Top Cancers in Singapore and How to Beat Them!

Cancer survivor wearing a head covering and sitting in a wheelchair at home, representing recovery and survivorship related to the most common cancer in Singapore.

Cancer is a health concern globally, and Singapore is no exception. According to the Singapore Cancer Registry, more than 91,000 cancer cases were diagnosed in Singapore between 2019 and 2023, reflecting the growing need to improve cancer awareness and early detection.

Understanding the most common cancers in Singapore helps individuals recognise potential risks, identify symptoms, and promptly seek medical advice when needed. Early detection plays a key role in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Patients present with a wide range of cancer types and stages, each requiring careful evaluation and management. At the National Cancer Centre Singapore, care involves cancer diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up support, with multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals working together to address the medical, psychosocial needs and overall wellbeing of the patient.

While cancer can affect anyone, certain cancers occur more frequently within the local population. Learning about the most common cancers in Singapore can help individuals be aware so that they make informed decisions about their health, participate in recommended screening programmes and seek medical advice early if they have symptoms that cause concern.

Key Takeaways

The most common cancers in Singapore include breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer.
These cancers affect different age groups and may develop due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Early symptoms may be subtle, which is why recommended national screening programmes are important for early detection.
Many cancers can be treated effectively when detected early.
Awareness, preventive health measures, and timely medical consultation play a critical role in cancer control.

Why Understanding The Most Common Cancer In Singapore Matters

Cancer patterns for each country vary according to lifestyle, genetic and environmental factors. Public health agencies monitor cancer trends to guide screening programmes and prevention strategies.

In Singapore, the Singapore Cancer Registry highlights certain cancers that are more prevalent in our population. Recognising the most common cancers in Singapore enables the Ministry of Health and healthcare providers to plan targeted cancer awareness campaigns and screening programmes for the population.

Early detection enables:

Less intensive treatment in some cases
Improved treatment outcomes
Higher survival rates and long-term quality of life

Screening programmes for common cancers are available to help early detection.

The Top Cancers In Singapore

Below is an overview of four cancers frequently diagnosed in Singapore and how screening or diagnostic tests can support early detection.

Cancer Type	Who It Commonly Affects	Key Risk Factors	Early Detection Approach
Breast Cancer	Mostly women, especially after age 40	Family history, genetics, lifestyle, hormone exposure	Breast self-examination, and mammogram screening
Colorectal Cancer	Both men and women, usually after age 50	Diet, lifestyle, genetics	Stool tests and colonoscopy
Lung Cancer	More common in adults above 40	Smoking, environmental exposure	Imaging scans and clinical evaluation when there are symptoms of concern
Prostate Cancer	Men, especially those after age 50	Age, family history, obesity	Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal examination when there are symptoms of concern

Each of these cancers has unique characteristics, but awareness and early detection remain key to improving outcomes.

Breast Cancer: The Most Common Cancer Among Women In Singapore

Woman holding a pink ribbon on her chest to raise awareness of breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in Singapore.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in Singaporean women. About 1 in 12 women in Singapore is likely to develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase the risk of developing breast cancer:

Family history of breast cancer
Hormonal influences
Increasing age
Certain genetic mutations
Lifestyle factors such as obesity or excessive alcohol consumption

However, many women diagnosed with breast cancer may not have obvious risk factors.

Early Signs

Early breast cancer may not cause symptoms, but possible warning signs include:

A new or persistent lump in the breast or underarm
Change in colour or appearance of the skin of the breast, e.g., dimpling or redness
Nipple discharge

Regular mammogram screening can detect breast cancer early before symptoms appear.

Colorectal Cancer: One Of The Leading Cancers In Singapore

Doctor holding anatomical models of the stomach and intestines to explain digestive cancers, which are among the most common cancers in Singapore.

Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum and is one of the most common cancers in Singapore among both men and women. National cancer statistics indicate that colorectal cancer affects around 45 out of every 100,000 people in Singapore each year.

