Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cancer in Singapore. It ranked highest among males and second among females between 2001 and 2005 (NRDO, HPB), and the incidence is rising. Despite this, knowledge of CRC remains low among Singaporeans, thus mortality rates continue to escalate. More alarmingly, there is little awareness that CRC is curable if detected early, a fact mirrored in other Asian countries. Even with growing improvements in medical science, CRC cases reported during the advanced stage in Asian countries translate into delayed treatment, poor outcomes, longer hospital stays and higher medical costs.

This seminar aims to fill in the Colorectal Cancer knowledge gap and build a heightened awareness of its causes, prevention, early diagnoses and cure, straight from the country’s leading experts at the Singapore General Hospital.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Find It Before It Gets YOU!
This highly interesting lecture focuses on why colorectal cancer screening should be part of the routine check-up for those aged 50 and above. It will uncover high-risk individuals, the signs and symptoms, and CRC’s connection with genetics. It will also serve as a platform to showcase available screening tests.

Colorectal Cancer: Can Diet & Exercise Reduce My Risk?
Researchers agree that a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle are among the most important contributors to cancer risk. Fortunately, these are daily habits we can control. For example, studies have shown that a diet high in fat and calories, and low in fibre can contribute to colon cancer. So would a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, and with increased levels of calcium and vitamins prevent colon cancer? The answers will be eye-opening!

Cancer Treatment: Making It Affordable
Among the conditions of hospitalisation in Singapore, cancer ranks second. With bills reaching thousands, would you have enough ready cash or medisave earnings for any eventualities? Avail yourself of this opportunity to learn practical solutions on how to manage your savings and protect yourself against huge medical bills from one of the country’s reputable life insurers.

Treatment Options: Surgery for Colorectal Cancer – Minimal Pain, Maximal Gain
Get detailed information on the latest surgical techniques for treating colorectal cancer, such as a ‘resection’. Be enlightened as to what patients will undergo and experience during surgery, and what to expect post-operation. One common question is on bowel functions, which will be discussed in length, along with dietary changes required to ensure proper recovery and overall improved health.

Beyond Surgery Series: Chemotherapy & Radiotherapy – Are They For Everyone?
Cancer occurs when something goes wrong with our system thus causing uncontrolled cell division and growth. In this interesting lecture by Dr Koo, you’ll learn about the different stages of colorectal cancer, and discover if chemotherapy and radiotherapy are suitable for everyone. Most importantly, Dr Khoo will impart tips on how to stay positive during and after the treatment.

A/Prof Eu Kong Weng
Head and Senior Consultant Surgeon, Department of Colorectal Surgery
Director, SGH Colorectal Cancer Research Laboratory

A/Prof Eu is an internationally renowned colorectal surgeon with expertise on minimally invasive surgery. He currently heads the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Singapore General Hospital, one of the most extensive and progressive colorectal surgical units in the region. Under his leadership, almost 70% of all procedures at the hospital’s Colon and Rectal Section are now performed using advanced technologies, and surgeons from around the world have flocked to SGH for fellowship training in laparoscopic surgery.

In 2007, A/Prof Eu was voted as President of the ASEAN Society of Colorectal Surgeons.

Dr Tang Choong Leong
Senior Consultant Surgeon, Department of Colorectal Surgery
Director, Singapore Polyposis

Dr Tang has vast experience in the management of colorectal conditions and surgery. He is a member of many professional societies, including the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the Singapore Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. He directs the Singapore Polyposis Registry, a MOH-sanctioned registry that compiles database of genetic and hereditary colorectal cancer patients, and conducts programmes that follow up on high-risk family members.

In both his professional and personal life, he has remained a patient advocate, volunteering in the Singapore Cancer Society as a public educator and co-organiser of patient care programmes.

Mr Johnson Lim
Group Manager, Great Eastern Life

Mr Lim is a veteran life planner who joined Great Eastern Life (GE) in 1977. He has had many notable projects to his name, including OCBC Bank’s Business Insurance Project and the General Insurance Certification Training Course for OAC Insurance. He was also a speaker at the Singapore National Employers Federation Conference in November last year on Portable Medical Benefits Scheme (PMBS). Recently, he was named Top Producer of GE’s latest Global Advantage Plan for Southeast Asia.

Dr Ooi Boon Swee
Senior Consultant / Surgeon Director, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of Colorectal Surgery

Dr Ooi has been the Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery in the Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, since 2005. His expertise in laparoscopic colorectal surgery has made him a sought-after surgeon overseas and speaker for international conferences.

With his exhaustive researches, he has had over 40 publications in international peer-reviewed journals and books to his name. In recognition of this extensive work, he won the SGH Excellent Publication Award in 2003.

Dr Koo Wen Hsin
Head, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre
Chairman, Singapore Cancer Society

Dr Koo is a specialist in gastrointestinal malignancies and has a passion for providing supportive care for patients while volunteering for educational programmes for doctors, medical students and the public.

Saturday, 7th June 2008
2.00 - 5.30pm

*Tickets are inclusive of $1 ticketing fees