Farrer Park Hospital Collaborates with Sincere Healthcare Group & Icon Cancer Centre Singapore to Introduce Fertility Preservation Services for Cancer Patients

Farrer Park Hospital today announced its collaboration with Sincere Healthcare Group (SHG) and Icon Cancer Centre Singapore (ICCS) to provide fertility preservation services for reproductive-age female cancer patients.

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can affect a woman's fertility by impacting the ovaries and other essential reproductive organs. After a cancer diagnosis, women – especially those in their reproductive age – might find bearing children a distant concept, but this need not be the case.

There is still hope for female cancer patients who wish to have children of their own with ovarian tissue preservation. Other options for fertility preservation are oocyte (egg) storage for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo storage. Patients will go through counseling by SHG's fertility specialists before each procedure.

To render more support to women with cancer, ICCS at Farrer Park Hospital already had the Young Women's Cancer Program in place. Helmed by Medical Oncologist Dr. Lee Guek Eng, the program provides diagnosis and treatment, fertility counseling and psychosocial support for young women. Through this program, Farrer Park Hospital and SHG will closely work with ICCS to increase awareness of fertility preservation services available.

According to the 2018 Singapore Cancer Registry Report, the incidence of cancer has been rising over the years, with 51.5% of cancer patients being women[1]. Top cancers affecting women include breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer. According to the report, though the incidence rose with age, 153.7 per 100,000 women under the age of 40 are affected by the disease.

Ovarian tissue preservation does not require particular time in the menstrual cycle for stimulation. In addition, each ovarian tissue contains a reserve of eggs that are then frozen. Ovarian tissues can be preserved for up to 55 years[2]. Patients who have completed their cancer treatment and are ready to reproduce can have the tissue returned to their bodies. Immediately after the ovarian tissue preservation procedure, patients can begin their cancer treatment.

SHG's Medical Chairman, Professor Ng Soon-Chye, said: "Ovarian tissue preservation does not require ovarian stimulation, and hence can be initiated at any time of a patient's menstrual cycle. Immediately after the procedure, the patient can begin her cancer treatment. There won't be time delay in cancer treatment."

"The Icon Young Women's Cancer Program is designed to address challenges that women may face and support them through this difficult time. We aim to empower young women throughout their cancer journey with necessary support and resources to beat cancer," said Ms. Serena Wee, Chief Executive Officer of Icon Cancer Centre (ASEAN).

"Cancer affects patients in more ways than we think. Besides treatments, we also want to highlight other aspects that are equally important. In this case, preserving the fertility of patients. The availability of this fertility preservation service at our hospital allows us to give patients greater reassurance that life after cancer can be normal and that women, if they wish, can still preserve their fertility, bear children of their own and build a family after conquering cancer," said Dr. Peng Chung Mien, Chief Executive Officer of Farrer Park Hospital.

While the service is a collaborative effort with Icon Cancer Centre in support of their young women cancer program, it is available for all oncologists who may like to explore the same for their young cancer patients.

[1] Health Promotion Board. 2018. Singapore Cancer Registry Report 2018. Retrieved from: https://www.nrdo.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider3/default-document-library/scr-annual-report-2018.pdf?sfvrsn=bcf56c25_0

[2] Cancer, Fertility and Me. Ovarian Tissue Freezing. Retrieved from: https://cancerfertilityandme.org.uk/fertility-preservation-options/ovarian-tissue-freezing (Accessed on June 4, 2021) 

About Farrer Park Hospital

Farrer Park Hospital is the latest private tertiary acute care hospital in Singapore. The facility includes Farrer Park Medical Centre with specialist clinics, medical technology, nuclear medicine and radiology services to support a wide range of surgical specialties in oncology, orthopaedic, gastroenterology and cardiology. Designed by healthcare professionals and conveniently built above an underground train station, the hospital is a carefully created environment to enable modern yet holistic care for all its patients.

The hospital shares numerous calming gardens and inspiring art works with its related hotel, One Farrer Hotel. Synergies between the hospital and hotel provide families and visitors with enhanced experiences in food and beverage, choices of accommodation, lifestyle programs and conference facilities. Farrer Park Hospital and One Farrer Hotel are part of The Farrer Park Company Pte Ltd, a Singapore based company. 

About Icon Cancer Centre

Icon Cancer Centre in Singapore is part of the Icon Group, Australia's largest dedicated provider of cancer care with a growing reach into Asia. The Singapore business is committed to delivering a holistic approach to cancer care, providing the full spectrum of oncology services, including medical oncology, haematology, paediatric oncology, radiation oncology, access to clinical trials, and health screening to support early diagnosis.

Icon's unique shared-care model also forms the basis of its robust medical tourism service which connects regional patients to acute cancer treatment and clinicians in Singapore, while enabling them to access local home-based medical care to manage ongoing health and follow-up appointments. This was an important part of ensuring cancer patients could still have critical treatment even when borders were closed.

Over the past four years, Icon in Singapore, grew from four to seven centres and from 6 to 16 doctors. By early 2022 Icon is set to open a new Integrated Oncology Service Centre at Mount Alvernia Hospital, bringing together all aspects of cancer treatment in this new state of the art regional hub.

About Sincere Healthcare Group

Sincere Healthcare Group is a private service provider of men and women's healthcare operating in Singapore, China and Malaysia. For over 10 years, it has established its brand as the medical group specialising in a wide range of male and female infertility treatments, synonymous with high standards of care and patient-centred services.

Leveraging its track record for good clinical outcomes, Sincere Healthcare Group is committed to delivering seamless personalised experiences to our patients, upholding its commitment to excellent patient care and service, and steadily expanding its reach in markets with a growing demand for quality healthcare.