BUDDING ASPIRATIONS - National Cancer Centre Singapore

Issue No. 10 • MICA (P) 149/10/2009
AN NCCS BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION
May / June 2010
...HELPING READERS TO ACHIEVE GOOD HEALTH
Salubris is a Latin word which means healthy, in good condition (body) and wholesome.
BUDDING
ASPIRATIONS

PAGE A2
In Other Words
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
CATALYST FOR
THE GOOD AND BAD
In popular fiction, the typical plot often would
portray heroes with unique abilities who
can inflict a crippling blow to the antagonist.
Wishfully, this thought may cross the mind if only
the battle against cancer is this straightforward.
Indeed, working hard to make this wish come true is what Prof Kanaga Sabapathy
is doing in his approach to advancing the treatment outcomes for cancer.
The Principal Investigator from the Laboratory of Carcinogenesis at NCCS is
studying the origins of cancer and how it develops by understanding the basic
cellular mechanisms. He then introduces suitable ‘heroes’, or catalysts, to save the
ailing cells.
For the record, he has made inroads in his study on cancer-related proteins and how
they have been responsible for promoting tumour cell growth. One of the main focus
of his research is studying the master tumour suppressor protein p53, and its related
form p73, to shed further light on their traits and how they can be modulated for
better or for worst.
Essentially, p73 exists in two forms - TAp73 which has tumoursuppressing
properties like the p53; and DNp73 which has
oncogenic properties and promotes growth of cancer cells
(opposite to TAp73), by inhibiting p53 and TAp73.
“One could not hope for a better
mentor than Prof Sabapathy.
His enthusiasm and passion
for research can be quite
contagious...”
Mr Iqbal Dullo
In his study which was documented ‘The anti-apoptotic Delta Np73 is degraded in
a c-Jun-dependent manner upon genotoxic stress through the antizyme-mediated
pathway’ in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States
of America (PNAS), Prof Sabapathy discovered that genotoxic insult such as exposure
to chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin, which stabilises and activates TAp73, is also
able to reduce the levels of tumour-promoting DNp73 in cancer cells. Together with
his team, they probed into how DNp73 levels are regulated under this scenario so as
to better understand the mechanisms which can subsequently be utilised to modulate
its expression in cancer cells.

PAGE A3
In Other Words
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
They discovered that c-Jun, a protein that
is typically induced by a variety of stress
signals was a key player. Further testing
provided strong evidence that c-Jun was
indeed capable of inducing the degradation
of DNp73 via the non-classical polyamineantizyme
pathway, an outcome that was
needed to reduce the proliferation and
survival of cancerous cells.
These findings gave a new and unexpected
insight into why cancers, which have high
levels of DNp73, are resistant to some
chemotherapy regimes.
Prof Sabapathy explained that it all boils
down to knowing the abilities of cancer
cells. “We seek to understand why
cancer cells behave the way they do,
how they work in order to know how to
deal with them. We can then work with
our translational research counterparts
to determine how to treat them, whether
it is through drug development or other
treatment forms.”
Although the discovery brings plenty of
hope for cancer patients and research,
Prof Sabapathy explained that there is still
more to be done. “We will now test for
compounds which will inevitably kill cancer
cells through the regulation of DNp73,
whether they are toxic and bring harm to
normal cells. The findings will be useful to
identifying bases to develop drugs.”
To ensure that no efforts are spared,
the team will have a strenuous task of
testing hundreds of compounds each
time. Although the work may be likened
to looking for a needle in a haystack,
Prof Sabapathy believes that it adds
to the value chain for patients. “Our
work is important for pharmaceutical
companies as it helps them in the
development of new drugs,” he said.
As a sweetener to his work, research
funds are ample, though they come at no
small cost. Over the years, Prof Sabapathy
has been constantly soliciting for research
funds through publishing scientific papers
and presenting notable research work.
To date, he has published more than 50
papers and the influence that comes from
them helps him to secure research grants.
“When a scientist publishes a paper,
recognition will come when the paper
contains good information for the field.
Our productivity also hinges on how
many papers we have published and how
impactful they are.”
As part of his work at NCCS, Prof
Sabapathy has been mentoring a team
of PhD and Masters students who are
also research officers, such as Mr Iqbal
Dulloo who has been working on the
DNp73 project. Commenting on the
calibre of his mentees, he said that their
stint at NCCS has put them in good
stead. “It is about sharing my knowledge
and experience and guiding them.
Although the standard between the PhD
and Masters Students vary somewhat, I
believe they are equally capable. I am
also confident that the PhD students will
endure in the field, even if they work in
the West.”
Mr Dulloo has benefited much from
Prof Sabapathy’s guidance. He said:
“One could not hope for a better mentor
than Prof Sabapathy. His enthusiasm
and passion for research can be quite
contagious. His guidance and openness
to discussion had undoubtedly helped
me get the most out of my years in
the lab as well as my PhD study. The
knowledge, training and scientific
achievements that I have made under
his mentorship are the perfect building
blocks for a career in the ever-so
competitive world of medical research.”
Prof Sabapathy works with a multinational
team, which he considers “a
challenging yet rewarding experience for
the team as they also gain cultural insights
which will be valuable when they work in
the US or Europe.“
With so much on his plate, it is little
wonder that the father of a teenage son
values the little family time he gets. He
interacts with his 14-year-old during
morning drives to school, going for short
walks together when time permits and
annual vacations.
Hence, Prof Sabapathy
has no regrets in
taking this arduous
and rugged route.
“I have not had
second thoughts
about what I have
done so far. I love
Science and knew
that there is nothing
else I would do apart
from research.”
By Veronica Lee

