National Arts Council CEO Benson Puah diagnosed with cancer

SINGAPORE - The Chief Executive Officer for the National Arts Council and the Esplanade has been diagnosed with lymphoma. 

The illness is a type of cancer that begins in the immune system cells. 

The 54-year-old, dubbed as the most powerful man in the Singapore art scene, was diagnosed with the condition last Thursday. 

A joint statement released by both organisations on Monday said that Mr Puah begins a 16-week-long treatment today. 

He will continue with his duties at the Esplanade and NAC as normally as his condition will allow him to and operations at both organisation will function as usual.

What causes lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (also called NHL) is cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the body's immune system. The immune system fights infection and other diseases.

A person with certain risk factors may be more likely than others to develop lymphoma. Studies reveal that individuals who have a weak immune system (such as autoimmune disorder), or suffering from certain types of infections (such as Human immunodeficiency virus, HIV) are at higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Although non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can occur in young people, the chances of developing this disease go up with age. Most people with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are older than 60 years of age.

Symptoms

- Swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Soaking night sweats
- Coughing, trouble breathing, or chest pain
- Weakness and tiredness that don’t go away
- Pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen

Types of treatment available 

Chemotherapy, Biological Therapy, Radiation Therapy and Stem Cell Transplantation.

Information provided by Parkway Cancer Centre. To find out more, click here