Issue No. 22 • MICA (P) 061/10/2010
AN NCCS QUARTERLY PUBLICATION July – September 2012
...HELPING R E A DER S TO ACHIEV E GOOD HE A LT H
PUBLIC VERSION
Salubris is a Latin word which means healthy, in good condition (body) and wholesome.
INTRODUCTION TO PALLIATIVE CARE
2
SALUBRIS JULY – SEPTEMBER 2012
SALUBRIS JULY – SEPTEMBER 2012
INTRODUCTION TO PALLIATIVE CARE
SCOPE OF PALLIATIVE CARE In the past, palliative care was limited to predominantly terminal cancer patients. This has expanded over the years to include terminal non-cancer conditions like end-organ failures (eg end-stage kidney failure, end-stage heart failure etc) and patients are also seen earlier in the course of their illness. Children with progressive incurable illnesses can also be recipients of palliative care.
BY DR KOMAL TEWANI Registrar Department of Palliative Medicine, NCCS
Life changed for Mr Ang, a 65 years old retired contractor, married with three children when he was diagnosed in February 2010 with cancer of the colon which had spread to the liver. Once an active man who loved travelling, he had to adjust to a life of chemotherapy and frequent clinic visits. He was admitted to hospital for an infection and was distressed from symptoms related to his illness. His oncologist referred him to the hospital palliative team, who helped to control his symptoms and provide emotional support. As he was alone at home in the daytime but was still fairly mobile, he was referred to a Hospice Day Centre on discharge.
E
very day, he would be picked up from home to attend the Day Care activities from 9am to 3pm, after which transport was provided to send him home. By then his wife would be back from work to be with him. This arrangement suited him well till December 2010 when his cancer unfortunately progressed through chemotherapy and he became too weak for further treatment. He stopped attending day care and the home hospice team started to visit him.
PALLIATIVE CARE IN SINGAPORE Palliative care services in Singapore are available in most restructured hospitals and the community. In hospitals, this usually takes the form of consult services whereby the palliative care team co-manages the patients with their primary hospital physicians. IN THE COMMUNITY, THREE TYPES OF SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE: • Inpatient hospice • Home hospice and • Day hospice.
DEFINITION
WHAT PALLIATIVE CARE DOES
Palliative Care is an approach that improves quality of care for patient and their families facing problems associated with life-threatening illness through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual. (WHO 2002)
PALLIATIVE CARE:
Ultimately the aim of Palliative care is to relieve suffering as much as possible and make the challenging experience of a terminal illness more bearable.
HISTORY The word Palliative comes from the Latin word ‘Pallium’ or Cloak i.e to cover or cloak the symptoms. Hospices were originally places for rest for travelers in the 4th century. In the 19th century, a religious order established hospices for the dying in Ireland and London.
On one such visit, it became clear that his wife had difficulty coping with his care, and he opted for a stay at the inpatient hospice. His family was able to visit daily and spend meaningful time with him. His symptoms were well controlled and he passed away peacefully with his family around.
Dame Cecily Saunders
The modern hospice is a relatively recent concept and gained momentum after the founding of St Christopher’s Hospice in 1967 by Dame Cecily Saunders. From there, sprang a worldwide movement to provide compassionate care to the dying.
• Provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms. • Affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. • Does not hasten nor postpone death. • Integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care. • Offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death and helps families cope with patient’s illness and bereavement. • Can be applicable early in the course of illness, in conjunction with other therapies. The goals of Palliative care are the goals of the patient. Some patients may want to live as long as possible, while for others, it may be to have minimal pain and suffering in the remaining time. In short, it is about journeying with the patient and his/her family to make living with a terminal illness more bearable.