PAGE A4
In Focus
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
LOOKING AHEAD…
Cancer Opens My Eyes to the Beauty Around Me
To be diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age is never
easy to accept. It’s even more difficult when life until then has
been plain sailing. Even so, when the news broke, like a bolt
out of the blue, Ms Yvonne Boon accepted her fate bravely.
She cast a positive look on the future, to survive.
At age 35, Yvonne had a life that every woman wished for, namely, a loving
husband, career satisfaction and three intelligent, beautiful young children.
She led a fulfilling life as an active volunteer in church and spend her
weekends and evenings indulging in her favourite activities like doing sports and
having meals with her family.
When diagnosed with her illness, the obvious came to mind: the end of life was
near. She remembered her sister who succumbed to breast cancer because she failed
to receive treatment. But it was different for her. She could count on her immediate
family to give her the support she needed. She had her husband and three children
to live for. Before long, Yvonne came to terms with her condition. She decided not
to let cancer take her life away.
She told herself that she had to be strong. She went through a lumpectomy and
eventually mastectomy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. These took more than
a year to complete. “It is amazing to be alive!” she gushed. “When I was healthy in
the past, I took so much for granted. I used to push myself to multi-task too much,
not listening to my body when I was tired. I think I’m very blessed as I have support
from my husband, family and friends and I was also well covered by insurance.”
For Yvonne, survival began at the point of diagnosis. It was the time when cancer
patients are forced to confront their own mortality and begin to make adjustments
that will be part of their immediate and long term future. “My plight opened my
eyes to more important things, like family and friends. Work and material things
just don’t matter as much any more and I am no longer petty about small issues.
I have also become more understanding and generous towards others. I am also
making changes to my priorities. Being diagnosed with cancer gives me a chance to
do things better the second time round.”
There were times when doubts crossed her mind and coping with them got tough.
The side effects of treatment took a toll on her. “There were times when it seemed
hard to move on and I wanted to give up. But when I look at my children, they
reaffirmed my will to fight on and live for them. Whenever I fall into negative mode,
I remind myself to look at all the positive things such as my children and my faith.”
The experience has made her see life with a different purpose. “Cancer does not simply
end at remission. Life will change in unexpected ways. Some have made their lives more
meaningful, while others and their loved ones have responded negatively. As for me,
finding meaning is one way to understand my cancer experience. It made me realise the
greater purpose behind my illness and what it means for me and my family.”
Part of her greater purpose was also to help others
make sense of cancer. Yvonne explained, “The
fear of death that permeates most people when
they are diagnosed often leads me to think about
what I will leave behind and what I would like
to do with the time I have left. I want to make
sure I do my best while I still have the strength.
I want to teach my children to be independent,
to be kind and loving towards one another. Most
important, I want them to support one another
should the day come when I am no longer
around. I want to help as many as I can to make
sense of their sickness, to embrace it and to live
their lives as meaningful as possible.”
On how she has made sense of
the sickness herself, Yvonne has a
refreshing perspective:
“Cancer has been the most beautiful
experience in my life. Initially there
was a reason to survive, then a
purpose in helping others. It has
enriched my life and made me not
take life for granted. I am a survivor
and can now watch my children
grow and help others learn to see
the beauty of life.”

OVERCOMING RADIATION
SIDE EFFECTS
PAGE B1
Looking Forward
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
Radiation treatment is painless though
some undesirable side effects may occur
over the course of treatment. Radiation
side effects vary in types and severity,
depending on the site of treatment, the
duration of treatment and the amount of
body tissues involved in the treatment
volume. Most radiation side effects are
specific to the areas being irradiated
and they can be divided into short-term
and long-term side effects. This article
discusses some of the common, shortterm
side effects and useful measures to
delay/reduce the discomfort.
SKIN
Side effects on skin start with a darkened
pigmentation (erythema), and later develop
into dry and moist desquamation. Skin
appears a pinkish colour and may be
accompanied by a sensation of burning and
itching. This usually occurs in the third week
of treatment and progresses over the course
of radiation treatment. It can develop into
dry desquamation, which is presented with
dryness, itching, scaling and flaking. A darker
skin tone will also be noted. All these only
occur within the treated skin. It is important
to monitor the further development of the
skin reaction into moist desquamation, which
comes with burning, itching and tenderness. It
occasionally brings about blister formation and
pain. Appropriate dressing is required and it is
essential to observe signs of infection such as
fever, foul odour, purulent exudates, pain and
swelling within and around the area.
For head and neck treatment, besides
erythema, hair in the facial area and
particularly at the back of the head that is
treated will gradually fall and become thin.
For treatment to the pelvic region, pubic
and abdominal hair will also gradually shed.
The hair usually re-grows once radiation
treatment ceases.
Recommended skin care during radiation treatment:
• For facial and underarm shaving, use an electric razor to prevent cuts.
• Only apply lotion that is prescribed by your Radiation Oncologist. Avoid
petroleum jelly-based products that are poorly absorbed and difficult to remove.
• Avoid rubbing the affected skin. Apply lotion with clean hands.
• Aloe vera gel may be used on intact skin. Once the skin is broken with scaling,
flaking and peeling, discontinue use of aloe vera.
• For head and neck treatment, avoid shirts with tight collars.
• Protect affected skin area from direct sunlight and excessive wind exposure.
• Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or hot tubs. These have a drying effect on skin.
• Do not apply cold or heat treatment directly on the affected skin to avoid
thermal injury.
• Do not use adhesive tapes on the affected skin such as medicated skin patch.
If dressing is required, let the radiation oncology nurse perform the dressing.
• Do not use products containing perfumes or additives, alcohol and alpha hydroxy
acids (AHAs). For head and neck treatment, be cautious on the choice of aftershave
lotion and keep make-up to the minimum. For breast treatment, avoid deodorants
and alkaline-based soap.
• Wash the affected area with lukewarm water and gently pat dry with a soft
towel to avoid abrasion. If the head is treated, wash hair using lukewarm water
and mild, non-medicated shampoo. Pay attention to skin folds. Keep this area
clean, dry and cool.
• Cornstarch, non-perfumed talc and baby powder may be used on intact skin.
With moist desquamation, avoid these products as it promotes fungal and
bacterial infection.
Continued on page B2.

