How Radiotherapy Helps To Effectively Treat Cancer in Women

Medically reviewed by Dr Johann Tang, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist
radiotherapy breast cancer treatment singapore

Cancer screening enables one to detect cancers at a earlier stage, where treatment is available and the cancer is more likely to be curable. Learn more about some common cancers affecting women such as cervical and breast cancer, as well as radiotherapy treatment options in Singapore.

What are some common cancers that affect women?

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the top cancer affecting women in Singapore, with approximately 2000 women being diagnosed every year. The majority of breast cancers begin in the ducts and lobules, although they can also start in connective tissue. One of the most common symptoms of breast cancer is a lump in the breast or armpit, with other symptoms including swelling, skin irritation and redness, as well as bloody discharge and ulceration.

Seeking timely breast cancer treatment in Singapore is essential in significantly increasing the likelihood of surviving and making a full recovery. Women are recommended to undergo breast cancer screening via a mammogram which allows for early diagnosis and treatment.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer affects the cervix, which is the lower part of the womb that connects the vagina to the upper part of the uterus. Long–lasting infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer, although it can also occur less frequently without the presence of HPV. Some common symptoms include vaginal bloody discharge and pain.

Cervical cancer treatment in Singapore, as well as preventive measures, play a key role in reducing the risk of cervical cancer. They include undergoing regular pap smear tests which test for abnormality of cells on the cervix’s surface, getting the HPV vaccine early on in life, as well as practicing safe sex.

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, refers to cancer that affects the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. Endometrial cancer often affects women past menopause, and is frequently detected at early stages due to a key symptom of abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Endometrial cancer is often detected via pelvic and ultrasound exams, making regular check ups important to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. Treatment usually involves a total hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Depending on the stage of the disease, post operative  radiation therapy is usually recommended to properly destroy cancer cells.

What radiotherapy treatments are available?

External beam radiation therapy, or EBRT, is the most commonly used treatment method for numerous cancers, including breast and endometrial cancer. These treatments utilise a beam of high-energy xrays directed at the target region via a LINAC machine, which destroy the DNA of cancer cells and prevent their proliferation. Radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy.

External Beam Radiotherapy either via 3D conformal or IMRT techiniques are often used in the treatment of breast cancer in Singapore. It utilises imaging technologies such as CT scans to create detailed 3D images of the tumour, allowing for precise directing and conforming of radiation beams for effective destruction of tumour cells while reducing damage to surrounding tissue. Another option is Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI), which focuses on specific regions of the breast and offers a shorter treatment course, making it useful for reducing radiation exposure and treatment side effects.

Brachytherapy is another commonly used treatment in Singapore for cervical cancer as well as endometrial cancer. In contrast to EBRT, brachytherapy involves the insertion of a radioactive source into the body via applicator tubes. This is usually done after the external beam treatment or as the main treatment, depending on the type of cancer and stage of the disease.

Looking for effective cervical, endometrial, or breast cancer treatment in Singapore? Get in touch with us today to arrange for an appointment and treatment.

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Dr Johann Tang

Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist
Medical Director of ME Novena Specialist Group Pte Ltd
MBBS (Aust), FRANZCR (Radiation Oncology)

Dr Johann Tang is the Senior Consultant and Medical Director of ME Novena Specialist Group Pte Ltd. at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital and an Assistant Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore.  Dr Tang’s journey towards being a radiation oncologist in Singapore started with him obtaining his medical degree from the University of Newcastle, Australia, in 1998 and completing his house officer training at the Hunter Area Health Service before returning to Singapore to complete his National Service in the Singapore Armed Forces Medical Corps. Thereafter, he did his specialty training in Radiation Oncology in Singapore at the National University Hospital (NUH). After obtaining his fellowship from the Royal Australian College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) in 2007, Dr Tang underwent breast brachytherapy fellowships at the University of Wisconsin as well as prostate brachytherapy, skin, and paediatric fellowships at the Peter Maccallum Cancer Institute, Australia. In 2021, Dr Tang underwent a fellowship at the New York Proton Centre with Dr Charles Simone in head and neck, re-irradiation, paediatric, prostate, and lung cancers.

Why Choose Dr Johann Tang

Dr Johann Tang is an experienced radiation oncologist and cancer doctor who aims to deliver the highest level of care to his patients, especially when it comes to radiation therapy and cancer treatment. As a cancer specialist in Singapore, he is dedicated to understanding each patient’s condition and providing holistic, customised care that is both effective and compassionate. With ethics and empathy at the core of our practice, we strive to understand your individual needs and provide care that is compassionate and responsive.

Experienced Radiation Oncologist

Dr Johann Tang is a highly experienced radiation oncologist and cancer specialist in Singapore, with over 20 years of experience treating various cancers in both adults and children and several accolades to his name. Prior to entering private practice, where he is currently a senior consultant and medical director. Dr Tang was at NUH for 18 years, from 2001 to 2019. Dr Tang spearheaded and built up the breast brachytherapy (Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation APBI), outpatient interstitial image-guided cervical brachytherapy, and paediatric radiation therapy services at NUH to provide an array of the latest and best cancer treatment options for patients. As a cancer doctor, Dr Tang is also passionately involved in research, having authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and won several research prizes.

Evidence-based Treatments

Dr Johann Tang and his team utilise technology that has proven to be effective in cancer treatment. Having decades of experience in treating and researching the disease has enabled Dr Tang to remain current and on top of best practices and novel techniques, providing his patients with full assurance that they are receiving the most effective treatment available.

Patient-centered Care

Dr Johann Tang’s patients are his top priority. He journeys with them from diagnosis until the completion of treatment. With Dr Tang, all patients can be fully assured that their clinical needs and well-being are attended to. Dr Tang is also passionately involved in research, having authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and winning several research prizes.

"I guarantee my very best expertise delivered with compassion and dignity as we journey TOGETHER to BEAT this dreaded illness."

- Dr Johann Tang

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