Get smarter about cancer

Did you know that infection is a common cause of cancer? It accounts for as many of 20 percent of cancer cases worldwide¹. Some of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in Singapore (such as colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer) can also be caused by infection². For example, colorectal cancer is linked to the bacteria H. Pylori³ while Hepatitis B and C viruses inflame and damage liver cells, causing liver cancer⁴. Learn more about how infections can be a trigger for cancer, including skin cancer, and common pathogens to watch out for.

The enemy within

Viral infections can lead to the rapid growth of abnormal cells in a number of ways. Here are three of the common scenarios¹.

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The bad influence

Viruses infiltrate affected cells with their genes, causing them to grow out of control.

The troublemaker

They trigger long-term inflammation, leading to changes in affected cells that spread to healthy immune cells.

The immunity disruptor

Certain viruses target the immune system directly, suppressing its power to protect the body.

The usual suspects

Commonly found bacteria and viruses have been linked to cancer. How do they infect your body, and what can you do to keep the threat at bay? Find out below.

Type: Virus

Affected organs: Skin, throat, and genital area

How they get transmitted: Direct skin-to-skin contact or sexual activities

Cancer risk: Cancers of the cervix, anus, genital areas, oropharynx, head, and neck. Emerging evidence also shows the link between HPV and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin⁵.

How to stay safe: Vaccination can shield you from the risk of contracting this virus. In Singapore, HPV vaccination is recommended for girls and young women (between 9 to 26 years old)⁶.

Type: Bacteria

Affected organs: Stomach, duodenum in your small intestines

How they get transmitted: Saliva, vomit, stool, or contaminated food and drink

Cancer risk: Gastric cancer or gastric lymphoma. More than 800,000 cancer cases per year are attributed to it globally⁵.

How to stay safe: Always wash your hands and be mindful of what you consume. Eat and drink only from sanitary sources, even while you’re out and about!

Type: Virus

Affected organs: Head, neck, and lymph nodes

How they get transmitted: Bodily fluids like saliva

Cancer risk: This virus is linked to more than 150,000 lymphomas and head and neck cancer cases globally each year⁷.

How to stay safe: Estimates say that 90% of the world’s population carry this virus⁸. While getting infected is not uncommon, good hand hygiene and being cautious about sharing food with strangers can limit your exposure.

Type: Viruses

Affected organ: Liver

How they get transmitted: Both viruses are transmissible through sexual contact, blood, or sharing needles via intravenous drug use

Cancer risk: Hepatitis B and C infections are the most common cause of liver cancer worldwide, with more than 500,000 yearly cases combined worldwide⁵. In Singapore, a survey identifies chronic hepatitis B as a top underlying cause behind liver cirrhosis, representing 63% of the sampled⁹.

How to stay safe: Consult your General Practitioner to receive your hepatitis B vaccinations. While there is no existing vaccines for hepatitis C, you can reduce your risk of contracting this virus by avoiding blood-to-blood contact.

From bacteria to viruses, we are surrounded by the constant presence of pathogens in our day-to-day life. Practicing good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle will help you keep potential infections at bay. However, some cases of infection are hard to avoid, and symptoms can be undetectable.

For example, only about 30 percent of people affected by H. pylori, the bacteria linked to a gastric cancer, exhibit symptoms, while most teens and young adults carrying the Epstein-Barr virus will likely be asymptomatic as well⁵. Ultimately, our everyday efforts to prevent harmful infection must be paired with healthcare planning that provides financial cushioning against critical illnesses, including the most common cancers in Singapore.

The GREAT Critical Cover series provides comprehensive and affordable protection against critical illnesses. The plan gives you the flexibility to choose between receiving coverage for the top 3 Critical Illnesses, including cancer, or up to 53 critical illness conditions.

Sources:

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How to protect yourself against infections, the silent enemy behind cancer