Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a significant health concern globally, especially in Asia. Singapore, renowned for its advanced healthcare infrastructure and world-class medical expertise, has emerged as a leading destination for gastric cancer diagnosis and treatment. With state-of-the-art facilities, highly trained oncologists, and access to cutting-edge technology, Singapore provides a holistic and patient-centric approach to managing gastric cancer.

This article provides a detailed overview of Gastric cancer treatment in Singapore, including available therapies, diagnostic tools, multidisciplinary care teams, and patient support services.

Understanding Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer originates from the lining of the stomach and can develop in any part of the organ. Most commonly, it begins in the mucosa and progresses deeper into the stomach wall. Gastric cancer can be classified into several types, including:

• Adenocarcinoma (most common)
• Lymphoma
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
• Carcinoid tumors

Early stages of gastric cancer often have no symptoms or nonspecific signs like indigestion, bloating, or loss of appetite. As the disease advances, symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and unintentional weight loss may appear.

Why Choose Singapore for Gastric Cancer Treatment?

Singapore has become a medical hub for cancer care in Southeast Asia due to several key factors:

1. Advanced Medical Technology: Singapore’s hospitals are equipped with modern diagnostic and therapeutic tools, including PET-CT, MRI, laparoscopic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery, and targeted therapy.
2. Multidisciplinary Approach: Cancer treatment is managed by a team of specialists including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists, and palliative care experts.
3. Highly Qualified Oncologists: Singapore boasts internationally trained doctors with extensive experience in treating various cancers, including gastric cancer.
4. World-Class Healthcare Facilities: Institutions like the National University Cancer Institute Singapore (NCIS), National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), Mount Elizabeth Hospital, and Gleneagles Hospital are globally recognized for their excellence in oncology.
5. Integrated Patient Support Services: Counseling, dietary advice, rehabilitation, and financial counseling are integral parts of the cancer care process.

Diagnosis and Staging of Gastric Cancer in Singapore

Proper diagnosis and staging are crucial for formulating an effective treatment plan. Common diagnostic tests include:

• Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy): A thin tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to examine the stomach lining and collect biopsy samples.
• Biopsy: Tissue samples are analyzed under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
• Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRI, PET-CT scans, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) help determine the extent of cancer spread.
• Blood Tests: Check for anemia, liver function, and tumor markers like CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen).

Staging ranges from Stage 0 (early cancer confined to the mucosa) to Stage IV (advanced cancer that has spread to distant organs).

Gastric Cancer Treatment Options in Singapore

The treatment for gastric cancer depends on the stage of the disease, patient health, and tumor characteristics. Here’s a detailed look at the options:

1. Surgery

Surgery is the primary curative option for early and some intermediate-stage gastric cancers. Types of surgical procedures include:

• Endoscopic Resection: For very early-stage cancer, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can be performed.
• Partial Gastrectomy: Removal of a portion of the stomach along with lymph nodes.
• Total Gastrectomy: Entire stomach is removed, and the esophagus is connected to the small intestine.
• Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery: Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly common in Singapore for faster recovery and reduced complications.

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used in various stages:

• Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Administered before surgery to shrink tumors.
• Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Given after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
• Palliative Chemotherapy: Used in advanced stages to prolong life and relieve symptoms.

Singaporean hospitals utilize global chemotherapy protocols, and patients are closely monitored for side effects.

3. Radiation Therapy

Radiation may be combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiation), especially after surgery to prevent recurrence. It uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells and is administered using precision-guided techniques such as IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) or SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy).

4. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies focus on specific genetic mutations or proteins found in cancer cells, such as HER2. Trastuzumab (Herceptin), for instance, is used in HER2-positive gastric cancer. Singapore’s hospitals offer molecular profiling to identify candidates for targeted treatments.

5. Immunotherapy

Newer treatment options like immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab) are being offered in clinical trials or advanced cancer cases. These help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

6. Palliative and Supportive Care

For patients with late-stage gastric cancer, palliative care focuses on pain relief, symptom management, and maintaining quality of life. Singapore has excellent hospice and palliative care services integrated into its cancer centers.

Rehabilitation and Follow-up Care

After treatment, patients require regular follow-up visits to monitor for recurrence, manage side effects, and support overall recovery. Nutritional counseling is particularly important, especially after gastrectomy. Rehabilitation services in Singapore include:

• Dietary planning and supplementation
• Psychosocial support
• Physical therapy
• Stoma care (if applicable)

Hospitals like Tan Tock Seng and Singapore General Hospital have comprehensive survivorship programs for post-cancer rehabilitation.

Cost of Gastric Cancer Treatment in Singapore

Costs vary depending on the hospital, treatment complexity, and duration of care. On average:

• Initial diagnostics and staging: SGD $3,000 – $6,000
• Surgery: SGD $20,000 – $40,000
• Chemotherapy cycles: SGD $1,000 – $5,000 per cycle
• Targeted therapy: SGD $4,000 – $8,000/month
• Radiation therapy: SGD $10,000 – $20,000

Singapore citizens and permanent residents can utilize MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Foreign patients are advised to request detailed quotations in advance.

Medical Tourism and International Patients

Singapore’s healthcare system caters to international patients with dedicated departments for medical tourism. Services include:

• Airport transfers
• Multilingual translators
• Medical visas
• Accommodation arrangements
• Personal medical coordinators

Hospitals like Mount Elizabeth and Parkway East have international patient centers ensuring smooth communication and care.

Research and Clinical Trials

Singapore is actively involved in gastric cancer research. Institutions like the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI) and the A*STAR Research Institutes are working on:

• Genetic and biomarker profiling
• Immunotherapy advancements
• Personalized treatment algorithms
• Liquid biopsy and early detection methods

Patients may enroll in clinical trials to access the latest treatment options.

Conclusion

Gastric cancer treatment in Singapore exemplifies the best of modern medicine: advanced technology, integrated care teams, and a strong emphasis on patient welfare. Whether you’re a local resident or a medical tourist, you can expect a high standard of care tailored to your specific medical and emotional needs.

If you or a loved one is facing gastric cancer, consulting with a Singaporean oncologist can be a vital step toward effective, compassionate, and hopeful treatment. Early detection, personalized care, and access to cutting-edge therapies can make all the difference.