PAGE B2
Looking Forward
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
OVERCOMING RADIATION
SIDE EFFECTS
Continued from page B1.
THROAT AND MOUTH
For treatment to the head and neck region, your radiation oncologist will minimise the
radiation reaching areas not affected by the disease. Oral Cavity is protected if it is not an
intended organ of treatment. The throat and oral cavity is lined by mucous membranes that
react to radiation like skin. Mucositis can occur, showing ulcers in the throat and mouth.
Treatment to whole or part of the oral cavity can impact salivary and mucus production,
causing stickiness in the mouth. This will further lead to dry mouth and change in taste.
To manage these side effects, you are advised to:
• Take frequent small sip of drinks. Avoid carbonated and sweetened drinks.
• Gargle using non-alcohol based mouth rinses to reduce the stickiness in the mouth.
• Use cough suppressants, avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Take semi-solid foods if eating becomes painful. Avoid dry food, sticky rice and
spicy food.
• Consume liquid food supplements or meal replacement drinks. Have smaller
portions but more frequent meals.
• Consult your radiation oncologist should any discomfort arise.
• Use toothbrushes with soft bristle to prevent gum injury and rinse mouth with a
non-alcohol based mouthwash. Lastly, apply a layer of oral moisturiser on the
inner lining of oral cavity. Continue oral care post-treatment and it is important to
have regular visit to dentist. Tooth extraction following radiation to the mouth is
not recommended.
JOINT MOVEMENT
Scarring can develop following breast
surgery and/or radiation to the area
under the upper arm. This can affect
the suppleness of your joint movement
resulting in stiffness in your upper arm
movements. Daily exercise by lifting arm
above head will reduce stiffness in the
shoulder joint.
GENERAL WELL-BEING
AND APPETITE
Patients undergoing radiation treatment
may experience fatigue, poor appetite,
nausea and occasional vomiting. These
reactions may or may not be directly linked
to radiation treatment and are possibly
associated with emotional burden of the
diagnosis and fear of the uncertainties
related to treatment. Nausea and vomiting
can be effectively treated with prescribed
medication. Taking short naps throughout
the day can boost your energy level.
OESOPHAGUS, BOWEL, BLADDER AND RECTUM
Mucositis can develop in the membranes of oesophagus, bowel, bladder and rectum,
causing irritation and dysfunctions there. Radiation treatment to the chest region can affect
swallowing, causing hoarseness of voice or infection of the oesophageal and tracheal lining.
Radiation to the pelvis can cause lower abdominal discomfort and a burning sensation while
passing urine. You will notice an increased frequency of urination, or bowel movement.
To manage these side effects, you are advised to
• Maintain hydration by taking frequent sips of water or other sources of fluids.
• Regulate the consumption of fruits, dairy products and fibre to keep stools soft to
prevent trauma or irritation during defecation.
• Consult your radiation oncologist if you notice blood stains in sputum, urine or
faeces, or when the side effects worsen, occurs frequently, and accompanied with
vomiting or fever.
• For female patients who undergo radiation treatment in the pelvis region, regular
douching or washing of the vagina is recommended. This is to reduce the risk of
infection and to avoid narrowing of the vagina. Your doctor can recommend the
appropriate cleansing solution and device to use.
CONCLUSION
The radiation side effects
presented above are
generally short-term. These
effects should not prevent
you from working or
performing your daily chores.
However, a gradual reduction
in physical activities mid-way
through a course of radiation
treatment and immediately
after the completion of the
treatment is advised.
By Eric Pang
Radiation Therapist
NCCS

A WELLNESS PLAN
AFTER CANCER
PAGE B3
Tender Care
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
After cancer treatment, many survivors want to find
ways to reduce the chances of their cancer coming
back. Some worry that the way they eat, the stress in
their lives, or their exposure to chemicals may put
them at risk. Cancer survivors also find that this is
a time when they reflect on how they take care of
themselves and their health. This is an important start
to living a healthy life after cancer.
EATING WELL AFTER
CANCER TREATMENT
1 Eat a variety of healthy foods.
• Eat five or more servings of
vegetables and fruits daily.
• Choose whole grains rather
than processed (refined) grains
and sugars.
• Choose foods that help you
maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit eating red meats, especially
high fat or processed meats.
2 Maintain a healthy weight. Keep your
BMI at a healthy range of between
18.5 – 22.9 (kg/m2).
3 Limit alcoholic drinks. Research shows
that drinking alcohol can increase your
chances of developing certain cancers
e.g. liver cancer, stomach cancer,
oesophageal cancer.
EXERCISE AFTER
CANCER TREATMENT
Everyone knows that exercise has many
health benefits such as increasing
your fitness level and helping you lose
weight. One benefit of exercise that is
often overlooked is that it improves your
mood and give you a general feeling of
well being.
Some studies have been done to find
out if physical activity affects survival
after cancer treatment. Many researches
have shown that moderate exercise
(brisk walking, swimming, cycling) for
about 30 minutes every or almost every
day can:
• Reduce anxiety and
depression
• Improve mood
• Boost self-esteem
• Reduce symptoms of fatigue,
nausea, pain and diarrhoea
It is important to start an exercise
programme slowly and increase activity
over time. Some survivors may need to
take special care when exercising. Talk
to your doctor before beginning any
exercise programme.
FOLLOW-UP CARE
At the first follow-up visit, ask your
doctor:
• The tests and follow-up care
you need, and how often you
will need them.
• The kinds of physical problems
you may experience from the
cancer treatment and what
you can do to prevent, reduce
or solve them.
At each visit, tell your doctor about:
• Symptoms that you think may
be a sign of cancer returning.
• Any pain that troubles you.
• Any physical problems that get
in the way of your daily life or
that bothers you such as fatigue,
trouble sleeping, unexplained
weight gain or loss.
• Other health problems you
have such as heart disease,
diabetes or arthritis.
By Flora Yong
Senior Nurse Manager
Cancer Education & Information Service
NCCS

PAGE B4
Tender Care
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
FACING FORWARD AFTER
CANCER TREATMENT
Just as cancer affects a person’s
physical health, it affects the
way one feels, thinks and acts.
Besides having many emotions
that may surprise the individual,
the treatment may actually
change the way the brain works.
Just as the individual needs
to take care of the body after
treatment, the person needs to
take care of his emotions.
Each person’s experience with cancer is
different and unique, and the feelings,
emotions and fears that he has are unique
as well. The values the individual grew up
with may affect how he thinks about and
deal with cancer. Some people may feel
they have to be strong and protect their
friends and families. Others seek support
from loved ones or other cancer survivors
or turn to their faith to help them cope.
Some find help from counsellors and
others outside the family, while others do
not feel comfortable with this approach.
Whatever the individual decides, it is
important to do what’s right for him and
not compare with others.
FEAR THAT CANCER WILL
COME BACK
Worrying about the cancer recurring is
normal, especially during the first year after
treatment. This is one of the most common
fears people have after cancer treatment.
Even years after treatment, this fear may
always be at the back of their minds. For
some, the fear is so strong that they no
longer enjoy life, sleep well, eat well, or
even go for follow-up visits.
“If I get it again, what am I going to do?”
one woman said. “I never thought I’d make
it through the first time.”
Of course, not everyone reacts this way. As one survivor puts it,
“Cancer is just part of life, and we always have hope.”
As time goes by, many survivors report that their fear of cancer recurring lessens and they find
themselves thinking less often about their cancer. However, even years after treatment, some
events can cause the individual to become worried about his health.
These may include:
• Follow-up visits
• Anniversary events (like the date of diagnosis or surgery or ended treatment)
• Birthdays
• Illness of a family member
• Symptoms similar to the ones he had when cancer was found
• The death of someone who had cancer
• Personal reminders. For example, one man said he used to go to a particular dessert
stall after every chemotherapy treatment because the sweet potato in ginger soup they
serve was the only thing he could stand to eat. After treatment he had to stop going to
the stall because it reminded him of treatment and made him “sick in the stomach”.
Thinking and talking about the feelings can be hard. Some people just want to move on. They put
the thought of cancer and all that goes with it out of their minds. While it is important not to let
cancer “rule your life”, it may be hard to do.
Work towards having a positive attitude. This means looking for what is good even in bad times
and try to be hopeful instead of thinking the worst. Use positive energy to focus on wellness and
do what you can to stay as healthy as possible.
By Flora Yong
Senior Nurse Manager
Cancer Education & Information Service
NCCS