This cancer often develops slowly from precancerous growths called polyps in the colon or rectum.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
Blood in the stool
Persistent abdominal discomfort or bloating
Unexplained severe weight loss
Fatigue

Because early stages may produce few symptoms, screening is important.

Screening Recommendations

Screening options may include:

Colonoscopy
Faecal immunochemical tests (FIT)

In Singapore, colorectal cancer screening is recommended from the age of 50, although earlier screening may be recommended at a younger age for individuals with higher risk.

Lung Cancer: A Major Cause Of Cancer Mortality

Lung cancer is one of the more common cancers in Singapore. Smoking remains the leading risk factor, although lung cancer can also occur in non-smokers.

Risk Factors

Key risk factors include:

Tobacco smoking
Secondhand smoke exposure
Air pollution
Occupational exposure to certain chemicals

Symptoms To Watch For

Lung cancer symptoms may include:

Persistent cough
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Blood in the sputum
Unexplained weight loss

Because symptoms often appear later in the disease, medical evaluation for persistent respiratory symptoms is important.

Prostate Cancer: A Common Cancer Among Men

Prostate cancer develops in the cells of the prostate, a gland which is part of the male reproductive system. It is one of the most common cancers affecting men in Singapore.

Risk Factors

Prostate cancer risk increases with:

Age
Family history
Obesity

Most prostate cancers develop slowly, though some forms can be more aggressive.

Possible Symptoms

Early prostate cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

Difficulty urinating
Weak urine flow
Frequent urination at night
Blood in urine

Medical consultation is recommended if these symptoms appear.

How Early Detection Helps Beat Common Cancers In Singapore

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Singapore, accounting for nearly three in ten deaths each year, according to the Ministry of Health.

Early detection plays a critical role in improving treatment outcomes for cancer. Screening programmes are designed to detect cancer at an early stage or before symptoms develop when treatment is more effective.

Recommended Screening
Mammogram screening for breast cancer
Colonoscopy or stool testing for colorectal cancer
Medical evaluation of persistent respiratory symptoms for lung cancer
PSA testing for prostate health when appropriate

Healthy lifestyle choices may also support cancer prevention. These include:

Maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding ultra-processed food
Doing regular exercise
Avoiding tobacco use
Limiting alcohol consumption

While these measures cannot eliminate risk entirely, they can help to minimise cancer risk and contribute to overall health.

Addressing The Most Common Cancers In Singapore Through Awareness And Care

Understanding the most common cancers in Singapore helps individuals recognise potential warning signs and seek medical attention early. Although cancer remains a complex disease, advances in medical research, screening, and treatment have improved treatment outcomes and survival.

At the National Cancer Centre Singapore, we provide comprehensive cancer care that includes diagnosis, personalised treatment, support and long-term survivorship care. Our multidisciplinary healthcare teams work closely with patients and families to guide them through every stage of the cancer journey.

If you have health concerns or wish to learn more about cancer screening, consulting a healthcare professional can help you make informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cancer rates increasing in Singapore?
The incidence of cancer in Singapore has increased due to an ageing population and improved awareness and cancer detection methods. Early diagnosis and improved treatments have also helped increase survival rates.
Is cancer always hereditary?
Most cancers are not inherited. While some cancers are linked to genetic mutations passed through families, many occur due to a combination of environmental and lifestyle factors.
Can young people develop common cancers in Singapore?
Although many cancers occur more often in older adults, certain cancers such as breast cancer or testicular cancer can also affect younger people. Persistent symptoms should always be promptly assessed by a healthcare professional regardless of age.
Are cancer screenings covered in Singapore?
Subsidised health screening programmes for breast, colorectal and cervical cancers are available for Singapore citizens who meet specific age criteria. Individuals can consult polyclinics or participating CHAS GP clinics to determine appropriate screening options.
Does early-stage cancer always require aggressive treatment?
Treatment plans depend on the type of cancer, stage, and overall health of the patient. Some early cancers may be treated with less intensive therapies when detected early.