Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024

Every October marks the Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), a national campaign to raise awareness of this disease. This year, with the theme “Be Empowered!”, we aim to encourage women with breast cancer to take control and be involved in making decisions about their health and well-being that can significantly impact their treatment, survivorship and quality of life. 

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can be daunting and challenging, but empowerment can transform this challenge into an opportunity to enhance a patient’s strength and resilience. 

Empowerment begins with knowledge: When patients understand their condition and treatment options, it can reduce anxiety, allow them to make informed decisions and feel more confident to play a more active role in their care and health. 

Emotional support is crucial for empowerment: By actively engaging with healthcare providers, family, and peers, it can help counter patients’ feelings of isolation and reinforce their fortitude and confidence to overcome challenges. 

Empowerment fosters a positive mindset: Through celebrating the strengths, achievements and milestones of patients throughout their cancer journey, it can foster a positive mindset that is essential for overall well-being. 

Our multidisciplinary team of breast surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, breast care nurses and allied health professionals from Singapore General Hospital, Changi General Hospital, Sengkang General Hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and National Cancer Centre Singapore, is a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness and our patients and survivors. To advance breast cancer care, the team strives to stay ahead of the curve in medical, surgical and technological advancements through research and education. 

Check out the exciting line-up of events for BCAM 2024 this October, organised by SingHealth and our partners* (see below). Register today and ‘Be Empowered!’ 

*National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024 Organising Committee

Breast Cancer Foundation, Health Promotion Board, National Cancer Institute Singapore, Singapore Cancer Society, SingHealth and Tan Tock Seng Hospital. 

*SingHealth Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024 Organising Committee

SingHealth Duke-NUS Breast Centre, Singapore General Hospital, Changi General Hospital, Sengkang General Hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and National Cancer Centre Singapore 

​Date/Time	Event​	​Register via the links below
​14 & 15 Sep, Sat & Sun 9am – 7pm	​IHH Singapore Sea Regatta 2024 Visit our SingHealth Duke-NUS booth and cheer for SingHealth boats competing in the race! Venue: Kallang Water Sports Centre Organiser: Singapore Sea Regatta	​No registration required.
​28 Sep, Sat Public Forum: 10am - 12pm Crafting Workshops: Session 1 (1:15pm – 2:30pm) Session 2 (2:45pm – 4pm)	​SingHealth BCAM 2024 Public Forum & Crafting Workshops Join us at this interactive knowledge-packed English public forum on breast cancer screening, management and survivorship, and hear inspiring stories by breast cancer survivors! After the public forum, why not ignite your creativity at our balloon sculpting, Nefertum pillow mist crafting or silhouette string art workshop? Slots are limited, so register today! Venue: National Cancer Centre Singapore, Lecture Theatre, Level 1 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore 168583 Organisers: SingHealth Duke-NUS Breast Centre, Singapore General Hospital, Changi General Hospital, Sengkang General Hospital, KKH Women’s and Children’s Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore	​Register here.
​1 – 25 Oct, from 7pm	​Bowyers Block Pink Light Up Venue: Singapore General Hospital, Bowyers Block & Museum Organisers: SingHealth Duke-NUS Breast Centre and Singapore General Hospital	Registration not required.​
5 Oct, Sat 10am - 12pm ​	​JumPink 2024: A Mass Trampoline Dance Grab your bestie and gear up in pink to jump high for breast cancer patients! Get fit and have fun while you’re at it! Venue: Urban Park at Guoco Tower, Office Lobby Level 1, 1 Wallich St, Spore 078881 Organisers: SingHealth Duke-NUS Breast Centre, Singapore General Hospital, Changi General Hospital, Sengkang General Hospital, KKH Women’s and Children’s Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore	​Register for the Session you are interested in: Session 1 (10am – 10:45am) Session 2 (11am – 11:45am)
​7 - 11 Oct 9am – 3pm	Breast Cancer Awareness Month Booths at Singapore General Hospital, Changi General Hospital, Sengkang General Hospital, KKH Women’s and Children’s Hospital Chat with our nurse counsellors while learning about the importance of regular screening, its early signs and symptoms, and how you can lower your risk of breast cancer. Venue: Respective hospitals indicated above. Organisers: SingHealth Duke-NUS Breast Centre, Singapore General Hospital, Changi General Hospital, Sengkang General Hospital and KKH Women’s and Children’s Hospital ​	​No registration required.
​12 Oct, Sat 10am – 12pm	BCAM Patient Education Virtual CancerWise Workshop on Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Prevention of Lympedema Post Breast Surgery Open for breast cancer patients and their caregivers. Learn about chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and how you can prevent lymphedema after going through breast surgery. Platform: Zoom Organiser: National Cancer Centre Singapore ​	​Register here.
​19 Oct, Sat 10am – 1pm	​Living with Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Open to persons living with HBOC and their family members only. Come join us to learn more about HBOC syndrome and the latest research updates. Connect and share experiences with others living with HBOC. Venue: National Cancer Centre Singapore, Lecture Theatre, Level 1 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore 168583 Organiser: National Cancer Centre Singapore	​
26 Oct, Sat 9am – 3pm	​BCAM Roadshow Chat with our nurse counsellors and have fun playing our interactive educational games while learning about the importance of regular screening, its early signs and symptoms, and how you can lower your risk of breast cancer. Venue: Kovan Event Hall (Outside Heartland Mall) Blk 204 Hougang St 21, Kovan City Organiser: National Cancer Centre Singapore	​No registration required.
​26 Oct, Sat 5pm – 9pm	​Pink Ribbon Walk Walk for solidarity, hope and courage and show your support for the breast cancer community this year.  Venue: Marina Barrage  Organiser: Breast Cancer Foundation	​Register here.

Breast Screening Programmes in Singapore 

• Screen For Life 
  

Regular mammogram screening is the best defence against breast cancer, as detecting breast cancer early can lead to increased chances of survival. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) recommends women aged 50 years and above to go for mammogram screening once every two years. 

Through the national Breast Cancer Screening Programme under HPB’s Screen for Life, women aged 50 years and above can enjoy subsidised mammogram screenings at participating breast screening centres. A typical mammogram costs $138 (before GST). To be eligible for the subsidies, women should be either Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, asymptomatic and have not had a mammogram in the last two years. 

To register for a mammogram screening by BreastScreen Singapore, please click here. 

For more information on breast cancer screening programmes and subsidy eligibility, click here.