Free cancer screening for those 50
This is part of a year-long collaboration that aims to promote regular cancer screening among older Singaporeans.
Marking SCS' 50th anniversary, the organisation showcased its history and helped Singaporeans learn more about cancer at the Lavender MRT station.
Singapore citizens who are celebrating their 50th birthday this year are eligible for free cancer screening sponsored by the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS).
As part of the FIT50 project, three types of cancer screening tests – the mammogram (to detect breast cancer), the Pap smear test (to detect cervical cancer), and the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) (to detect colorectal cancer) – will be available at no cost to eligible participants. This was shared at the launch of SCS’ 50th anniversary on World Cancer Day last week.
FIT50 is a year-long collaboration between SCS, Health Promotion Board (HPB), SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP), National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP) and ParkwayHealth Radiology, which aims to promote regular cancer screening among older Singaporeans.
Eligible participants of FIT50 will receive a letter informing them of the screening test(s) they are eligible for and the screening centres they can visit from March 2014 onwards. Participants are required to make their appointment(s) at the participating centres before going for screening. FIT50 will be available till December 31, 2014.
Pap smear and screening mammogram services are available at participating SHP, NHGP and the Radiologic Clinic located at HPB. Pap smear tests are also available at the SCS clinic in Bishan. FIT kits will be available for collection at participating Guardian Health and Beauty outlets, and the SCS clinic.
Early detection through screening, followed by prompt diagnosis and treatment can help save lives. According to the most recent statistics, one in three deaths in Singaporeans is due to cancer. On average, 30 people are diagnosed with cancer each day and at least 14 people die from some kind of cancer every day. For men, the most common form of cancer diagnosed is colorectal cancer, while for women, it is breast cancer.
In addition, SCS has also committed S$10 million to develop its Hospice Care service to better serve the needs of many more patients in their homes holistically, through offering counselling, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and bereavement services. It aims to triple its capacity to serve up to 1,000 patients per year within the next three to five years.
More details can be found at SCS’ 50th anniversary website.
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