What is Precision Medicine?

Untreated, people with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) have up to 20 times higher risk of premature heart disease compared to those without. But low awareness and understanding of the severity of FH lead to undiagnosed and underdiagnosed FH patients. Even among diagnosed FH patients, high default rates for appointments and low adherence to prescribed medication are observed.

Based on a projected prevalence of one in 200 to 300, Singapore has about 22,000 cases of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). However, there is no telling what the real disease frequency is—due to underdiagnosis and undertreatment.

By 2030, around one in four citizens in Singapore, or 23.8%, will be aged 65 and above.[1] Naturally, when it comes to planning for the healthcare system, the implication of a rapidly ageing population is significant. Professor Kenneth Mak, Director-General of Health (DGH), Ministry of Health, explains the intricacy involved in ensuring the resilience and […]

Mention precision medicine and what probably comes to mind are cutting-edge technologies such as genome sequencing and pharmacogenomics. But without safe and expedient access to good data, these technologies remain promises. “Data is key to unlocking the full potential of precision medicine,” says Ms. Koh Mingshi, Director, Chief Health Scientist Office, Ministry of Health. “To […]

Cancer remains to be the leading cause of death in Singapore, accounting for over 28% of all deaths annually.[1] But the good news is, compared to when the Singapore Cancer Registry first began tracking population-based cancer in 1968, the survival rate is decidedly higher today. Professor Chng Wee Joo, Executive Director, Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium […]

While precision medicine is more frequently associated with adult diseases, it clearly has a role to play in paediatrics. Dr. Saumya Shekhar Jamuar who holds concurrent appointments as Senior Consultant, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), and Deputy Director (Clinical), SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Precision Medicine cannot agree more. Dr. Jamuar plays an active role […]

  Yasmin Bylstra, Senior Principal Genetic Counsellor, SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Precision Medicine (PRISM), appreciates the opportunity to journey alongside patients through different stages of life. “As genetic counsellors, we take the time to understand our patients and their circumstances during appointments. We sit down with them to go through their genetic information and address […]

  To Breana Cham, Senior Principal Genetic Counsellor, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), life and death situations about genetic conditions are common topics on the job. Through consultations, genetic counsellors like Breana help patients and families understand the medical, psychological and hereditary significance of genetic conditions—and how to manage them. “‘If you or your […]

The recent rollout of SG100K offers the potential to learn factors associated with health and diseases that Singaporeans—and possibly half the world’s population—are predisposed to. More excitingly, this knowledge promises to shape the precision medicine landscape. Associate Professor Sim Xueling from the National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health shares insights […]

In celebration of International Women’s Day, meet women who are advancing precision medicine in Singapore. This is Part One of our four-part series celebrating the achievements of women in STEM.