Newsletters Archive - Page 2 of 5 - Integrated Oncology Centres

Meet the new faces who joined IOC in 2023.

Dr Jerickson Abbie Flores
Radiation Oncologist
Central Luzon Integrated Oncology Centre

Say hello to Dr Jerickson Abbie Flores, Radiation Oncologist at Central Luzon Integrated Oncology Centre (CLIOC) in the Philippines. Having saved the lives of countless cancer patients in the Philippines, his illustrious career saw him serving in Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, The Medical City Ortigas, Sacred Heart Medical Center, Central Luzon Doctors’ Hospital and Lipa Medix Medical Center. Dr Jerickson’s influence and experience also stretches beyond the Philippines, with him being a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and European Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ESTRO). 

Dr Dang Phuong Thi Loan
Gyneacologist
Hung Viet Cancer Hospital

Female patients in Hanoi, Vietnam can rest easier knowing that Gyneacologist Dr Dang Phuong Thi Loan has joined Hung Viet Cancer Hospital. The former Deputy Head of the Medical Examination Department at K National Cancer Hospital brings with her more than 4 decades of experience treating breast and women’s conditions. Detailed and responsible, Dr Loan is trusted by many patients. 

Dr Pham Thi Dieu Ha
Gyneacology Surgeon
Hung Viet Cancer Hospital

With more than 15 years of experience in the examination, screening and treatment of gyneacological cancers, Dr Pham Thi Dieu Ha is the new Gyneacology Surgeon on the block in Hung Viet Cancer Hospital. Having been trained internationally in countries like France and Thailand and with a multitude of research and studies under her belt, she brings with her tremendous wisdom and knowledge in genealogical and breast cancers. Her vast expertise also led her to being K National Cancer Hospital’s Deputy Head of the Department of Gynecological Surgery.

Our warmest welcome to Joseph Lee, Center Manager of Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Oncology Center.

Joseph Lee
Center Manager
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Oncology Center

Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Oncology Center is proud to have Joseph Lee, a highly respected figure in oncology and radiography, as its center manager. With over two decades of experience, Joseph brings wisdom and knowledge from his time at reputed public and private hospitals like the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Princess Margaret Hospital, and the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital. 

Joseph is a radiation therapist and a qualified Certified Medical Dosimetrist. On top of his illustrious professional background, Joseph is also a Board Member of the Supplementary Medical Professions Council of Hong Kong, representing the Radiography professionals, the Hong Kong College of Radiographers and Radiation Therapists, and the Radiographers Board. Previously, he was the Chairman of the Task Force on Competency Document for the Hong Kong Radiographers and an Honorary Associate Professor at Tung Wah College. 

Out of thousands of jobs out there, most do not get the appreciation they deserve. But that didn’t stop Tran Xuan Hung, a Radiation Therapy Technologist from loving his role at Hung Viet Cancer Hospital. 

“Radiation Therapy Technologist” might be a term most people never know, but for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, they are a trusted companion. Accompanying the patient from the beginning to the completion of their treatment, the whole process is carefully carried out by a devoted Radiation Therapy Technologist. 

As a Radiation Therapy Technologist, the work requires utmost precision and accuracy, from the CT (Computed Tomography) simulation procedure to the treatment process. The patient’s position as they lie down must be accurate without deviation and must match calculated data. While the machine is emitting rays, the technologist must closely monitor the patient through a camera placed in the radiation room that transmits signals to the screen in the control room. If there is any abnormality, it must be quickly resolved. Therefore, a radiotherapy session only takes 10 – 30 minutes, but it requires 200% effort from the technicians — all to ensure treatment is performed in the safest and most accurate way. 

Having had the opportunity to know and work with Hung Viet since 2019, I consider Hung Viet as my second home, a place where both my wife and I work. Every day on the Ground floor, specifically the chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment area, I see so many warriors struggling in their fight against cancer. To me, no matter how sad or quiet their thoughts are, this is the place where their hopes and desire to live are seen clearer than ever. From the elderly — some as old as my parents — to even young people like little boys and girls, I’ve dedicated and devoted myself to help as many patients as I can. Having seen the ups and downs of life, I always tell myself to try harder for these warriors.  

Thus, I’m confident that if I was given another choice, I would still be a Radiation Therapy Technologist in Hung Viet. 

Tran Xuan Hung,
Radiation Therapy Technologist

Here’s how Can-Care is expanding its service range in its mission to help breast cancer patients after surgery — introducing Lymphastim! 

Just because a breast cancer patient completes their surgery, does not always mean their problems are gone. Besides recurrence, one issue that breast cancer patients occasionally encounter post-surgery is lymphoedema. About 1 in 5 patients will have lymphoedema of the arm after breast cancer treatment. Why does this happen? 

Breast cancer surgeries like mastectomy do not remove just the breast, but usually the lymph nodes nearby as well. This is because cancer cells often spread to the lymph nodes nearby. So once the lymph nodes are removed, the lymphatic system might get disrupted, potentially causing fluid to build up in parts of the body. The end result is lymphoedema — swelling most commonly seen in the arms or legs. 

While there are many different ways to manage lymphoedema like exercise or skin care, we are proud to share that Can-Care has a new, more advanced solution. Meet Lymphastim: 

Lymphastim is a machine that delivers pressotherapy, an advanced form of lymphatic drainage massage. Whereas this massage is traditionally done by hand, pressotherapy is done by a machine that can output the correct pressure each time. Lymphastim delivers pressotherapy by alternating between compression and decompression via air pressure, resulting in a gentle massage that promotes circulation, encourages movement of lymph fluid, and even reduces the build-up of toxins. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that pressotherapy significantly reduced muscle soreness. 

While studies on Lymphastim’s effectiveness in the management of lymphoedema are likely still underway, its benefits cannot be understated. The machine has seen use even beyond cancer care, helping thousands of people in rehabilitation, diabetology clinics, vascular clinics and even wellness clinics and spas. On top of helping to manage lymphoedema, Lymphastim will also provide many additional benefits to patients. 

To our staff, the amazing people at the centre of our centres, thank you for making 2023 a wonderful year. Here are some of our favourite memories and moments you made with us in the past year. 

Associate Professor Dr Le Chinh Dai shares why he chose to work as the Medical Director of Hung Viet Cancer Hospital’s Radiation Therapy Center. 

Dr Lee Wai Peng, Senior Consultant & Breast Surgeon at Solis explains how she is empowered by being in an all-female team of breast surgeons.