Breast Cancer Awareness Month 1999

01 Oct 1999

Breast cancer continues to be the leading cancer among women in Singapore and it is estimated that one in twenty Singapore women will develop this disease in their lifetime.

Recent data shows that of the approximately 800 new cases each year, there are still many who present in the advanced stage of the disease. It is a sad fact that although we have the means to detect the breast lumps when they are a few millimetres in size, half the women currently present with tumours of size 2.8 cm or larger. It is our hope that awareness of this disease and the subsequent early detection by mammographic screening will result in earlier diagnosis and higher cure rates. Hence, the slogan for this year's campaign is "Early detection saves lives, saves breasts."

The ways to detect breast cancer early are through a monthly Breast Self-Examination and a yearly Breast Examination by a doctor. After age 50, one should also go for mammography every two years.

To increase the awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer and to educate the public n breast cancer, the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Committee comprising National Cancer Centre, Breast Cancer Foundation, Singapore Cancer Society and Ministry of Health will be organising various activities for the public (See Annex) starting with the launch at the Pink Ribbon Parade.

PINK RIBBON PARADE

Minister of Communications and IT, Mr Yeo Cheow Tong, will launch the second Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Pink Ribbon Parade.

The parade will consist of a line-up of 200 vehicles comprising taxis, trolley cars, sports cars and even an ambulance. All the vehicles will be decorated with pink ribbons, the symbol of breast cancer awareness recognised worldwide. The parade will commence at Marina South Carpark A, travel through Orchard Road and end at the Singapore Power Building at

111 Somerset Road.

Date: 3 Oct 99

Time: 12.30 pm

Flag-off venue: Marina South Carpark A

2nd BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH OCTOBER 1999

Date: 3 Oct

Event

The Pink Ribbon Parade

The 2nd Breast Cancer Awareness month will be launched with the Pink Ribbon Parade. More than 200 vehicles, including taxis and sports cars will be decorated with pink ribbons (the internationally recognised symbol of breast cancer awareness). The parade will pass through Orchard Road

Venue: Marina South Carpark A

Time: 12.30pm

Contact/Remark: Breast Cancer Foundation Tel: 352 6560

Date: 3 to 29 Oct

Event

Pink Ribbon Spot the Vehicle Sticker Competition

To join the competition, put up a vehicle sticker (available from BP stations) with the message "Early detection saves lives, saves breasts". Members of the public can telephone, fax, write or mail the registration numbers of the spotted vehicles to Radio Heart. A weekly draw will be conducted on 8, 15, 22 and 28 Oct.

The grand lucky draw will be held on 29th Oct. The lucky first prize winner will win a one-carat diamond sponsored by Flower Diamond Boutique Pte Ltd.

Contact/Remark: Open to the public

Breast Cancer Foundation Tel: 352 6560

Date: 2 & 3 Oct

Event

Her World/Citta Bella Women's Fair

A booth (No. 18) to promote breast cancer awareness will be set up at the Fair. Women can get more information and learn how to detect breast cancer early, using the Breast Self Examination or BSE technique. Nurse counsellors will provide information and advice.

Venue: Plaza Singapura Atrium

Time: 10 am - 9 pm

Contact/Remark: Open to the public

Admission is Free

National Cancer Centre

Ministry of Health

Breast Cancer Foundation

Singapore Cancer Society

Date: Now ongoing 9 Oct

Event:

Breast Cancer Foundation Donation Draw

Tickets at $2 each are available at BCF office 26 Dunearn Road, Level 3. Counterfoils are to be returned to BCF by 27 Oct.

1st prize - $10,000, Cartier Watch worth $8,100 and Renewal Day spa membership worth $2,500.

The Donation Draw and Spot the Vehicle Sticker Grand Lucky Draw will be held. Rear Adm Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education and Mrs Teo Chee Hean will be the Guests of Honour.

Venue: Superstar Virgo at the Singapore Cruise Centre

Time: 6 pm

Contact/Remark: Breast Cancer Foundation Tel: 352 6560

Date: 8 Oct 1.30 pm

Event

BCF Pink Ribbon Golf Tournament

The Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) will hold a charity golf tournament. (Registration $1,000) The proceeds will go towards funding BCF's breast cancer awareness activities.

Players stand a chance to win a Mercedes C200 donated by Cycle & Carriage for a hole-in-one

Venue: Sentosa Golf Club Tanjong Course

Time: 1.30 pm

Contact/Remark: Only registered participants.

Breast Cancer Foundation

Tel: 352 6560

Date: 23 Oct

Event

Her World Mind and Body Workshop (English)

Participants can learn more about women's health.

Programme:

Common Gynaecological Cancers

Facts and Myths of Breast Cancer

Breast Reconstruction - Is it Just a Matter of Vanity?

Venue: Mandarin Hotel, Mandarin Court

Time: 3 to 4.30pm

Contact/Remark: Registration details are available in the October issue of Her World Pg 416

Date: 23 Oct

Event

Learn BSE

Members of the public can pick up a skill that can save their lives. Demonstration on Breast Self Examination is available at:

Venue: Health Studio 2, Level 3 HealthZone, Institute of Health 3 Second Hospital Avenue Singapore 168937

Time: 10 am to 4 pm

Contact/Remark: Free!

National Health Education Department

Tel: 435 3616

Date: 30 Oct 2-4 pm

Event

Breast Cancer Awareness Public Symposium (English)

Four public seminars will be organised at the respective venues:

Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Moulmein Road Lecture Theatre, Level 1

To register, call: 3578414 (Ms Shirlene Sharmini)

National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road Kent Ridge Wing Auditorium, Level 3

To register, call: 7724220 (Ms Janet Woon)

National Cancer Centre, 11 Hospital Drive, Lecture Hall, Level 4

To register, call: 4368233/186 (Ms Gina Quek)

Changi General Hospital, 2 Simei St 3 Auditorium, Training Centre, Level 1

To register, call: 8502733 (Ms Corinne Ng)

Contact/Remarks: Open to the public.