The Next-gen Advances in Cancer Screening
An important aspect of preventive healthcare in Singapore. Regular health screenings can detect potential health issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
Health screening and cancer screening are important aspects of preventive healthcare in Singapore. Regular health screenings can detect potential health issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
In Singapore, health screening is recommended for individuals aged 40 years and above, or for those with risk factors such as a family history of certain illnesses or chronic conditions. The aim of health screening is to identify potential health risks and diseases before they become more serious, allowing for early treatment and prevention of further complications.
There are many different types of health screenings available in Singapore, including blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests, and physical examinations. Some of the most common tests include blood pressure screening, cholesterol screening, diabetes screening, and cancer screenings.
Cancer Screening in Singapore
Cancer Screening in Singapore
Cancer is a leading cause of death in Singapore, accounting for approximately 30% of all deaths in the country. Therefore, cancer screening is an important aspect of preventive healthcare in Singapore. Regular cancer screenings can detect cancer at an early stage, which greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.
There are many different types of cancer screenings available in Singapore, including breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, colon cancer screening, skin cancer screening and prostate cancer screening. The type of screening recommended will depend on the individual’s age, gender, and risk factors. There are plenty of service providers that can provide such services or direct you to the necessary service centres that provide them. Depending on the type of cancer screening, it typically requires blood test, imaging or sometimes, procedures like colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer.
The Clifford Clinic Early Cancer Detection Programme
The Clifford Clinic is proud to be the first clinic in Singapore to offer Clifford Early Cancer Detection Programme using a unique technology called Multicancer Early Detection (MCED). Early cancer screening is different from genetic testing for cancers and again different from cancer screening with tumor markers or screening modalities like colonoscopy or mammogram. Screening modalities may sometimes detect changes in the body when it is moderate or advanced stage. MCED works by detecting early DNA changes in the blood.
What is MCED?
Multicancer Early Detection (MCED) service is a medical approach that seeks to identify cancer in its early stages by detecting certain biomarkers in the blood or other bodily fluids. This is done by using advanced technology such as DNA sequencing and machine learning algorithms. Early detection of cancer can greatly increase the chances of successful treatment and potentially save lives.
MCED services are typically offered as a screening test to individuals who are at high risk of developing cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease, a history of smoking or exposure to carcinogens, or those who have already had cancer in the past.
The goal of MCED is to detect cancer before symptoms appear, which can lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes. This is particularly important because many cancers do not present symptoms until they have already reached an advanced stage, making them much harder to treat.
MCED services typically involve the collection of blood or other bodily fluids, which are then analyzed for the presence of cancer biomarkers. Biomarkers are molecular or cellular changes that are indicative of cancer, such as mutations in DNA, changes in protein levels, or alterations in other cellular components. By identifying these biomarkers, it is possible to detect cancer at a very early stage, sometimes even before a tumor has formed.
How is the Clifford Early Cancer Detection Program different from other cancer screening programs?
Clifford Early Cancer Detection Programme screens for cancer before cancer forms. We scan the blood for DNA changes and presence of viruses associated with cancer. We run genetic tests to look for genetic predisposition within the family line and look for genes that might predispose one to developing cancer. Examples of these would include BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. We run specific tumour markers together with imaging like ultrasound the MRI, as well as mole mapping using artificial intelligence to detect skin cancers. Lastly, optional add on like Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy or colonoscopy can also be done to look for cancers within the gastrointestinal system. The Clifford Early Cancer Detection Programme to anyone interested or who feel they are at risk. With a single blood test, the programme can screen for chancers like lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, liver, nose, bile duct, pancreas and blood cancers.
While traditional cancer screening tests have their own value, the Clifford Early Cancer Detection Programme can further expand the surveillance of cancer as well as enhance accuracy in cancer screening. It is also recommended for use in conjunction with existing screening tools for individuals without a personal history of cancer.
In conclusion, health and cancer screening are important aspects of preventive healthcare in Singapore. Regular screenings can detect potential health issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
Packages
PACKAGE A
Clifford Blood Screen™ + Mole Mapping
Opt for Clifford™ Blood Screen to screen for the following cancers:
- AFP (Liver)
- CEA (Colon)
- CA19.9 (Pancreas)
- EBV (Nasopharyngeal)
- H.Pylori IgG (Stomach)
- Stool Occult (Colon)
- PSA & Free PSA (Prostate – Male)
- CA125 (Ovarian – Female)
- BetaHCG (Reproductive system – Female)
- CA15.3 (Breast – Female)
- HE4 (Ovarian – Female)
- ROMA Index (Ovarian – Female)
In addition, there will be 2 sessions of mole mapping offered to screen for skin cancer at The Clifford Clinic. Mole mapping is a process of monitoring and tracking moles on the skin for early detection of skin cancer. It involves taking detailed images of moles during two separate sessions. The two sessions are needed to compare the images and identify any changes in the moles over time, which can be a sign of skin cancer.
Also, a chest X-ray will be offered as part of the package.
Take a step further by considering either our Clifford Genetic Screen programme or Clifford DNA Cancer Screen programme, or even better, to do both together!
PACKAGE B1
Clifford Blood Screen™️ + Mole Mapping + Clifford Genetic Screen™️
The Genetic Screen examines genes that are associated with hereditary cancers for matching with targeted therapy, cancer screening, and risk assessment. For example, BRCA gene is well-known to be associated with breast cancer. Some genes run in the family. Multiple common cancer genes will be screened for. Before conducting this screen, a genetic counselling session with medical doctor is advised. The Genetic Screen is only done once in your lifetime.
PACKAGE B2
Clifford Blood Screen™️ + Mole Mapping + Clifford DNA Cancer Screen™
The Clifford DNA Cancer Screen programme tests for DNA fragments from very early cancer cells. Such screening can potentially pick up early cancer way before standard tumour markers can rise. This is considered as a form of Multicancer Early Detection (MCED). MCED services are typically offered as a screening test to individuals who are at high risk of developing cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease, a history of smoking or exposure to carcinogens, or those who have already had cancer in the past. These tests are usually conducted annually to monitor for any changes.
PACKAGE C
Clifford Blood Screen™️ + Mole Mapping + Clifford Genetic™️ + DNA Cancer Screen™️
Why stop at only one when you can have both Genetic Screen and DNA Cancer Screen done in a single setting? By detecting genes that predispose one to certain types of cancers as well as continually assessing DNA fragments from very early cancer cells, healthcare professionals can implement proactive measures for prevention, surveillance, and early intervention. This enables timely detection of cancer or precancerous conditions when they are most treatable, potentially saving lives.
Genetic screening results empower individuals and their healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare. By understanding their genetic predispositions, individuals can assess their personal risk and take appropriate actions to reduce their chances of developing cancer.
- OGD
- Colonoscopy
- CT Abdomen / Pelvis
- Ultrasound Kidneys Urinary Tract Bladder
- Ultrasound Liver
- Ultrasound Prostate
- MRI Brain