Cancer is the leading cause of death in Singapore. Statistics from the Singapore Cancer Registry show that all 3 major cancers of the female genital tract, namely, cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer are among the most frequently occurring female cancers.

The Mission of the KK Gynaecological Cancer Centre (GCC) is to provide an excellent, efficient and compassionate service to our patients through better care made possible with the highest ethical standards and professionalism. The GCC is committed to fulfil these by providing an environment for excellence in gynaecological cancer training and research.

As a tertiary referral centre, the chief objectives of the GCC are:

With the restructuring of KK Hospital on 1 April 1990, the pre-existing clinical departments in the institution were reorganised to focus on the subspecialties of gynaecological oncology, urogynaecology, reproductive medicine and maternal fetal medicine. The hospital through the years has continued to be the major provider of maternity services and healthcare for women in Singapore.

In early 1991, the Women's Oncology Center in KKH was established to centralise the activities of gynaecological cancer care. The centre provided outpatient services in cancer prevention and treatment. Supported by a team of gynaecological oncologists, skilled nursing staff and paramedical professionals, it served as a focal point of a multidisciplinary team committed to providing a comprehensive range of treatment and services for the gynaecological cancer patient.

In March 1997, KK Hospital moved to its new 830-bed facility located at 100 Bukit Timah Road. The new hospital, renamed the KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), offers healthcare for children as well.

The Women's Oncology Centre was thus renamed the KK Gynaecological Cancer Centre to reflect the renewed vision of commitment and challenge in providing optimal gynaecological cancer prevention and treatment.

1. Clinical Services

Modern cancer treatment is a multidisciplinary science. One feature of the high quality care at the KK Gynaecological Cancer is the presence of experts in many areas and modalities of treatment.

Our team of gynaecological oncologists is supported by a multidisciplinary team of dedicated radiation oncologists, a medical oncologist, surgeons, palliative care physician and pathologists. This approach cuts across departmental lines by integrating the knowledge and expertise of medical staff from various areas to provide our patients with the highest standard of care under one roof.

The KK Gynaecological Cancer Centre offers a wide range of clinical services and facilities designed for :

Screening
A screening package, designed to screen the common gynaecological cancers, is available at the centre.

Prevention
The Colposcopy and Dysplasia clinics provide cancer screening and prevention as well as one-stop outpatient treatment for pre-cancers with laser and LEEP (loop electro-surgical excision procedure) surgery.

Treatment
Facilities at the GCC are designed to deliver the diagnostic, treatment, and support services needed by patients with cancer, while enabling them to pursue their family, work and leisure activities as normally as possible. Our chemotherapy facility is well-equipped and staffed by well-trained oncology nurses and pharmacists.

When a hospital stay is necessary for treatment, patients at KKH receive the high quality care in attractive modern surroundings designed for the comfort of both patients and visitors. A complement of private, semi-private rooms and open wards are available. The intensive care unit post-operative area and operating theatres are equipped with a comprehensive array of state-of-the-art equipment.

The clinical services at GCC include:

'No man is an island' and this is especially so for cancer patients. Founded on the principles of love and servitude, the Women's Cancer Support Group is formed by volunteers who help in the care of our patients whose illnesses have affected their lives.

The Women's Cancer Support Group unites with the consistent action of care for the patients' fears and insecurities as well as providing information and comfort for her relatives and close ones. The nurse counsellors, volunteer befrienders and hospice staff help to link these families in need to community help groups.

Counselling sessions, support group therapy, home visitation and social activities help cancer patients of all ages to cope emotionally with their disease and treatment and later to adjust to life after cancer. Douching Clinics during radiation therapy help to maintain vaginal integrity. Psychotherapy sessions help patients through the emotional trauma of a diagnosis of cancer and its ensuing treatment. In addition, our psychiatrist can test for and prescribe medication to help alleviate severe symptoms of anxiety and depression that can be associated with cancer treatment.

As a centre committed to a cancer education, the GCC organises and conducts regular workshops, conferences and public forums on various aspects of gynaecological cancers. Educational programs such as our annual Basic and Advanced Colposcopy courses held in conjunction with other international reputable centres are always well attended by both local and overseas delegates.

For more information about training for foreign doctors/specialists, please click here.

A wide range of books dealing with cancer and coping with the disease is also available to cancer patients and their families in the Patient Education Centre.

The GCC continues to purse basic and clinical research programs. Our research programs are vital to sustaining the GCC's long-term commitment to expanding our knowledge base and permit us to continue to advance in the prevention, control and cure of gynaecological cancers. With properly formulated treatment and research protocols, and our Tumour Registry as a rich resource, we look forward to steady progress in understanding the molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms involved in gynaecological cancer, and continued advances in patient care.