New cancer research institute to develop more accurate, less invasive tests

A key project is to assess tests that can be included in national screening programmes

- Esther Loi

A new cancer research institute has been launched in Singapore to develop less invasive and more accurate screening tools to detect cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage.

Named the Research Institute for Cancer Prevention, Screening and Early Detection (Rise), it will be co-led by National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and Nanyang Technological University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.

Launched on Sept 28 at NCCS’ 25th anniversary charity dinner, Rise will bring together medical staff and scientists from public healthcare clusters, medical schools and primary care providers to evaluate emerging local and international cancer screening technologies.

A $2.5 million donation by creative arts entrepreneur Prajna Murdaya will kick-start the new institute’s public health research efforts.