Cancer: a word to strike terror into anyone’s heart.

 

The third installment of Rouge looked into the disease that took the life of Cantopop queen Anita Mui: cervical cancer. This is the sixth most common cancer among Singapore women, and every year, about 200 women are diagnosed with the disease, while about 100 die from it.

 

Two survivors were brave enough to step up and tell their story.

 

 A year ago, Mary Fernandez’s family and colleagues noticed that she looked very pale and advised her to see a doctor. When the SGH housekeeper finally did, she received the dreaded news – she had cervical cancer. Mary then underwent surgery, which is normally sufficient for dealing with early invasive cancer. But more devastating news followed – Mary’s cancer was more advanced than first thought, and she had to go for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. With the support of her family and friends, she went through this difficult period with a positive outlook – and survived. Today, Mary still goes for regular checkups to ensure that the cancer does not recur.

 

 Lau Lai San’s life was saved by a visit to the company doctor 12 years ago. The doctor recommended that she go for a Pap smear, and Lai San duly did. She thought nothing of it until she received a call from the doctor asking that she see her immediately. Lai San was stunned to hear that she had pre-cancerous cells in her cervix. She was just 25, had been married for a year, and her husband and her were hoping to have children. But Lai San was lucky – the early discovery of pre-cancerous cells meant a very good chance of survival. She was successfully treated, and now, more than a decade later, she is the proud mother of 3 lively children. Lai San still goes for regular Pap smears and advises her friends and colleagues to go for Pap smears as well!

 

But what is cervical cancer?

 

 Associate Professor Tay Sun Kuie (Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, SGH), who treated Mary and Lai San, gave a clear and concise explanation of the virus that causes cervical cancer, how the virus is transmitted, the symptoms, the treatment, and preventive measures such as the Pap smear and cervical cancer vaccines. For more information on cervical cancer, go to http://www.nccs.com.sg/pat/08_05_Cervix.htm.

 

As cancer patients go through the rigours of the disease and treatment, having people to cheer them up and give them information is crucial. The National Cancer Centre Singapore runs several support groups, and the one for gynaecological cancers is the pillar of strength for cervical cancer patients. The group, featured on Rouge, bonds through activities such as makeup demonstrations and makan sessions, and the members receive counselling and get the latest information on the disease. To get in touch with the support group, contact the Senior Patient Education Executive at 64368117 or email mss@nccs.com.sg.

 

 From the farm to the shop to the table - Rouge had a highlight on organic food. Although the scientific evidence on whether organic food can prevent or cure diseases such as cancer is still inconclusive, interest in it as a healthier alternative is definitely increasing. Rouge took a trip to Fireflies Health Farm (www.fireflies.sg) where vegetables like carrots, brinjals and chye sim are grown organically without pesticides or fungicides.  The shelves at the Camu Camu Organic and Nature House are stuffed with a whole range of organic foodstuff.

 

 Manager Michael Low turned to organic food to cure his blood disorder when his doctors informed him that there was no hope for him. Take a bus or MRT to the heartlands of Hougang to meet Michael and buy organic goods (Blk 211, Hougang St 21, #01-307).

 

 Café Angel Heart serves up delicious vegetarian food, and owners Janice Goh and Fanny Low try to make at least 50% of their food organic. Slurp up their fare at 28 Stanley Street.

 

 Rouge: we’re the talk of the town!