There are four inpatient hospices in Singapore namely Dover Park Hospice (www.doverpark.org.sg), Assisi Hospice (www.assisihospice.org.sg), Bright Vision Hospice (www.bvh.org.sg) and St Josephs Hospice (www.stjh.org.sg). They accept terminally ill patients who have no caregivers at home, and have estimated life expectancy of less than three months. There is 24-hour nursing and medical care available in these hospices. Home and day hospices take on patients with less than a year life expectancy, though the latter is more suitable for stable patients. There are five Home hospice care services locally, namely HCA Hospice Care, Assisi Hospice, Metta Hospice Care, Agape Methodist Hospice and Singapore Cancer Society. Homecare nurses visit patients at their homes regularly and provides nursing, care giving and advice, as well as emotional support for patients and their families. They also help facilitate equipment loans for financially constrained patients if needed. Doctors and counselors from the service are also available to support patients at home, when necessary.
HOW IS PALLIATIVE CARE DELIVERED?
As for daycare, HCA day care centre and Assisi Day care are the only ones available for palliative care patients. Patients with limited life expectancy but whose medical conditions are stable or deteriorating slowly may be suitable for day hospices. Entertainment activities and complementary therapies are available to fill up their time there.
Palliative care is delivered using a team approach whereby doctors, nurses, allied healthcare professionals, medical social workers and occasionally pastoral care workers and volunteers; work together to provide holistic care to the patients and their families.
Palliative Care is about being there with the patient and family when cure is no longer possible, and trying to make that challenging and difficult experience of living with a terminal illness more bearable and if possible meaningful for them.
3
4
SALUBRIS JULY – SEPTEMBER 2012
SALUBRIS JULY – SEPTEMBER 2012
介绍慈怀护理
慈怀护理的范围 过去，慈怀护理是以末期癌症病患为主。这些年来，它 也包括末期器官衰竭（如末期肾功能衰竭、末期心脏 衰竭等）的非癌症病患和患病初期的病患。慢性绝症 儿童也可以接受慈怀护理。
KOMAL TEWANI医生 新加坡国立癌症中心 慈怀护理主任
新加坡的慈怀护理
结婚并育有三个孩子的退休承包商
新加坡大多数重组医院和社区都提供慈怀护理服务。
洪先生(65岁 ) 在 2010 年2月被诊断 患上结肠癌，而且癌细胞已扩散到
在医院里，慈怀护理人员通常与病患的主治医生合作， 为病患提供咨询服务。
肝脏，从此改变了他的生活。原本活
在社区内，慈怀护理有三种：
跃、爱旅行的洪先生，不得不自我调
•
慈怀医院，
整，适应化疗和频繁就医的生活。他
•
居家慈怀护理，及
•
日间慈怀中心。
一度因感染住院，情绪也因病情的症 状而大受影响。洪先生的肿瘤科医生
新加坡有四家慈怀医院，它们是：
将他转介到医院的慈怀护理组，帮助
定义
何谓慈怀护理？
他控制症状，以及给予情感上的支
慈怀护理是一种通过提早确认、准确评估，以及治疗疼 痛和身心灵等其他问题，来预防和减轻痛苦，帮助病患 及其家人应对重病相关问题、提升护理质量的方法。 (世界卫生组织，2002年)
慈怀护理：
慈怀护理最终的目的是，尽可能减轻病患及其家人 的痛苦，让他们更能承受绝症所带来的折磨。
• 不加快或延缓死亡
持。虽然他行动自如，但由于白天只 有他一个人在家，因此出院后，他被 转介到一家日间慈怀中心。
历史 洪先生每天早上9 时到日间慈怀中心去，直到下午3时 才回家，往返都由中心载送。回到家后，就由下了班的 妻子照顾他。这样的安排原本很恰当，但到了2010 年 12月，化疗已无法阻止他身上的癌细胞蔓延，他变得 很虚弱，无法继续接受治疗。他不再到日间慈怀中心， 居家慈怀护理人员也开始到他家里探望他。
“Palliative” (缓和的) 源自拉丁字“Pallium” (大脑 皮层) 或“Cloak” (掩盖) ，意即掩盖症状。在四世 纪，“Hospices” (收容所) 原本是给旅客休息的地方。在