克 服 放 射 治 疗
的 副 作 用
PAGE B5
往 前 看
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
放 射 治 疗 是 无 痛 的 , 但 在 整 个 治 疗 过 程 中 , 可 能 会 出 现 一 些 副 作 用 。 这 些
副 作 用 的 种 类 和 严 重 性 需 视 乎 治 疗 部 位 、 治 疗 持 续 的 时 间 和 治 疗 涉 及 的 体
内 组 织 数 量 而 定 。 它 可 分 为 短 期 副 作 用 和 长 期 副 作 用 , 一 般 只 会 出 现 在 受
治 疗 的 部 位 。 本 文 将 讨 论 一 些 常 见 的 短 期 副 作 用 , 以 及 延 缓 / 减 少 不 适 的
妙 方 。
皮 肤
皮 肤 上 的 副 作 用 始 于 色 素 沉 着 ( 红 斑 ), 然 后 逐 渐 演 变 成 干 性 和 湿 性 脱 皮 。 皮 肤 泛 红 部 分 呈
粉 红 或 暗 淡 的 颜 色 , 可 能 还 会 发 痒 和 感 到 灼 痛 。 这 通 常 会 出 现 在 整 个 放 射 治 疗 过 程 中 的 第
三 周 。 它 会 演 变 成 干 性 脱 皮 , 伴 之 以 干 燥 、 发 痒 和 皮 肤 剥 落 的 现 象 , 肤 色 也 会 偏 黑 。 这 些 现
象 只 会 出 现 在 受 治 疗 的 皮 肤 上 。 病 人 须 小 心 观 察 , 它 会 进 一 步 演 变 成 湿 性 脱 皮 , 伴 之 以 发
痒 、 灼 痛 感 和 一 触 即 痛 的 现 象 , 有 时 还 会 形 成 水 泡 和 疼 痛 。 病 人 需 要 适 当 敷 药 和 留 意 有 无
受 感 染 的 迹 象 , 例 如 发 烧 、 发 臭 、 出 现 化 脓 性 分 泌 物 、 患 处 周 围 的 皮 肤 疼 痛 和 浮 肿 。
至 于 头 部 和 颈 项 治 疗 , 除 了 会 出 现 红 斑 外 , 脸 部 毛 发 也 会 渐 渐 脱 落 和 稀 疏 , 后 脑 勺 的 毛 发 的
脱 落 一 般 更 是 特 别 严 重 。 此 外 , 骨 盆 部 位 、 腹 部 和 耻 部 的 毛 发 也 会 逐 渐 脱 落 。 但 放 射 治 疗 结
束 后 , 这 些 毛 发 通 常 都 会 重 新 长 出 来 。
放 射 治 疗 期 间 的 皮 肤 护 理 建 议 包 括 :
• 使 用 电 动 剃 刀 剃 除 脸 部 和 腋 下 毛 发 , 以 免 刮 伤 。
• 只 使 用 放 射 肿 瘤 科 医 生 指 定 的 润 肤 乳 。 避 免 使 用 吸 收 力 低 和 难 以 抹 掉 的 凡 士 林 产 品 。
• 避 免 揉 搓 受 感 染 的 皮 肤 。 涂 抹 润 肤 乳 前 要 确 保 双 手 干 净 。
• 完 好 的 皮 肤 可 使 用 芦 荟 凝 胶 。 一 旦 皮 肤 龟 裂 和 脱 落 , 务 必 停 止 使 用 芦 荟 护 肤 品 。
• 至 于 头 部 和 颈 项 治 疗 , 避 免 穿 紧 领 的 衣 服 。
• 避 免 阳 光 直 射 和 大 风 吹 到 受 感 染 的 皮 肤 。
• 避 免 在 氯 化 泳 池 游 泳 或 浸 泡 在 浴 缸 内 , 以 免 皮 肤 变 得 干 燥 。
• 不 要 在 受 感 染 皮 肤 上 直 接 使 用 冷 或 热 疗 法 , 以 免 灼 伤 皮 肤 。
• 不 要 在 受 感 染 皮 肤 上 使 用 胶 带 , 例 如 药 用 贴 片 。 如 果 您 须 要 敷 药 , 应 让 放 射 肿 瘤 科 护 士 替 您
进 行 。
• 不 要 使 用 含 有 香 水 或 添 加 剂 、 酒 精 和 阿 尔 法 羟 基 酸 (AHA) 的 产 品 , 它 们 多 见 于 各 种 卫 浴 用
品 。 至 于 头 部 和 颈 项 治 疗 , 小 心 选 择 须 后 水 和 减 少 使 用 化 妆 品 。 至 于 乳 房 治 疗 , 避 免 使 用 除
臭 剂 和 碱 性 肥 皂 。
• 用 温 水 清 洗 患 处 , 然 后 用 柔 软 的 毛 巾 轻 轻 拍 干 , 以 免 擦 伤 。 至 于 头 部 治 疗 , 用 温 水 及 温 和 的 非
药 用 洗 发 剂 洗 头 。 保 持 皮 肤 皱 褶 清 洁 、 干 爽 。
• 完 好 的 皮 肤 可 使 用 玉 米 粉 、 非 香 水 滑 石 粉 和 婴 儿 爽 身 粉 。 如 出 现 湿 性 脱 皮 , 应 避 免 使 用 这 些
产 品 , 因 为 它 们 会 导 致 真 菌 和 细 菌 感 染 。
喉 咙 和 口 腔
至 于 头 部 和 颈 项 治 疗 , 放 射 肿 瘤 科 医 生 会 尽 量 避 免 照 射 到 不 受 疾 病 影 响 的 范 围 , 亦 即 如 果
不 是 要 治 疗 的 器 官 , 口 腔 将 受 到 保 护 。 和 皮 肤 一 样 , 喉 咙 和 口 腔 布 满 对 放 射 产 生 反 应 的 粘
膜 。 您 可 能 会 发 生 粘 膜 炎 , 出 现 喉 咙 和 口 腔 溃 疡 的 症 状 。 整 个 或 局 部 口 腔 治 疗 会 增 加 唾 液 和
粘 液 产 生 , 使 口 腔 内 带 有 粘 性 , 进 而 导 致 口 干 和 味 觉 出 现 变 化 。
以 下 建 议 将 能 协 助 您 更 好 地 应 对 这 些 副 作 用 :
• 常 小 啜 饮 料 , 避 免 喝 非 碳 酸 及 原 味 饮 料 。
• 使 用 非 酒 精 漱 口 水 , 以 减 少 口 腔 内 的 粘 性 。
• 使 用 止 咳 药 , 减 少 抽 烟 及 喝 酒 。
• 如 果 饮 食 困 难 , 应 改 吃 流 体 食 物 , 以 及 避 免 干 、 辣 食 物 和 糯 米 饭 。
• 选 择 液 体 营 养 品 或 代 餐 饮 料 。 应 少 量 多 餐 。
• 使 用 软 毛 牙 刷 , 以 避 免 牙 龈 损 伤 , 以 及 使 用 非 酒 精 漱 口 水 。 最 后 , 在 口 腔 内 侧 涂 上 一 层 口 腔
滋 润 膏 。 治 疗 结 束 后 , 继 续 进 行 口 腔 护 理 和 定 期 光 顾 牙 医 。 进 行 口 腔 放 射 后 , 不 宜 拔 牙 。
• 如 有 任 何 不 适 , 应 咨 询 放 射 肿 瘤 科 医 生 的 意 见 。
食 道 、 肠 、 膀 胱 和 直 肠
食 道 、 肠 、 膀 胱 和 直 肠 的 粘 膜 层 会 发 生 粘
膜 炎 , 其 症 状 包 括 这 些 器 官 发 炎 和 功 能 障
碍 。 胸 腔 放 射 治 疗 会 影 响 吞 咽 功 能 , 导 致 声
音 沙 哑 或 食 道 和 气 管 感 染 。 骨 盆 放 射 治 疗
会 导 致 下 腹 不 适 和 小 便 时 感 到 灼 痛 。 此 外 ,
大 小 便 的 次 数 也 会 增 加 。
以 下 建 议 将 能 协 助 您 更 好 地 应 对 这 些 副
作 用 :
• 常 喝 水 或 其 他 液 体 , 让 身 体 保 持 充 足 的
水 分 。
• 控 制 水 果 、 乳 制 品 和 各 种 纤 维 食 物 的 摄
取 , 让 粪 便 保 持 柔 软 , 以 避 免 直 肠 在 排
便 时 受 损 或 发 炎 。
• 如 果 您 发 现 痰 、 尿 或 粪 便 中 有 血 迹 , 或 者
副 作 用 加 剧 、 频 频 发 生 , 还 会 呕 吐 或 发
烧 , 应 咨 询 放 射 肿 瘤 科 医 生 的 意 见 。
• 接 受 骨 盆 放 射 治 疗 女 病 人 应 常 冲 洗 或 清
洗 阴 道 , 以 减 少 感 染 的 风 险 和 避 免 阴 道
变 窄 。 您 可 向 医 生 咨 询 适 当 的 清 洗 液 和
清 洗 方 法 。
关 节 活 动
接 受 胸 腔 手 术 和 / 或 上 臂 下 方 放 射 治 疗 后
往 往 会 留 下 疤 痕 。 这 会 影 响 关 节 活 动 的 灵
活 度 , 导 致 您 的 上 臂 活 动 僵 硬 。 每 天 把 手
臂 举 及 头 顶 , 有 助 于 减 少 肩 关 节 僵 硬 。
整 体 健 康 和 食 欲
接 受 放 射 治 疗 的 病 人 也 许 会 感 到 疲 劳 、 食
欲 不 振 、 反 胃 , 有 时 候 也 会 呕 吐 。 这 些 反 应
可 能 与 放 射 治 疗 有 直 接 关 系 , 但 也 有 可 能
是 诊 断 引 发 的 情 绪 负 担 和 对 治 疗 不 确 定
性 的 恐 惧 造 成 的 。 处 方 药 可 有 效 解 决 反 胃
和 呕 吐 的 问 题 。 白 天 小 睡 片 刻 可 补 充 您 的
体 能 。
结 语
一 般 来 说 , 上 述 均 属 短 期 的 放 射
副 作 用 。 这 些 副 作 用 不 应 影 响 您
的 工 作 或 日 常 生 活 。 但 是 , 您 应
在 放 射 治 疗 期 间 逐 渐 减 少 体 力 活
动 , 以 及 在 治 疗 结 束 后 马 上 减 少
体 力 活 动 。
作 者 : 冯 培 斌
首 席 放 射 治 疗 师
新 加 坡 国 立 癌 症 中 心

