KOLKATA — Parkway Cancer Centre (PCC) in Singapore registered a sharp surge of nearly 20% in patient intake from India in 2025, with a overwhelming majority seeking medical intervention during advanced stages of the disease.

Addressing press interactions, Dr. Ang Peng Tiam, Medical Director and Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist at Parkway Cancer Centre, highlighted that most cross-border medical travel occurs after domestic treatment protocols have been fully exhausted.

"In many cases, doctors in India have already done whatever is possible. Patients often come here because they hope a different medical team may offer another perspective or approach," Dr. Ang explained.

Optimism in Advanced Stage Care

Addressing common misconceptions regarding late-stage diagnoses, Dr. Ang emphasized that an advanced stage diagnosis does not automatically signal an end to meaningful survival outcomes.

"To many people, stage four lung cancer means there is no hope. But some patients can live 10, 15 or even 20 years with good quality of life if they receive the right treatment," he noted.

Rapid Diagnostic Turnaround

To minimize spatial and temporal stress for international visitors, PCC has optimized its clinical workflows. According to Dr. Ang, the centre aims to conclude comprehensive evaluations—incorporating diagnostic imaging, biopsies, pathology analysis, and targeted molecular profiling—within a tight 48-hour window. This expedited turnaround ensures out-of-country families receive concrete action plans without costly delays.

Infrastructure and Communication Bottlenecks

Global cancer incidence continues to climb, driven primarily by aging demographics, heightened public awareness, and precise screening tools. However, developing healthcare ecosystems like India face systemic infrastructure deficits when attempting to absorb rapidly escalating case volumes locally.

Dr. Ang underscored prevention and early screening as key priorities, pointing to key actionable measures:

  • Mitigation of tobacco and betel nut usage.

  • Targeted screening programs, such as low-dose CT scans for high-risk demographics.

  • Improved physician-patient communication to empower families with actionable clarity.

"Patients need reassurance and clear information. Good communication between doctors and patients helps reduce anxiety and enables informed decisions," Dr. Ang concluded.