19世纪，宗教团体在爱尔兰和伦敦设立专门照顾临终病 患的收容所。 现代慈怀中心是一个比 较新颖的概念。1967年， 桑德斯 (Dame Cecily Saunders) 建立圣克 里斯托弗慈怀中心 (St
在其中一次探访中，居家慈怀护理人员发现洪先生的 妻子已没有能力照顾他，而他也选择入住慈怀医院。 他的家人每天都去探望他。他的症状控制得很好，最 终在家人的陪伴下安详去世。
Christopher’s Hospice) 桑德斯
后，全球兴起了为临终病患 提供关怀的运动。
• 缓解疼痛及其他不适症状 • 肯定生命，视死亡为一个正常过程
• 结合病患心理和精神的护理 • 提供支援，帮助病患在临终前尽量积极的 生活，以及帮助病患家人面对病患的疾病 和逝世 • 适用于患病初期，可配合其他治疗 病患的目标，就是慈怀服务的目标。有些病患希 望尽量延长生命，有些则希望在剩下的日子里尽 量减轻疼痛和痛苦。总之，这是一段与病患及其 家人同行的旅程，让他们能更好地面对绝症。
托福园慈怀病院 (www.doverpark.org.sg), 雅西西慈怀病院 (www.assisihospice.org.sg), 观明综合医院 (www.bvh.org.sg) 及 圣若瑟护理之家 (www.stjh.org.sg)。 这些慈怀医院接受无人照顾且预计寿命不超过三个月 的病患者。它们提供 24 小时的护理和医疗服务。 居家与日间慈怀护理接受寿命不超过一年的病患，不 过日间慈怀护理更适合病情稳定的病患。 新加坡有五家提供居家慈怀护理的机构，它们是慈怀协会、 雅西西慈怀病院、慈光安宁居家护理中心、爱加倍卫理慈怀 及新加坡防癌协会。居家慈怀护士定期探访病患，提供护 理、关怀和意见，以及为病患及其家人提供精神上的支持。 如有需要，他们也会协助经济能力有限的病患申请器材贷 款。必要时，医生和辅导员也会到病患家提供支援。 另外，只有慈怀协会和雅西西慈怀病院为需要慈怀护理 的病患提供日间慈怀护理服务。那些寿命有限，但病情稳 定或恶化程度缓慢的病患，也许适合到日间慈怀中心。那 里的娱乐活动和辅助疗法，能帮助病患消磨时间。
如何提供慈怀护理？ 慈怀护理是由一组医生、护士、医疗人员，以及医 疗社工，偶尔也包括牧灵工作者和义工，一起为 病患及其家人提供全面的照顾。
慈怀护理就是在病患已无法治愈时，与病患及其 家人一起渡过这段艰难时刻，让他们更能承受绝 症所带来的痛苦，甚至让他们活得更有意义。
5
6
SALUBRIS JULY – SEPTEMBER 2012
SAFE HANDLING OF ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY
SALUBRIS JULY – SEPTEMBER 2012
If you or a person you care for is receiving oral chemotherapy, you are recommended to adhere to the following dos and don’ts for its handling.
BY YEOH TING TING Senior Clinical Pharmacist National Cancer Centre
Oral chemotherapy is chemotherapy that is to be taken by mouth. It can come in tablet, capsule or liquid form. A list of commonly used oral chemotherapy can be found in Table 1.
O
ral chemotherapy offers cancer patients a more convenient and less invasive treatment option. However, do note that these medications can cause as many side effects as the intravenously administered ones. Hence, special care and attention is required if you are taking or serving these medications.
TABLE 1
COMMONLY USED ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY Busulfan Capecitabine Chlorambucil Cyclophosphamide
DOs FOR HANDLING OF ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY
When serving or taking the medication, use gloves if possible and wash hands thoroughly before and after wearing gloves. If gloves are not worn, tip tablets and capsules from their container / blister pack directly into a disposable medicine cup. Administer the medication as instructed by your healthcare provider.
In the event that you have taken a higher than instructed dose, report to your healthcare provider immediately.
Keep a journal of side effects. Make a list of adverse effects for which immediate medical attention is required. Request for printed material from your healthcare provider, whenever possible.
Keep information ready for necessary action in the event of accidental exposure.
Minimize the number of individuals coming in contact with the oral chemotherapy.
