Singapore for the Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, is supported by AstraZeneca.
The survey findings showed:
- Over 60% of the 500 respondents do not know that lung cancer caused the highest number of cancer-related deaths in Singapore;
- About 50% thought that the cancer happened only to those with a family history of cancer;
- Over 20% thought that cancer was contagious and did not know even the basic symptoms of lung cancer;
- Only 5% knew that non smokers exposed to secondary smoke were at risk of lung cancer;
- Over 70% did not know that innovative treatments such an oral pill for lung cancer is available in Singapore
Dr Koong Heng Nung, acting Head of Surgical Oncology at the National Cancer Centre Singapore and Chairman of the Organising Committee for Lung Cancer Awareness Month said, “The survey findings actually surprised us all on just how very low public awareness is on even the basic facts of lung cancer. We will use our upcoming Lung Cancer Awareness Month, to communicate to the general public and particularly to smokers and the passive non smokers, that lung cancer is deadly and the No. 1 killer cancer in Singapore. It is preventable.”
Dr Koong said that even for patients with lung cancer, a cure is possible when diagnosed early. For some patients with advanced lung cancer, selected patients may benefit from newer treatments such as an oral pill, which can have fewer side effects. He said, ”We need more people in Singapore to know that they can significantly reduce their risk of lung cancer simply by refusing to smoke. We also want to educate on how to avoid the risks of lung cancer from secondary smoke.”
About National Cancer Centre Singapore
The National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) is premier cancer research and treatment facility in Singapore and in the region. It was established in 1997 and sees about 68 per cent of the public sector medical oncology cases and 74 per cent of radiation oncology cases. NCCS not only houses the most number of oncologists in Singapore but is also equipped with the largest number of equipment to provide the latest radiation oncology care in Singapore. For more information, visit NCCS website at www.nccs.com.sg.
About Singapore Cancer Society
Established in 1964, Singapore Cancer Society is a self-funding voluntary welfare organisation which has given free cancer care to thousands of needy patients through its welfare, hospice homecare and rehabilitation support programmes. In addition, the Society provides free cancer screening services and promotes cancer awareness and prevention through its public education programmes.
The Society does not receive any funds from the Community Chest, and depends on public contributions and support to carry on its good work for the community. For more information, visit NCCS website at www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales of $26.47 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory, oncology and infection products. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global) as well as the FTSE4 Good Index. For more information about AstraZeneca, please visit: www.astrazeneca.com.
For further information, please contact:
National Cancer Centre Singapore
Adeline Teo
Executive, Corporate Communications
National Cancer Centre Singapore
Tel. 62369429 / 81257251
dcctsf@nccs.com.sg
Carol Ang
Executive, Corporate Communications
Tel: 6236 9424 / 9845 5354
Carol.Ang.S.Y@nccs.com.sg
Singapore Cancer Society
Janet Ling
Assistant Manager, Marketing Communications
Tel: 6421 5819
janet_ling@singaporecancersociety.org.sg
Hill and Knowlton for Astra Zeneca
Tess Chia
Tel: 6390 3315 / 8168 8069
tess.chia@hillandknowlton.com.sg
For more details and photos on the above event, please click [here]. |
