Six years ago, my cousin Maya, who’s living in Indonesia, was diagnosed with Lymphoma. Her family felt that treatment options in their country were limited, and a constant shadow of worry hung over us all.

But my Singaporean aunt (Maya’s mom), who used to work here in Singapore as a head nurse, knows that our country offers the best possible service for cancer treatment.

So, they flew back here with great hopes for my cousin’s recovery. 

After a year of continuous treatment, Maya was declared cancer-free and back in Indonesia. 

As one of her family members who looked after her before and after the treatment, I witnessed firsthand the astounding healthcare system for international cancer patients. 

Today, I’d like to share with you what makes the Lion City a remarkable destination for those battling this relentless disease.

How does Singapore excel in cancer treatment?

Singapore has skilled oncologists, and hospitals offer advanced treatment options, such as immunotherapy, proton therapy, and radiosurgery.

The country also offers support services for international cancer patients, like medical translators, visa applications, and transport arrangements.

Moreover, government healthcare institutes in Singapore, including MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans (IPs), offer valuable support with hospital bills for international cancer patients.

However, these might not fully cover all treatment-related expenses, including daily living costs. 

Advanced Cancer Treatment Options in Singapore

Immunotherapy

Two of Singapore’s most exciting immunotherapy types are immune checkpoint and CAR T-cell therapy.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors work by helping your immune cells recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

The second type of immunotherapy involves separating the cancer patient’s white blood cells from their red blood cells.

The white blood cell is then sent to the lab and altered by adding the gene for the specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). This makes them CAR T cells and makes the previous white blood cells more aggressive in fighting off cancer cells.

Both of these treatments have shown incredible success, especially for cancers that haven’t responded well to traditional methods like chemotherapy or radiation.

Proton Therapy

This form of radiation therapy is a game-changer, especially for tumors located near critical organs like the brain, heart, or spine.

Proton therapy’s precision means fewer side effects and a better quality of life during and after treatment.

Now, Singapore is one of the few places in the region that offers proton therapy, making it a top choice for cancer patients worldwide.

Radiosurgery

If you’re considering a treatment option with precision, efficiency, and minimal recovery, radiosurgery in Singapore might be the answer you’re looking for. 

Radiosurgery offers an advanced, noninvasive approach using focused beams. These beams deliver high precision and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue around them.

One of the most significant benefits of this is minimal recovery time.

Unlike traditional surgery, which can involve significant downtime, radiosurgery often allows patients to resume their normal activities sooner.

Support Services for International Cancer Patients in Singapore

Medical Translators

Most hospitals in Singapore, like Gleneagles, Oncocare, and National University Cancer Institute Singapore, offer translation services in major languages such as Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, English, and several other Asian and Western languages.

It’s always best to check with the specific hospital you’re considering to determine what languages it supports.

Visa Applications

International medical centers for cancer patients in Singapore also help gather required documents and even liaise with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on your behalf.

Transport Arrangements

Most medical centers in Singapore have their own shuttle services within the hospital complex, making it convenient to get around for appointments and consultations.

They can also arrange a return transfer when the treatment of an international cancer patient is complete.  

Costs Associated with Cancer Treatment in Singapore

Realistically, the costs associated with cancer treatment in Singapore for international patients can be expensive. 

Here are some cost factors to consider:

Inpatient Costs

These cover your hospital stay, including room charges, nursing care, and basic medications.

Depending on the severity of your case and the type of room you choose (single vs. shared), inpatient costs can range from S$5,039 to S$37,719.

Surgery and Aftercare Costs

This includes the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, operating room charges, and post-surgical medications or procedures.

Again, the cost will depend on the complexity of your surgery and your specific aftercare needs, and it can range from S$8,027 to S$27,089.