PAGE B6
温 柔 呵 护
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
癌 症 治 疗 后 的
健 康 计 划
许 多 癌 症 幸 存 者 往 往 会 在 治 疗 后 寻 方 设 法 降 低 病
情 复 发 的 机 率 。 有 些 人 担 心 他 们 的 饮 食 习 惯 、 生
活 中 所 面 对 的 压 力 或 在 治 疗 期 间 所 接 触 的 化 学 物
质 会 提 高 癌 症 复 发 的 风 险 。 癌 症 幸 存 者 也 认 为 ,
他 们 应 该 趁 此 机 会 检 视 照 顾 自 己 身 体 健 康 的 方
式 。 这 是 罹 患 癌 症 后 开 始 健 康 生 活 的 最 好 时 机 。
癌 症 治 疗 后 注 重 饮 食 习 惯
1 摄 取 各 种 健 康 食 物 。
• 每 天 摄 取 五 份 或 更 多 的 蔬 果 。
• 选 择 全 谷 食 品 , 而 不 是 加 工
精 制 谷 类 和 糖 。
• 选 择 有 助 于 维 持 正 常 体 重 的
食 物 。
• 少 吃 红 肉 , 尤 其 是 高 脂 肪 或 加
工 肉 类 。
2 保 持 正 常 体 重 。 你 的 身 体 质 量 指
数 尽 量 维 持 在 18.5 至 22.9 公 斤 /
米 2
之 间 。
3 少 喝 酒 。 研 究 显 示 , 喝 酒 会 提 高
您 罹 患 某 些 癌 症 的 机 率 , 例 如 肝
癌 、 胃 癌 和 食 道 癌 。
癌 症 治 疗 后 勤 做 运 动
每 个 人 都 知 道 运 动 有 很 多 益 处 ,
例 如 提 高 体 能 水 平 和 帮 助 减 轻 体
重 。 除 此 之 外 , 您 或 许 往 往 会 忽
略 , 运 动 其 实 也 可 以 改 善 您 的 情
绪 , 让 您 感 觉 美 好 。
研 究 人 员 针 对 癌 症 治 疗 后 做 运 动
是 否 会 影 响 存 活 率 进 行 研 究 , 许
多 研 究 结 果 显 示 , 每 天 或 几 乎 每
天 做 大 约 30 分 钟 的 适 量 运 动 轻
快 步 行 、 游 泳 、 骑 脚 车 , 有
助 于 :
• 减 轻 焦 虑 和 忧 郁
• 改 善 情 绪
• 提 高 自 信 心
• 减 少 疲 劳 、 反 胃 、 疼 痛 和 腹
泻 等 症 状
癌 症 幸 存 者 应 该 慢 慢 地 展 开 锻 炼
计 划 , 逐 步 增 加 运 动 量 。 有 些 人
可 能 在 运 动 时 也 需 要 特 别 小 心 。
因 此 , 您 最 好 在 开 始 任 何 锻 炼 计
划 前 咨 询 医 生 的 意 见 。
后 续 护 理
在 第 一 次 复 诊 时 , 您 应 该 咨 询
医 生 :
• 您 需 要 进 行 的 检 查 和 后 续 护
理 , 以 及 进 行 的 次 数 和 频 率 。
• 癌 症 治 疗 后 可 能 会 出 现 的 健 康
问 题 , 以 及 预 防 、 减 少 或 解 决
这 些 问 题 的 方 法 。
每 次 复 诊 时 , 告 诉 您 的 医 生 :
• 您 认 为 可 能 是 癌 症 复 发 的
症 状 。
• 任 何 令 您 困 扰 的 疼 痛 。
• 影 响 您 的 日 常 生 活 或 给 您 带 来
困 扰 的 健 康 问 题 , 例 如 疲 劳 、
失 眠 、 体 重 无 故 增 加 或 减 少 。
• 其 他 健 康 问 题 , 例 如 心 脏 病 、
糖 尿 病 或 关 节 炎 。
作 者 : 杨 宝 燕
高 级 护 士 经 理
癌 症 教 育 与 资 信 服 务 部
新 加 坡 国 立 癌 症 中 心

