Author: Gerald Ng

LOVE, NILS, a prominent charity focused on providing holistic support for children with cancer, is gearing up for its annual gala fundraiser this Saturday at the Shangri-La Singapore. 

World Alzheimer’s Day, celebrated globally every 21st September, serves as a watershed moment for raising awareness and combating the stigma of Alzheimer’s disease. Particularly in Asia, where a staggering 23 million individuals are estimated to be living with dementia, this day has played a crucial role in sparking conversations and urging interventions.

Heavy rains and consecutive flooding events triggered by typhoons and the southwest monsoon (“habagat”) are linked to a sharp rise in leptospirosis cases in the Philippines. In just one month, there’s been a 139% increase nationwide, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

This article delves into the complexities of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a condition marked by prolonged digestive tract inflammation, heightening the risk of colorectal cancer.  We get the expert recommendation of Dr Chok Aik Yong, Medical Director at Aelius Surgical Centre, Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Singapore. What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterised by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, resulting in damage to the digestive tract, impairing its function, and potentially leading to further complications. For instance, patients who have had IBD for many years are 5 to 17% (13%) more likely to develop colorectal cancer…

IMbrella A, an extension of the Phase III IMpower133 study, demonstrates the potential for a durable overall survival benefit with Tecentriq plus chemotherapy in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC)
IMbrella A data build on the previously reported IMpower133 trial, which was the first clinically meaningful advance in the treatment of ES-SCLC in more than twenty years

A record-breaking dengue outbreak continues to engulf Bangladesh, with 14 deaths and 2,115 new infections reported in just one day. This makes 2023 the most fatal year since the epidemic was first documented in 2000.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has greenlit new COVID-19 boosters for both Moderna and Pfizer, marking a proactive step in the fight against rapidly spreading infections in the country. Concurrently, Moderna and Pfizer have announced that their updated COVID-19 vaccines show a robust response against the BA.2.86 subvariant, a mutated version of the coronavirus.

Celebrated globally on this day, 17th September, World Patient Safety Day 2023 has a specific focus: “Elevate the Voice of Patients!”. This is the fifth annual World Patient Safety Day. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has underlined the critical role that patients, families, and caregivers play in ensuring safer healthcare. The theme holds significant implications for Asia, given its complex and diverse healthcare landscape.

Medical Channel Asia presents the weekly Asian medical news bulletin, bringing you essential healthcare news from across the region. This week’s news bulletin covers Nipah Virus in India, a new mental health institution in Malaysia and the new National Health Board in Thailand.

Today, 15 September 2023, is World Lymphoma Awareness Day. This day aims to raise awareness of the causes, symptoms and treatment of lymphoma. This year’s theme is ‘We Can’t Wait to Focus on Our Feelings’ Lymphoma awareness is not just a buzzword; it’s a critical component of public health, particularly in Asia, where incidence rates are rising. Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes, and public knowledge about lymphoma is the first step towards that goal. Yet, what adds another layer of importance is the psychological aspect of the disease. Being informed about lymphoma isn’t merely about…