The Hidden Cancer Risks of Singapore’s Busy Work Culture

October 13, 2025

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Singapore1, and our urban lifestyle is quietly fueling the rise. Longer lifespans2 aren’t translating into healthier ones, and many of the risks we face are hiding in plain sight: in our diets, our work schedules, and our everyday stress. In this article, Fullerton Health explores how work culture, lifestyle habits, and even genetics contribute to cancer risks, and how preventive action can help Singaporeans take control of their long-term health.

Cancer in Singapore: A Growing Public Health Concern

More than 6,000 people in Singapore die from cancer every year3, and local statistics reveal that 1 in 4 Singaporeans will develop cancer in their lifetime. This figure continues to climb. The most common cancers in Singapore for men are colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers. For women, it’s breast, colorectal, and lung cancers.

What’s striking is the rise of cancer in younger age groups. A Singapore Cancer Registry4 report noted that cases among those under 50 have been increasing, reflecting how lifestyle and environmental factors intersect with genetic risks.

In a society where professional demands often take precedence over personal wellbeing, this reminder becomes even more pertinent: Cancer doesn’t discriminate, not by age, status, or how “healthy” we feel. That’s why regular screenings shouldn’t be something we save for later in life.

But there’s good news. Survival rates have improved thanks to advances in treatment and early detection. For example, breast cancer detected at Stage I has a five-year survival rate of over 90%5. Likewise, colorectal cancer outcomes improved significantly when discovered through routine screening. But despite the success of early screenings, participation rates remain low.

“Many Singaporeans don’t realise how much of their health is shaped by everyday choices: the meals we grab, hours we sit, and stress we carry,” says Dr Marcus Lee, Family Physician and Designated Workplace Doctor at Fullerton Health Singapore. “The earlier we address these risks through prevention, the more years of healthy living we gain back.”

How Singapore’s Lifestyle Increases Cancer Risk

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 50% of cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes6. But many of Singapore’s urban lifestyle habits increase cancer risk without us realising it.

Long Working Hours and Chronic Stress: Singaporeans work an average of 44.3 hours a week7 – many far more. The WHO links long hours to higher risks of chronic diseases, including cancer. Nearly half of workers here report being mentally or physically exhausted.
Diets High in Sodium and Fat: Hawker food is a cultural staple, but 9 in 10 Singaporeans exceed daily sodium salt limits, almost double the WHO recommendation. Diets rich in sodium, processed foods, and sugar are linked to increased cancer risk, particularly for colorectal and stomach cancers.
Burnout and Poor Lifestyle Coping: 1 in 3 working adults here report burnout symptoms, and stress often triggers unhealthy coping behaviours. Skipping meals, smoking, alcohol use, and poor sleep become quick fixes in a fast-paced lifestyle. Over time, these “urban kryptonites” quietly weaken immune defences and reduce the body’s resilience against disease, including cancer.

Singapore’s lifestyle risks aren’t about personal weakness; they’re the result of living in a fast-paced system where unhealthy options are more convenient. Knowing what we’re up against means we can start building healthier habits that work within our daily lives.

Genetics and Cancer: What’s in Your DNA?

Some cancers are hereditary, especially those linked to tumour suppressor gene mutations, such as BRCA1/28, associated with breast and ovarian cancers, or genetic syndromes like Lynch Syndrome9 that increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

In Singapore, studies indicate that 5% to 10% of cancers are inherited10, meaning individuals with a family history may face higher risks. But genetic predisposition is not the
same as inevitability. We still have significant control over our outcomes.

Choosing nutrient-rich meals, staying active, managing stress, and prioritising regular cancer screenings are all ways to reduce modifiable risks, even in the presence of a genetic one.

This is where genetics and lifestyle intersect. While lifestyle factors account for the majority of preventable cancers, genetic testing and personalised screening add an essential layer of insight. For example, individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer may be advised to start colonoscopies earlier than the national guideline of age 5011. Genetic screening can help families understand inherited risks and take preventive steps earlier.

“Taking personal responsibility for your health is essential,” says Dr Michelle Lee, Medical Director at Fullerton Health Singapore. “Being proactive about regular health screenings empowers you to detect potential medical conditions early, make informed decisions on treatment plans, and take control of your well-being. This proactive approach can lead to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.”

A genetic risk should never feel like a life sentence. Instead, it’s information that empowers early action, helping individuals screen earlier, monitor more closely, and adopt preventive habits with greater purpose.

Start With Small but Sustainable Habits

Just like how Rome wasn’t built in a day, prevention doesn’t demand radical change.

“Many patients think prevention means big sacrifices. It’s about manageable changes that fit into daily life,” says Dr. Marcus Lee. “Small actions, done regularly, protect health far more effectively than short bursts of drastic effort.”

Small lifestyle tweaks can add up to big impact:

Dietary swaps: Replacing white rice with brown rice at just one meal a day can boost fibre intake by 50%12, lowering colorectal cancer risk.
Movement matters: Incorporate walking meetings, stretch breaks, or take the stairs instead of the escalator to reduce sedentary time.

Reduce stress: Daily practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, or even a 10-minute walk outdoors help regulate cortisol levels, improve sleep, and build resilience.

Each of these micro-habits helps build a foundation for everyday prevention. And when paired with regular screenings, they form a powerful line of defence against cancer – catching it early or reducing the risk before it starts.

“Screenings and lifestyle tweaks work hand in hand,” explains Dr. Michelle Lee. “One tells you where you stand, the other helps you stay on track. Together, they’re the foundation of sustainable prevention.”

In a culture that prizes productivity, investing in your health may feel like slowing down. But it’s the most strategic move you can make – for your career, your family, and your future.

After all, what is a professional milestone worth if illness takes away the years meant to enjoy it?

Protect the Life You’ve Worked Hard to Build

At Fullerton Health, we believe prevention is powerful, and possible. Our range of preventive screening packages are designed for every stage of life, whether you’re taking the first step or managing known risks.

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