癌 症 治 疗 后 的
心 理 调 适
PAGE B7
温 柔 呵 护
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
癌 症 会 影 响 一 个 人 的 健 康 状
况 , 也 会 影 响 一 个 人 感 觉 、 思
考 和 做 喜 欢 的 事 情 的 方 式 。 在
整 个 治 疗 的 过 程 中 , 病 人 除 了
会 产 生 许 多 意 想 不 到 的 情 绪
变 化 外 , 脑 部 的 运 作 方 式 可 能
也 会 有 所 改 变 。 因 此 , 病 人 在
治 疗 后 不 只 要 照 顾 身 体 , 还 要
关 注 情 绪 上 的 变 化 。
每 个 人 应 对 癌 症 的 经 验 都 不 尽 相 同 ,
所 面 对 的 感 觉 、 情 绪 变 化 和 恐 惧 也 因
人 而 异 。 病 人 成 长 的 价 值 观 也 会 影 响
他 对 癌 症 的 看 法 和 应 对 方 式 。 有 些 人
会 觉 得 他 们 必 须 坚 强 和 保 护 家 人 及 朋
友 , 有 些 人 则 需 要 亲 人 或 其 他 癌 症 幸
存 者 的 支 持 , 或 者 从 信 仰 中 获 得 应 对
癌 症 的 力 量 。 有 些 人 会 寻 求 辅 导 员 和
外 人 的 协 助 , 也 有 些 人 对 这 种 方 式 感
到 不 自 在 。 不 管 是 哪 一 种 方 式 , 病 人
最 重 要 的 是 选 择 适 合 自 己 的 方 法 , 不
要 和 他 人 作 比 较 。
担 心 癌 症 复 发
担 心 癌 症 复 发 是 正 常 的 反 应 , 尤 其
是 在 治 疗 后 的 第 一 年 内 。 这 是 病 人 治
疗 后 最 常 见 的 忧 虑 之 一 。 即 使 是 多 年
以 后 , 病 人 还 是 会 有 可 能 心 有 余 悸 。
有 些 人 还 会 因 此 而 无 法 好 好 地 吃 饭 、
睡 觉 、 享 受 生 活 , 甚 至 对 复 诊 也 感 到
恐 惧 。
有 位 女 病 患 问 :“ 如 果 癌 症 复 发 , 我
该 怎 么 办 ? 我 从 来 没 有 想 过 我 可 以 熬
过 第 一 次 。”
当 然 , 不 是 每 个 人 都 有 同 样 的 反 应 。 也 有 一 位 癌 症 幸 存 者 这
么 说 :“ 癌 症 是 生 活 的 一 部 分 , 我 们 总 会 有 希 望 的 。”
很 多 幸 存 者 都 表 示 , 他 们 担 心 癌 症 复 发 的 恐 惧 会 逐 渐 转 弱 。 他 们 也 发 现 自 己 想 起
癌 症 的 次 数 会 越 来 越 少 。 但 是 , 即 使 是 多 年 以 后 , 他 们 也 可 能 会 因 为 某 些 情 况 而
担 心 自 己 的 健 康 状 况 , 其 中 包 括 :
• 复 诊
• 特 定 事 件 的 周 年 日 , 例 如 确 诊 、 动 手 术 或 疗 程 结 束
• 生 日
• 家 庭 成 员 患 病
• 出 现 类 似 他 / 她 患 癌 症 时 的 症 状
• 有 人 因 癌 症 去 世
• 唤 起 个 人 回 忆 的 事 物 。 例 如 , 一 位 男 幸 存 者 说 , 他 每 次 进 行 化 疗 后 总 会 光 顾
某 个 甜 品 摊 , 因 为 那 里 的 姜 汁 番 薯 糖 水 是 他 唯 一 吃 得 下 的 食 物 。 疗 程 结 束
后 , 他 就 不 再 光 顾 那 个 甜 品 摊 , 因 为 这 会 让 他 想 起 疗 程 和 觉 得 “ 反 胃 ”。
回 想 和 提 及 这 种 感 觉 总 让 人 难 受 。 有 些 人 只 想 向 前 看 , 把 一 切 有 关 癌 症 的 想 法 抛 诸
脑 后 。 虽 然 你 不 可 以 让 癌 症 “ 操 控 你 的 生 活 ”, 但 这 绝 对 不 是 一 件 轻 而 易 举 的 事 。
你 必 须 要 有 正 面 、 积 极 的 态 度 , 也 就 是 说 , 即 使 在 艰 难 的 时 刻 , 你 也 要 往 好 的 方
面 想 , 尽 量 抱 有 希 望 。 你 必 须 凭 靠 这 股 正 面 、 积 极 的 力 量 , 专 注 于 身 体 状 况 , 并
且 尽 量 做 一 些 可 以 保 持 健 康 的 事 情 。
作 者 : 杨 宝 燕
高 级 护 士 经 理
癌 症 教 育 与 资 信 服 务 部
新 加 坡 国 立 癌 症 中 心