Return wet, damaged, unused, discontinued, or expired medications to the pharmacist or hospital for safe disposal. Report all medications (prescription, non-prescription, as well as complementary and alternative medicines) and any specific dietary requirement to your healthcare provider, at the time of assessment and consultation. Inform other healthcare professionals (e.g. surgeons, dentists etc) that you are on oral chemotherapy.
Wash the patient’s clothes and bed linen separately from other items. Double-flush the toilet after use (by the patient), during use of and 4 to 7 days after discontinuing oral chemotherapy. If a bedpan, commode or urinal is used, the caregiver should wear gloves when emptying it. Rinse it well with water and wash with soap and water at least once a day. The same precautions apply to basins used for vomiting.
DON’Ts FOR HANDLING OF ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY
Hydroxyurea Lomustine
Transport and store the medication as stated in the medication label or as advised by the pharmacist.
Etoposide Imatinib
Upon receiving your prescription, review the medication label, paying attention to the medication name, dosage, and timing of administration. If you have any doubt, do not hesitate to clarify with the pharmacist.
Melphalan
Leave medication in open areas, near sources of water (e.g. sink etc), direct sunlight, or where they can be accessed by children or pets.
Crush, break, or chew tablets.
Store medications in the areas where food or drinks are stored or consumed.
Share your medication with others.
Self-increase doses of oral chemotherapy, unless instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Assume that oral chemotherapy is safer than intravenous chemotherapy.
Skip doses unless instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Discard medication down the toilet or in the garbage.
Mercaptourine Methotrexate Procarbazine
REFERENCES: Goodin et al. Safe Handling of Oral Chemotherapeutic Agents in Clinical Practice: Recommendations from an International Pharmacy Panel. Journal of Oncology Practice Jan 2011; 7(1): 7-12
Temozolamide
Barefoot J , Blecher CS, Emery R. Keeping Pace with Oral Chemotherapy. Oncology Issues May/June 2009: 36-9
Coppola C. Keeping Safe at Home with Chemotherapy. Available online: http://www.caregiver.com/articles/print/keeping_ safe_at_home.htm [Last assessed: 16/02/2012]
7
8
SALUBRIS JULY – SEPTEMBER 2012
安全处理口 服化疗
SALUBRIS JULY – SEPTEMBER 2012
如果你正在接受口服化疗，或正在照顾接受口服 化疗的病患，我们建议你注意下列事项：
OUTREACH – PUBLIC FORUMS & CANCERWISE WORKSHOPS
整理：杨婷婷 新加坡国立癌症中心 高级临床药剂师
口服化疗是通过服食药物 进行化疗。药物有片剂、 胶囊和液体形式。常用口 服化疗药物可参见表1。
口服化疗为病患提供一个更方便和侵入 性较低的治疗方法。不过，值得注意的 是，口服化疗可能跟静脉注射疗法有同等 的副作用。因此，如果你选择口服化疗， 必须格外谨慎。
处理口服化疗时该 做的事
携带及存放药物时，应遵照药 物标签上的指示或药剂师的 建议。
拿药给病患或服药时，尽可 能戴手套，并在戴手套前后 把手洗干净。如果没有戴手 套，应从药罐/包装袋内直接 把药片和胶囊倒入即用即丢 的药杯。
根据医生的指示给药
若服用过多剂量，立即通知 医生。
记录副作用。将需要紧急就 医的负面影响列出来。尽可能 向医生索取印刷版的资料。
准备好相关资料，以便在意外 接触到药物时，采取必要的 行动。
将潮湿、损坏、未服用、停止 服用或过期的药物交还给药 剂师或医院进行安全处理。
就诊时，向医生报告你服用 的所有药物（处方药、非处方 药、辅助和替代药物），以及 任何特别的饮食要求。告诉 其他专业医疗人员（如外科医 生、牙医等）你正在接受口服 化疗。
