Early Cancer Stage Screening in Singapore: A Conversation with Dr Tanujaa Rajasekaran
- 22 hours ago
- 5 min read
An interview with Dr Tanujaa Rajasekaran | Senior Consultant and Medical Oncologist at Parkway Cancer Centre, Gleneagles Medical Centre.
Understanding Cancer Screening
Early cancer screening in Singapore involves a set of evidence-based tests, including mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and risk-based assessments. These tests are designed to detect cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment options are typically broader. Whether you should consider screening depends on your age, family history, lifestyle factors, and any symptoms you may already be experiencing.
To unpack what early detection actually looks like in practice, we spoke with Dr Tanujaa Rajasekaran, a senior medical oncologist who has spent her career walking patients through every stage of the cancer journey, from first conversations about risk to long-term survivorship care.
What You Will Learn In This Article
Watch the Interview
Audio version coming soon on PodBean
Why does early detection matter so much?
Cancer treatment has changed dramatically over the past two decades. But one truth has remained constant: detecting cancer earlier generally gives patients more options.
"Many cancers may have no symptoms early on," Dr Tanujaa explained during our conversation.
The implication is straightforward. By the time symptoms become noticeable, some cancers have already progressed. This is why screening tools, when used appropriately, can play such a meaningful role in long-term health planning.
In Singapore, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers remain among the most commonly diagnosed cancers, according to data from the National Cancer Centre Singapore. The good news is that survival rates have steadily improved, due in part to earlier detection, better treatments, and more personalised care planning.
Which cancer screening tests are available in Singapore?
Singapore has invested heavily in making screening accessible. Under Healthier SG, eligible Singapore Citizens can receive subsidised screening tests based on their age, gender, medical history, and previous screening dates.
The most common evidence-based screening tests available include:
Mammograms for breast cancer screening
Pap smears or HPV tests for cervical cancer screening
Faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) and colonoscopy discussions for colorectal cancer screening
Risk-based discussions for other cancers, depending on family history and symptoms
Beyond these standard options, newer tools are entering the conversation. Dr Tanujaa noted that approaches like Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) blood tests are emerging, but emphasised that suitability should always be discussed with a doctor before pursuing any newer screening method.
Dr Tanujaa shared:
"The goal is not to do the most tests possible. It is to do the right ones, based on a person's age, risk profile, family history, and what is clinically meaningful for them."
When should you consider seeing an oncologist?
There is a common assumption that oncologists only become involved after a cancer diagnosis. In reality, a medical oncologist can be a useful point of contact much earlier, particularly when there are abnormal screening results, persistent symptoms, or a family history that raises concerns.
Dr Tanujaa shared that patients often come to her with a mix of fear, hope, and very personal questions. Part of her work, she explained, is helping patients make sense of those concerns through clear information and an honest conversation about what their options actually are.
It may be worth speaking with a cancer specialist if you are experiencing or considering:
Persistent symptoms that do not improve over time
Unexplained weight loss or unusual fatigue
Abnormal imaging or blood test results
A new lump, swelling, or unusual bleeding
A family history of cancer, particularly at younger ages
Concerns about inherited cancer risk (such as BRCA mutations)
Questions about preventive screening or risk reduction strategies
An oncologist will typically review your medical history, assess relevant risk factors, discuss appropriate investigations, and coordinate with other specialists where needed.
What happens during a first oncology consultation?
One of the most reassuring themes in Dr Tanujaa's interview was her emphasis on a thorough first visit. She described it as a foundational conversation rather than a transactional appointment.
A typical first consultation usually involves:
A detailed review of your medical history
Looking through previous medical reports, scans, and test results
A physical examination, where appropriate
A discussion about treatment goals, expected outcomes, and possible side effects
Time to address questions and personal concerns
She encourages patients to come prepared. Bringing previous scans, pathology reports, blood test results, a list of current medications, and a written list of questions can make the visit far more productive. Many patients also find it helpful to bring a family member or caregiver, particularly when discussing complex information. This patient-centred approach matters in Singapore, where families are often closely involved in care decisions.
For older patients, Dr Tanujaa pays particular attention to functional status and caregiver support. For younger patients, conversations may extend into fertility considerations, work, emotional health, and long-term quality of life.
How is cancer care evolving beyond screening?
If a cancer is detected, treatment today looks quite different from what it did even ten years ago. Dr Tanujaa described her clinical approach as starting with a deep understanding of the tumour itself.
Molecular testing, which examines the specific biology of a cancer, can sometimes identify drivers that respond to targeted therapies. This is part of why personalised treatment planning has become so central to modern oncology.
Cancer care is also rarely managed by one doctor alone. Dr Tanujaa works as part of a multidisciplinary team that may include surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, counsellors, allied health professionals, palliative care physicians, and genetic services. The team-based model reflects the complexity of modern cancer treatment, where decisions often involve weighing multiple specialised perspectives.
She also addressed a misconception she still encounters often: that cancer is always a death sentence. Advances in immunotherapy, targeted therapies, hormonal treatments, antibody drug conjugates, and newer chemotherapy options have meaningfully changed how many cancers are managed today.
This does not mean every cancer responds the same way. Outcomes vary based on cancer type, stage at detection, biology, and individual health. But it does mean that timely medical attention, appropriate screening, and access to personalised care can make a real difference.
Where should you start?
If you are considering early cancer screening in Singapore, the most practical starting point is a conversation with a doctor, whether that is your GP, a polyclinic physician, or a specialist, about what tests are appropriate for you specifically.
For some, this will mean participating in national screening programmes. For others, particularly those with higher personal risk, a strong family history, or specific symptoms, a more tailored discussion with a specialist may be the right next step.
Dr Tanujaa's message throughout our conversation returned to the same point: cancer care is not only about treatment. It is about listening, individualising decisions, supporting families, and walking with patients through uncertainty. Early detection does not eliminate every risk, but it can support timely intervention and broaden the options available.
If you have persistent symptoms, abnormal screening results, or concerns about your cancer risk, seeking medical advice early is one of the most meaningful steps you can take for your long-term health.
Meet Dr Tanujaa Rajasekaran
Dr Tanujaa Rajasekaran is a Senior Consultant and Medical Oncologist at Parkway Cancer Centre, with clinical practice at Gleneagles Medical Centre and other Parkway Cancer Centre locations across Singapore.
Her clinical interests include general medical oncology, lung cancer, breast cancer, genitourinary cancers, head and neck cancers, and geriatric oncology.
Clinic Overview
Parkway Cancer Centre
6A Napier Rd, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Singapore 258500
Phone: +65 6472 0800
Website: https://www.parkwaycancercentre.com/
Operating Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 5:30om
Saturday: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Closed on Sundays