PAGE B8
Outreach
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
UPCOMING PUBLIC EDUCATION
ACTIVITIES / PROGRAMMES
Event Name Date, Time, Venue Registration Details
CancerWise Workshop –
HEALTHY EATING FOR
DISEASE PREVENTION
TOPICS:
a. Meal Planning & Healthy Cooking
b. Cooking A Healthy Peranakan Meal
(Cooking Demonstration)
24 July 2010, Saturday
Session will be conducted in English.
1pm
– Registration
1.30pm to 4pm – Workshop
Function Room, Level 4
National Cancer Centre Singapore
11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610
Admission fee: $5
To register, please call: 6225 5655 or
register online: www.nccs.com.sg.
CancerWise Workshop –
UNDERSTANDING
SKIN CANCER
TOPICS:
a. Common Skin Problems
b. What is Skin Cancer?
c. Risks, Signs & Symptoms
d. Early Detection & Prevention
e. Diagnosis & Treatment Options
31 July 2010, Saturday
Session will be conducted in English.
1pm
– Registration
1.30pm to 4pm – Workshop
Function Room, Level 4
National Cancer Centre Singapore
11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610
Admission fee: $5
To register, please call: 6225 5655 or
register online: www.nccs.com.sg.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CANCER
Cancer Helpline Tel: 6225 5655
Email: cancerhelpline@nccs.com.sg
Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday: Closed
欲 了 解 更 多 有 关 癌 症 的 资 讯 癌 症 援 助 热 线
电 话 : 6225 5655
电 邮 : cancerhelpline@nccs.com.sg
星 期 一 至 星 期 五 : 上 午 8 点 半 至 下 午 5 点 半
星 期 六 , 星 期 天 及 公 共 假 期 : 休 息

LOOK FEAR IN THE FACE
PAGE A5
Community
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
Eleanor Roosevelt, known famously for her
involvement in human rights issues, once said:
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by
every experience in which you really stop to look
fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I
have lived through this horror. I can take the next
thing that comes along.’... You must do the thing
you think you cannot do.”
Indeed, cancer survivors must be
applauded for having walked the
long and arduous journey bravely.
Family members and caregivers who
have accompanied their love ones
through cancer treatment would
know that they did not have it easy.
So what happens after beating
cancer into remission?
“Physical, emotional, and financial
hardships often persist for most
of them years after diagnosis and
treatment. They may also face
challenges such as employment
problems, psychological struggles
and the strain on personal
relationships and, not to mention,
the fear of recurrence,” shared
Dr Yap Swee Peng, acting Director
for Public Education and Patient
Support Unit of National Cancer
Centre Singapore (NCCS).
“Hence, family support and seeking
timely professional help from
counsellors, medical social workers,
among others, are essential in helping
patients get back on their feet.”
Despite the many challenges cancer
survivors have to face, a majority
of them live a fulfilling life and is a
source of inspiration for those around
them. One such brave individual
is Mr Ezzy Wang, the epitome of
survivorship. Despite losing his right
lower limb to cancer, he endured in
his exercise regime, which includes
cycling 50km around Singapore.
To honour all who have fought a
hard battle with cancer, the NCCS
will host a day of fun and adventure
for more than 400 cancer survivors,
including their families, friends
and the healthcare providers at the
Singapore Zoo on Saturday, 26th June
2010 from 8.30am to 1pm.
The event not only serves as an
opportunity for cancer survivors to meet
and spur each other to live better but
also to equip them with the knowledge
of doing so. Participants can partake
in an exciting Zoomanji Adventure or
visit the carnival game stalls and snack
booths when hunger strikes. Mr Wang
will also be there to share some tips on
challenging negative thoughts.
After all, surviving cancer
boils down to three key
elements - knowledge,
hope and inspiration!
By Carol Ang

PAGE A6
People
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
NCCS ON TRACK IN ITS
FOCUS ON CUTTING-EDGE
CANCER RESEARCH
Singapore is laying a strong foundation for its
cancer research programme with the growing
number of doctors returning from overseas
training stint to put their knowledge to good use
by conducting research and conducting clinical
trials. Veronica Lee reports.
As clinical trials are fundamental
to cancer research, the expertise
of these doctors may see more
translational research that would
contribute to the development of a strong
cancer research base at the National
Cancer Centre Singapore.
Two doctors who recently returned to
join the talent pool at the NCCS are
Dr Daniel Tan and Dr Iain Tan, both
of whom are Registrars from the
Department of Medical Oncology.
While at the UK’s Royal Marsden Hospital
on a National Medical Research Council
(NMRC) fellowship, Dr Daniel Tan was the
primary fellow in charge of a trial that tested
for the safety and toxicity of a novel agent
used for the first time in human bodies.
He supervised the administration of the
trial and monitored a maiden group of
patients in the UK receiving these drugs
and coordinated multiple investigations
that were indicators of intended efficacy.
The trial was selected for oral presentation
in the Developmental Therapeutics session
at the recent American Society of Clinical
Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, and
Dr Tan was conferred a Merit Award by
ASCO for his efforts.
The trial was to determine a safe
and tolerable dose of the new agent
targeting the mTOR pathway - a
promising therapeutic pathway in
cancer, as well as find the best
techniques of administering it to
patients. The drug in question is an
improved design compared to the
mTORC1 inhibitors currently used in
clinical practice.
In these early studies, it is
reassuring that some of the
biomarker analyses suggest that the
agent was hitting its intended target
within the schedules explored.
On what contributed to the success of
the trial, Dr Daniel Tan said, “Phase 1
trials are typically challenging. They
require tremendous coordination
of clinical care, logistics and
administration. I am thankful for the
dedication of the trial team.”
He also expressed gratitude to
Professor Stan Kaye and Dr Johann
De Bono from the Royal Marsden
Hospital, both leaders in the field
of drug development who have
provided “invaluable guidance
and mentorship.”
Traditionally, the attrition rate is high
with many compounds from the drug
development pipeline failing to make it
past a Phase 1, 2 and 3 Trial. However, the
odds are now improving with an increasing
incorporation of biomarkers that determine
the best way to use the drug. In the case of
this trial, it exhibited encouraging results
when the agent showed that it was hitting its
intended target, with some patients actually
responding well to the agent.
Dr Daniel Tan attributed this to a paradigm
shift in drug development. “As majority of
modern drugs are created and modelled
purposefully rather than through serendipitous
findings, early phase trials are now expanding
from dose titration safety studies to include
more information that can provide potential
insights to drug effect, resistance and even
disease biology. We see an increasing number
of patients reap benefits even at an early stage,
as evidenced in recent Phase 1 trial findings
on PARP and BRAF inhibitors published in the
New England Journal of Medicine.”
“The positive outcomes from such early
trials certainly help in the development of
specific novel therapeutics, and determine
a suitable patient base. Most importantly, it
will accelerate the approval of useful drugs
so that patients can benefit’, Dr Tan added.

