Speech by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health, at the Opening Ceremony of the Singapore Cancer Society's Mammogram Facility, 14 November 2015

Mr Choo Eng Chuan, Chairman, Singapore Cancer Society,

Mr Albert Ching, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Cancer Society,

Guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

    First  of all, a very good morning to one and all. Thank you for inviting me to the official opening of the Singapore Cancer Society’s mammogram facility. I am heartened to see many of you here this morning, particularly for those who have come here for the screening mammogram.

Importance of Regular Mammography Screening

2.    Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Singapore. On average over the past five years between 2010 and 2014, close to 1,860 women were diagnosed with breast cancer each year. And in addition, during the same period about 400 succumb to it yearly.[1]  These figures do paint a stark reality, but breast cancer need not be a frightening disease. Because it is one of the few cancers where with early treatment and detection, there is a high chance of survival as well as good treatment outcomes.

3.    Early detection and treatment can prevent breast cancer from spreading, and lower the risk of complications. Whilst many are aware of the use of mammograms to screen for breast cancer, only 1 in 3 women aged 50 to 69 years make time for the regular once in 2 years’ check.[2] One reason is because many women may feel perfectly well, and have no symptoms or signs of the disease. In fact, our survey actually reveals that these women feel that “I am very well and don’t think I need to go”. Hence, it may seem like a hassle to go for screening. Others of course may find or perceive screening mammogram to be an uncomfortable and painful procedure. Just to share with you, for myself, when I reached the age that I am supposed to go for regular screening, it took me a while too. Because psychologically, you think that “I feel well etc” and there really is this fear or perception that there is discomfort, embarrassment and also about pain for the procedure. But let me testify that once I got  over the mental  block, and went for my first screening, and then you know what to expect, actually it is not that uncomfortable nor that unbearable. It is something you can go through. And I tell myself it is only once in every two years. And it gives you a peace of mind because it is better to know early if there is an issue and you can get it treated.

4.    Chris Tan is a member of the Singapore Cancer Society’s breast cancer support group. Five years ago, at the age of 53, Chris deferred a routine health screening for a few months, due to her busy schedule. Before that, she had diligently gone for check-ups on a regular basis. Although she appeared fine, and did not think the results would show any abnormalities, when she actually went for her screening, a cancerous lump was found in her breast, and Chris was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. But today, Chris is a breast cancer survivor. She is thankful for having eventually gone for a screening mammogram, which helped save her life. Personally, I actually do know of friends who because of screening and self breast examination, actually picked up the signs of cancer and got treated early. They are now all cancer survivors.

5.    Chris’ story demonstrates the importance and benefits of regular screening. I would like to take this opportunity to urge all women here today, and indeed all over Singapore, to set aside time for routine screening as recommended. Please also spread this message to the women around you – your grandmother, mother, aunt, sister, friends, and colleagues.

Singapore Cancer Society as one of the Breast Cancer Screening Centres under HPB’s Screen for Life

6.    Mammography screening in Singapore is accessible and affordable. Currently, under the Health Promotion Board’s Screen for Life, Singaporean women aged 50 to 69 years old pay a subsidised rate of $50 per screening mammogram at the polyclinics. Pioneer Generation members enjoy a further 50% off. And this fee can actually be paid through Medisave.

7.    Still, more can be done to encourage women to go for regular screening. Having interacted with the Singapore Cancer Society over the last few years, I have witnessed the Society’s passion and dedication in reaching out to Singaporeans, through various cancer screening activities, and public education programmes. The Society indeed is a valuable partner to the Government, especially in the area of cancer screening, and I am confident that you can do more. Therefore, I am pleased to announce, that in addition to the polyclinics, the Singapore Cancer Society has been included as one of the breast cancer screening centres, under the Health Promotion Board’s Screen for Life.

8.    At the Singapore Cancer Society’s mammogram facility, Singaporean women with a valid blue or orange Health Assist card – also known as the CHAS card – and are due for breast cancer screening, will likewise be eligible for the subsidised screening rate of $50. Furthermore, I am pleased to note that the Singapore Cancer Society will fully pay for this $50. So it is actually free. So some things are free in Singapore! The financial assistance scheme is for an initial period 3 years, but subject to further extension upon review. With this initiative, more lower- to middle-income Singaporean women will benefit from the screening mammograms at no cost. So indeed, if you are due for the screening, please come and do the screening because cost is not an issue. It is getting over the idea of discomfort and pain. Like I said, it is not that uncomfortable, it is not that painful and it is just a short while.

9.    I am encouraged that since the commencement of this service in July, the Singapore Cancer Society has screened close to 500 eligible women in the initial 32 days the mammogram facility became operational. So actually, very quickly, you may hit the target of 2000 women. The screening service is currently offered twice a week but SCS has plans to scale up if demand increases. I am confident that the Society will be able to reach out to more Singaporean women in future, to help them make regular screening a priority.

Conclusion

10.    So it leaves me to now congratulate the Singapore Cancer Society on the official opening of its mammogram facility. I want to express my appreciation for the wonderful work you have been doing. Please keep up the good work.

11.    Thank you very much.

[1] Singapore Cancer Registry. Interim Annual Report. Trends in Cancer Incidence in Singapore 2010-2014. 

[2] Health Behaviour Surveillance of Singapore 2014. Health Promotion Board.