表1：常用口服化疗药物 白消安 (Busulfan) 卡培他滨 (Capecitabine) 苯丁酸氮芥 (Chlorambucil) 环磷酰胺 (Cyclophosphamide) 依托泊苷 (Etoposide) 羟基脲 (Hydroxyurea) 伊马替尼 (Imatinib) 洛莫司汀 (Lomustine) 美法仑 (Melphalan) 巯基嘌呤 (Mercaptourine) 甲氨蝶呤 (Methotrexate) 丙卡巴肼 (Procarbazine) 替莫唑胺 (Temozolamide)
拿到药方时，检查药物标签， 注意药物名称、剂量和服药时 间。如有任何疑问，应向药剂 师查询。
尽量减少与接受口服化疗病 患接触的人数
如果病患使用便盆、座椅式便 桶或尿壶，看护者在清理时应 戴上手套。用清水把用具冲洗 干净，每天至少用肥皂和清水 洗一次。这个方法也适用于供 病患呕吐用的盆。
病患的衣物和床单应与其他 人的衣物分开清洗。
处理口服化疗时不该 做的事
将药物放在非密封、靠近 水源（如水槽等）、阳光直 射，或儿童及宠物可触及 的地方。
将药物存放在放置或食用 食物或饮料的地方。
压碎、折断或咀嚼药片。
与其他人共用药物。
在没有得到医生或药剂师 的指示下，自行增加口服化 疗药物的剂量。
Event
Date, Time, Venue
Registration
English Public Forum – Skin Cancer
14 July 2012, Saturday
Free Admission
TOPICS:
Time: 11.00am to 12.30pm (Registration:11am to 11.15am)
Strictly No Admission for children below 12 years old. Registration is a MUST as seats are limited.
Peter & Mary Fu Auditorium Level 4 National Cancer Centre Singapore
REGISTRATION IS BY PHONE ONLY
• Understanding the Skin • Common Skin Changes of Ageing Skin • What is Skin Cancer? • Risk Factors & Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer • Common types of Skin Cancers • Diagnosis and Treatment
在没有得到医生或药剂师 的指示下，漏服药物。
TOPICS:
将药物丢进马桶或垃圾 桶。
a. What is Chemotherapy? b. Why is Chemotherapy used? c. How is Chemotherapy given? d. How does Chemotherapy work? e. Common Side Effects and Management f. Questions & Answers
Barefoot J, Blecher CS, EmeryR.：了解口服化疗， 《肿瘤学》2009年 5月 /6 月，第 36期，第9页。 Coppola C.：确保在家化 疗的安全。http://www. caregiver.com/articles/ print/keeping_safe_ at_home.htm [最后更 新：16/02/2012]
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
• Questions & Answers
CancerWise Workshop – Chemotherapy & Their Side Effects
在服药期间及停药后的四至 七天内， （病患）上厕所后，必 须冲两次水。
• Prevention and Early Detection
以为口服化疗比静脉注射 化疗安全。
参考资料： Goodin et al.：在临床 实践中安全处理口服化 疗药物：国际药剂小组 的建议。《肿瘤学实践期 刊》2011年1月，第7册， 第 1期，第 7-12页。
Please call: 6225 5655 / 6236 9432
CancerWise Workshop – Managing Psychological Aspect of Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients TOPICS: • Understanding reactions and feelings towards the cancer • Coping and adjustment to life after cancer treatment • Coping strategies
21 July 2012, Saturday
Admission Fee: $5
Session will be conducted in English.
To register, please call: 6225 5655
1pm – Registration 1.30pm to 4pm – Workshop starts
Function Room, Level 4 National Cancer Centre Singapore 11 Hospital Drive Singapore 169610
or register online: www.nccs.com.sg (click events)
28 July 2012, Saturday
Admission Fee: $5
Session will be conducted in English.
To register, please call: 6225 5655
1pm – Registration 1.30pm to 4pm – Workshop starts
Function Room, Level 4 National Cancer Centre Singapore 11 Hospital Drive Singapore 169610
or register online: www.nccs.com.sg (click events)
Continued on page 10.
9
10
SALUBRIS JULY – SEPTEMBER 2012
SALUBRIS JULY – SEPTEMBER 2012
OUTREACH – PUBLIC FORUMS & CANCERWISE WORKSHOPS
VOICES OF HOPE FOR THE COMMUNITY
Continued from page 9.
Event
Date, Time, Venue
Registration
CancerWise Workshop – Pain Management
25 August 2012, Saturday
Admission Fee: $5
Session will be conducted in English.
