May 25, nearly 100 people joined Singapore Business Group HCMC for a free seminar on colorectal cancer at Sheraton Saigon to learn more about colon diseases and the importance of colorectal screening and early detection.
Colorectal Cancer, or cancer of the large intestine (colon) or rectum (end of the colon), is the top cancer in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. More than 1,2 million patients are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year, and more than 600 000 die from the disease. The number is increasing and has become the commonest cancer in recent years.
The lifetime probability of an individual developing colorectal cancer is approximately 1 in 20, and is among the highest in the world. A big proportion of patients are still diagnosed at the advanced stage of the disease. This is a tragedy because most cases are curable if they are diagnosed early. The cure rate for localised colon cancer can be as high as 90%.
Photo: Mr. Norman Lim, SBG president, was giving opening speech
During the seminar, Dr Tran Vuong Thao Nghi, who was the guest speaker, discussed the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, as well as the importance of prevention. Graduated from the Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh, Dr. Thao Nghi is a cancer specialist who has received extensive overseas training in France, Japan and Malaysia. Prior to joining Vietnam Integrated Medical Service as a Medical & Radiation Oncologist in the Singapore-Vietnam Cancer Centre, Dr Nghi has also worked in Eugene Marquis Cancer Centre in France, FV Hospital and Cho Ray Hospital in HCMC, Vietnam.
Photo: Dr. Tran Vuong Thao Nghi was explaning the different stages of colon cancer
A regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons we have against this disease
“Colorectal cancer has many known risk factors — some are lifestyle related and within your control, such as diet and weight. Others, such as family history and age, are beyond your control.” Dr. Tran Vuong Thao Nghi said. She also shared how to control the risk factors and the recommended treatment process.
Photo: Q&A session joined by Dr. Charles Tsang Bih-Shiou calling from Singapore via video call
Subsequently, the Q&A session became a highlight of the event with participation of Dr. Charles Tsang Bih-Shiou, Surgeon Colorectal Cancer from Singapore.
Photo: The networking session after the seminar
After the seminar, all of participants were invited to join the networking session with special canapé menu sponsored by the hotel.
We would like to thank the venue sponsor Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Tower and the following in-kind sponsor to facilitate the event success.
Lucky draw sponsors
1. Singapore Vietnam Cancer Centre
2. Lifeline Environmental Vietnam
3. Elken International Vietnam