PAGE A7
People
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
Many patients with advanced stage cancer
at diagnosis had predominantly been the
targeted group for trials. These patients are
ideal candidates for clinical trial as they
are usually at the end of their journey for a
cure. One such group is patients suffering
from gastric cancer.
Gastric Cancer is the second leading cause
of global cancer mortality and is particularly
common in Asia. It is a difficult cancer to
treat as symptoms appear late. At diagnosis,
many patients already have stage four cancer
for which surgery is no longer possible.
Among patients who do undergo surgery
upon early detection, the disease can recur.
There are several effective palliative
treatment options available and whilst these
are unable to completely eradicate the
disease, they can control the cancer, prolong
survival and most importantly, provide much
needed symptom relief for patients.
Dr Iain Tan (far left) and
Dr Daniel Tan (left).
The lack of reliable tests to select the
most appropriate treatment regimen
for individual patients has been the
impetus behind Dr Iain Tan’s research
into understanding the biology of
gastric cancer.
Working under the supervision of his
clinical Head of Department,
Dr Toh Han Chong and his scientific
supervisor, A/P Patrick Tan from Duke-
NUS Graduate Medical School,
Dr Iain Tan studied more than 400
cancer samples derived from patients
in four countries. The study revealed
that whilst there was indeed substantial
molecular complexity and heterogeneity
at a fundamental level, each gastric
cancer conformed to one of two major
molecular patterns which the team
termed as ‘intrinsic signatures’.
It was also found that the two intrinsic
subtypes of gastric cancers respond
differently to drugs that are presently
being used in the treatment of gastric
cancer. They also displayed strikingly
different patterns of genetic aberrations
that provided a reason for further
development of subtype-specific targeted
therapies. The findings were recently
presented at the American Association of
Cancer Research annual meeting, where
he was awarded the meritorious scholarin-training
award.
After demonstrating effectiveness in
predicting treatment responses in the
controlled laboratory environment, the
next step was to evaluate if it could
be translated to the clinic. Dr Iain Tan
then developed a research proposal to
leverage upon cutting edge genomic
tools to correlate tumor genetic profiles
with patient treatment outcomes so as
to rapidly and efficiently obtain a timely
answer to his scientific enquiry. For
conceiving this cutting-edge approach
with the potential of providing direct
benefit to patients, Dr Iain Tan received
the ASCO Young Investigator Award
and was the only recipient from an
institution outside of North America to
receive the award.
Predicting good outcomes with specific
chemotherapeutics had been the driving
force to Dr Iain Tan’s research. With
an aim to be a physician scientist in
gastrointestinal cancer, the field will be
given a boost and will definitely become
one of the major pillars of clinical
expertise at NCCS.
Patients can however experience varied
responses to the available treatment
regimens. Hence, choosing the right regimen
for each patient is important because
achieving initial control of the cancer leads
to an improved clinical outcome and many
patients will be unfit for subsequent attempts
at treatment if their cancer degenerates early.
The achievements of NCCS oncologists, winning
worldwide recognition for their work, is another step
in the right direction for NCCS to achieve its mission to
become the leading global cancer centre.

PAGE A8
NCC Foundation
ARE YOU HAPPY?
SALUBRIS
May / June 2010
If there is such a thing as the secret
to happiness, it is this: Happiness
comes from within.
Last year, Singapore was placed in
an unremarkable 49th out of 140
countries in The Happy Planet Index.
As a materially wealthy nation, the results
unleashed much soul-searching about the way
Singaporeans truly view life and happiness.
The common connotation is that the stresses of
living in a society that focused on materialism
have made Singaporeans less happy than their
peers in many other countries.
Concerned with the rising levels of stress in
Singapore, Philip Merry - founder of the Philip
Merry Consulting Group, organised the 1st
Asian Happiness and Well-Being Conference
that led the search for Singapore’s happiest
person last year in 2009.
“If you have people who love you, good
health, food on the table and a stable job, you
are already happier than nine in 10 people
on earth,” he said. “Essentially, happiness
comes from having meaning (contributing to
something outside of yourself), authenticity
(being your true self) and connection (having
friends and family) in our life.”
Philip is currently planning the 2nd Happiness
Conference, this time focusing on Resilience
& Courage. This year’s theme is linked to
the economic downturn and centred on
how resilience skills can help people thrive
in difficult times. National Cancer Centre
Singapore (NCCS) is the healthcare partner for
this year’s conference.
Resilience is the positive behaviour
we show when facing adversity that
allows us to bounce back, and courage
is our ability to confront our fears and
problems. When things go wrong –
such as the loss of health, relationships,
jobs, savings or hope in a better future,
resilience can be another opportunity
for learning effective coping strategies.
When asked for the reason behind
NCCS partnering this meaningful
conference, Eugene Sng, Programme
Director of NCC Foundation,
NCCS shared: “Cancer patients
and caregivers face difficulties with
resilience every day. NCCS is happy
to be the healthcare partner of
Resilience & Courage as we believe
resilience skills will add a huge value
to the lives of our patients, caregivers
and staff.”
In enabling our healthcare practitioners to
benefit from this talk, two lunch seminars
were held at Singhealth, where Philip
shared his secrets to building resilience in
life and at work.
Resilience & Courage is a community
outreach effort that will help bring out the
true meaning of resilience, and help people
recognise that resilience is already within us.
A search for Singapore’s resilient heroes will
also be conducted later this year.
As Philip says, “If this
conference can make
just one person’s life
better and happier,
we will be happy,”
For more information about Resilience &
Courage, please visit www.simply-happy.com
Editorial Advisors
Dr Kon Oi Lian
Prof Soo Khee Chee
Executive Editors
Ms Carol Ang
Ms Veronica Lee
Mr Sunny Wee
Contributing Editor
Dr Wong Nan Soon
Members, Editorial Board
Ms Audrey-Anne Oei
Ms Sharon Leow
Ms Flora Yong
Medical Editor
Dr Richard Yeo
Members, Medical Editorial Board
Ms Lita Chew
Dr Mohd Farid
Dr Melissa Teo
Dr Teo Tze Hern
Dr Deborah Watkinson
is produced with you
SALUBRIS in mind. If there are other
topics related to cancer that you would like to read about
or if you would like to provide some feedback on the
articles covered, please email to salubris@nccs.com.sg.
NATIONAL CANCER CENTRE SINGAPORE
Reg No 199801562Z
11 Hospital Drive Singapore 169610
Tel: (65) 6436 8000 Fax: (65) 6225 6283
www.nccs.com.sg