To register, please call: 6225 5655
1pm – Registration 1.30pm to 4pm – Workshop starts
TOPICS: • What is a pain? • How does pain occur? • Why does cancer cause pain? • Pain Assessment • Questions & Answers
Function Room, Level 4 National Cancer Centre Singapore 11 Hospital Drive Singapore 169610
Bilingual Public Forum – Liver Awareness Month
8 September 2012, Saturday
TOPICS: • Common Problems Of Liver
Time: 9.15am to 10.30am (Registration: 9am to 9.15am)
• What Is Liver Cancer?
ENGLISH SESSION
• Risk Factors – viruses, alcohol & fat • Signs & Symptoms • Early Detection & Prevention • Treatment Options • Questions & Answers
CancerWise Workshop – Hepatitis B & its link to Liver Cancer TOPICS: • What is Hepatitis? • What causes Hepatitis B? • Signs & Symptoms of Hepatitis B • The link between Hepatitis B and Liver cancer • Treatment and Prevention of Hepatitis B
MANDARIN SESSION
Time: 11.15am to 12.30pm (Registration: 11am to 11.15am) Health Promotion Board Auditorium 3 Second Hospital Avenue Singapore 168937
or register online: www.nccs.com.sg (click events)
Free Admission Strictly No Admission for children below 12 years old. Registration is a MUST as seats are limited REGISTRATION IS BY PHONE ONLY Please call: 6225 5655 / 6236 9432 / 6236 9447
Monday – Friday: 9am to 5pm
29 September 2012, Saturday
Admission Fee: $5
Session will be conducted in English.
To register, please call: 6225 5655
1pm – Registration 1.30pm to 4pm – Workshop starts
Function Room, Level 4 National Cancer Centre Singapore 11 Hospital Drive Singapore 169610
or register online: www.nccs.com.sg (click events)
• Living with Hepatitis B Information is correct at press time. NCCS reserves the right to change programme or speaker without prior notice. Strictly no admission for children below 12 years old for CancerWise Workshops.
“Life is a battle” and “because of love”, “hope will take me there”. These are titles of three songs amongst original pieces recorded in the Voices of Hope album.
P
erformed by Methodist Girls’ School’s students, past and present, all songs in the album conveyed their strong desire to bring hope into the hearts and lives of cancer patients and their loved ones, even in the darkest times and in the face of severe adversity. Besides battling their illness, cancer patients and their families commonly have to cope with a myriad of challenges. Having to juggle with the effects of cancer, demands of treatment, work and family, these can prove too much for most. The best care possible for the patients includes providing them with holistic support to overcome these challenges; from helping them access the necessary treatment they may not be able to afford, to coping with side effects of treatment.
Since 2009, MGS has been partnering the NCCS in various ways to raise funds that help meet the needs of cancer patients and their families. This year, as MGS celebrates its 125th anniversary, they present Voices of Hope – an album and two anniversary concerts in July – in aid of the Community Cancer Fund at the NCCS. The concerts that were held in the school’s auditorium featured MGS award-winning performers and talents of MGS Alumnae Rosita Ng, Audrey Tang, Wong Hui Yin and Rachel Lim, as well as songs from the album. Showcasing the music talents at MGS, the album comprised of pieces performed by their Primary and Secondary Choirs, the Secondary Handbell Choir, String and Guitar Ensemble, and that of MGS Soloists, past and present. The production of the CD was made possible by several parties including MGS past and present girls, their parents, staff, and donors, who gave time and monetary support to help raise awareness and more funds to help needy cancer patients. The time and efforts contributed were praiseworthy as students had to balance practices, recording and school, while others juggled the production, work, personal and family commitment.
Through Voices of Hope, let us spread and share hope. Join them in making a difference by supporting the meaningful cause. With your support, more lives can be touched as cancer affects 1 in 3 in Singapore.
The Voices of Hope album is available for purchase at $20 per CD. This would make a perfect gift for anyone. Corporations are also welcome to place a bulk order purchase as corporate gifts. For more purchase details: Call MGS at 6469 4800 or NCCS Community Partnership at 6236 9440 Visit http://mgs.sch.edu.sg or www.nccs.com.sg Proceeds from the concert and the sale of the album will go towards the Community Cancer Fund that places a strong focus on optimizing patient care through financial assistance, education and support programmes.
