In Singapore, breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women. It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Between 2014 and 2018, about six breast cancer cases were diagnosed each day1. One in 13 Singaporean women will develop breast cancer before the age of 752, and although the disease tends to affect women who are older, one in six are younger than 45 years old2.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the National BCAM Organising Committee, comprising the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF), Health Promotion Board (HPB), National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), together with SingHealth Duke-NUS Breast Centre, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), KKH Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) and Changi General Hospital (CGH) are organising a series of online events to raise awareness of breast cancer and encourage women to play an active role in their breast health by going for mammogram screenings, doing breast self-examinations at home and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Anyone can be an advocate in the fight against breast cancer, and no one should be fighting it alone. That is why this year, women are encouraged to schedule for their mammogram with their best friend or a female family member and beat breast cancer with early detection via mammograms. The national mammogram screening programme has resumed and precautions are in place to ensure the safety of patients during breast checks and cancer treatment.
Breast Screening Programmes in Singapore
Breast cancer is painless especially during the early stage. In fact, there may be no symptoms at all when breast cancer first develops. Women are encouraged to perform breast self-examinations monthly and seek medical attention when they experience any changes in their breast. They should not delay a visit to the doctor out of fears about COVID-19 because early diagnosis and treatment of breast lumps/cancer can save lives.
Women are encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles to reduce their risk of breast cancer: eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight, drink alcohol in moderation, limit the consumption of processed meats, quit smoking and exercise regularly. Studies have shown that 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week can reduce the risks of breast cancer incidence by 9%4.
Let us help you get started with taking charge of your health! Join us in our weekly online fitness classes in October. Check out the calendar in the BCAM 2021 Activities below.
Pink Ribbon Virtual Launch Party
Date: 1 October 2021, Friday
Time: 8pm to 8.30pm
Organiser: Singapore Cancer Society
RSVP here.
Webinars on Breast Cancer
Join our webinars and learn about the trends of breast cancer, risk factors, signs and symptoms, screening and diagnosis.
Get Fit in Pink online fitness classes
Join us in our weekly online fitness classes conducted during lunchtimes in October. Register for your preferred classes or all of them! Don’t forget to wear pink for the classes!
Yoga by ActiveSG
12pm - 2pm
Every Monday
in October
Register here
Fight-Do by Team Axis
12pm - 1pm
Every Wednesday
Sporty Friday
Zumba by Active SG
5pm – 6pm
Special thanks to ActiveSG and Team Axis for coming forward to support this effort of getting us fit and healthy and conducting the classes free of charge!
As you keep yourself fit through our online fitness classes, why not join the Pink Plank Challenge and help raise awareness of breast cancer? During the month of October, we encourage you to record yourself planking with a buddy (or buddies) for at least 20 seconds, share your video on Facebook and #pinkplanksg. There are prizes to be won, so read on!
Challenge ends on 31 October 2021. Top 20 posts with the most number of ‘likes’ will win a $50 e-Voucher!
Entries should meet the following requirements to be considered for award:
Join us in the fight against breast cancer! Donate a minimum of $28 (250% tax deductible) and redeem these specially designed limited-edition face masks. Redeem yours while stocks last!
Your donation goes towards the Oncology Academic Clinical Program (ONCO ACP) for the advancement of breast cancer research and education to allow clinicians and scientists to innovate and improve breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, detection and prevention. 30% of funds raised will cover operational expenses.
Donate Now and empower women to lead a life not limited by cancer!
1 Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report (2014 – 2018)
2 Singapore Cancer Registry 50th Anniversary Monograph (1968 – 2017)
3 Women aged between 40 and 49 years can screen for breast cancer, but they should talk to their doctor about the benefits and limitations of mammograms screening before doing so, to help them make an informed choice.
4 Pizot C, Boniol M, Mullie P et al. Physical activity, hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer risk: A meta-analysis of prospective studies. Eur J Cancer 2016; 52:18-54
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