Icon and Mount Alvernia Hospital’s investment in the new integrated cancer centre is in response to one of Singapore’s fastest growing healthcare demands. Cancer is currently the leading cause of death in Singapore, accounting for 29.1 percent of deaths in 2017[2]. About 37 people in Singapore are diagnosed with cancer every day[2,3].
With advancements in cancer treatments, survival rates for patients with cancer have improved over the years. The early detection and screening for some of the common cancers have also led to more timely treatment for many patients.
Taking a holistic approach to cancer care, the upcoming facility will offer a 10-chair day oncology hospital delivering chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy, along with single radiation therapy bunker and onsite PET-CT, pathology and pharmacy services. The centre has the capacity to treat up to 1000 patients a year, including the 25% of patients who require concurrent chemotherapy and radiation, with affordable and timely care.
“As the risk of cancer increases with age, the number of people being diagnosed and living with cancer is likely to continue to rise on the back of an ageing population. We are very privileged to appoint and partner with Icon to support our patients and journey with them during their treatment, together providing holistic care for cancer patients in Singapore. This partnership reflects our commitment to provide patients with the full continuum of care at the time they most need it,” said Dr James Lam Kian Ming, Chief Executive Officer, Mount Alvernia Hospital.
The new centre will be equipped with a Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator, which provides precision and speed in radiation therapy.
“Icon Group is an early adopter of treatments in cancer care, including being the first in Australasia to introduce HyperArc to treat advanced brain metastases. In line with this, the centre at Mount Alvernia Hospital will give patients access to best-practice cancer care earlier. A combination of experience, expertise and technology is central to our commitment and investment in Singapore and Asia. We have a long history with Mount Alvernia Hospital via the incredible contribution of the late Dr Florence Lim. I am sure she, like us, would be proud to see our ongoing commitment to this hospital campus,” said Mark Middleton, Group Chief Executive Officer, Icon Group – the parent company of Icon.
Icon’s global partnership with Varian will see this centre become the regional training hub for radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiation therapists in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Varian is delighted to be selected by both Icon and Mount Alvernia Hospital to bring the best possible radiation oncology technology and techniques to Singaporeans, while delivering vital training for specialist clinicians. Building workforce capability and capacity to deliver world-class radiation therapy is something cancer patients across the APAC region deserve,” said Mr Kenneth Tan, President, Oncology Systems Asia Pacific, Varian Medical Systems.
Icon has a strong history of investing in best-practice cancer care in the region, including recent announcements to bring care to residents in Chongqing and Qingdao across China.
[2] Ministry of Health, Singapore. 2016. Principal Causes of Death. [Retrieved 6 June 2019]; Available from: https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/statistics/Health_Facts_Singapore/Principal_Causes_of_Death.html
[3] Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Registry Report 2015. [Retrieved 6 June 2019]; Available from: https://www.nrdo.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider3/Publications-Cancer/cancer-registry-annual-report-2015_web.pdf?sfvrsn=1dd97be4_10