11
12
SALUBRIS JULY – SEPTEMBER 2012
ARE YOU GAME TO BE PART OF THE 10,000? Run For Hope, the annual charity event organised by Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, Regent Singapore and the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) to raise much-needed funds for cancer research is back with a difference!
T
his year marks the Four Seasons Hotel Group’s 20 years of running in support of cancer research in Singapore! To celebrate two decades of dedication towards such worthy cause, we will be running in Central Singapore! The event however maintains its tradition as a non-competitive leisure run. So everyone; anyone; young & old, can join in the worthy cause and fun. Aiming to be bigger and better, to raise greater awareness and support for cancer patients and life-saving research, we want you to be a part of the 10,000 running to provide hope for cancer patients. We need your help to raise $500,000 this year to provide for an array of basic, translation and clinical research programmes. Each year, more than 10,000 people in Singapore find themselves diagnosed with cancer. For many of us, cancer is likely to have affected at least a friend or a family member, if not more. At some point in time, we hope we could do more for the cancer sufferer. Some of us feel at a loss for comforting words or action. Supporting the Run For Hope, in aid of the NCC Research Fund, is one way of giving a helping hand and providing hope. Sign up for the 3.5km or 10km run along the latest popular running trail around Marina Bay / Kallang River.
SIGN UP NOW AND SPREAD THE WORD! Date: 18 November 2012 Venue: The Padang Fees: Adult – $45 Child/Youth – $25* Buddies Special (2 Adults) – $80 Group Special (only for 20 adults or more) – $35 per pax
DID YOU KNOW? Run For Hope has inspiring beginnings. Mr Isadore Sharp, CEO and founder of the canadian-based Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, lost his fourth son Christopher to melanoma cancer in 1978. In memory of his son, Mr Sharp spearheaded a worldwide programme that established annual runs raising funds for cancer research in cities where their hotels and resorts are located.
* Aged 5 to 18 years at time of race. Ages 4 & below have free entry.
Visit www.runforhopesingapore.org for more details and to register for the run today. Like us on Facebook.com/RunForHopeSg or follow us on Twitter.com/ RunForHopeSg for the latest updates. Organisations who are passionate about supporting the cancer cause are also invited to join the Run For Hope as a corporate partner, sign up as a group or even organize their own staff fundraising activities. Call the NCCS Community Partnership at 62369430 / 464 or email RunForHope@nccs.com.sg. Join NCCS, the place where research findings and clinical practice can be combined to find the best treatment solutions and care for cancer patients, in paving the way for a cancer-free future.
LET’S GET INTO THE ACT OF STOMPING OUT CANCER.
Editorial Advisors
Members, Editorial Board
Members, Medical Editorial Board
Prof Kon Oi Lian Prof Soo Khee Chee Dr Tan Hiang Khoon
Mr Mark Ko Ms Sharon Leow Dr Shiva Sarraf-Yazdi Ms Jenna Teo
Medical Editor
Executive Editors
Ms Lita Chew Dr Mohd Farid Dr Melissa Teo Dr Teo Tze Hern Dr Deborah Watkinson
Dr Richard Yeo
Ms Charissa Eng Ms Veronica Lee Mr Sunny Wee
He was inspired by Terry Fox, whom despite having lost a leg to cancer, ran across Canada to raise money and cancer awareness in 1980. Increasingly convinced that more is needed to be done, Mr Sharp ensured his legacy lived on even after Terry’s death. Four Seasons employees worldwide have since been supporting Terry’s dream in striving to advance cancer research, and Run For Hope is one of their efforts. Every Four Seasons hotel and resort actively supports local and regional efforts to find a cure for cancer. In Singapore – Run For Hope was inaugurated in 1993 by Four Seasons Hotel Singapore and Regent Singapore, making it the single largest fund-raising effort in aid of cancer research here. Since 2008, they have been partnering the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) to raise funds for the NCC Research Fund.
SALUBRIS
is produced with you 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