Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2021: Buddy Up For Breast Health

Themed “Buddy Up To Beat Breast Cancer,” the national Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) 2021 Campaign led by Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) aims to encourage women to go for mammogram screening and raise breast cancer awareness with the support of their family and peers by opening up conversations that may help to overcome their fear, anxiety and uncertainty.

With the support from within their circle, the committee hopes that everyone will take the first step towards beating breast cancer.

In Singapore, breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women. It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Regular screening can detect breast cancer early and timely intervention can save lives.

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The 2019 National Health Population Survey showed that 9 in 10 (94.4%) Singapore female residents aged 50 to 69 years were aware of mammography.

Despite the high awareness level, only 38.7% in this age group reported that they had gone for a mammography within the last 2 years.

The top 3 reasons cited by women in the 50 to 69 age group who had never undergone mammography were:

1. “Not necessary as I am healthy” (37.0%);
2. “Painful test” (18.3%); and
3. “Afraid of knowing the results” (12.3%)

The evolving COVID-19 situation and the various response measures to the pandemic, including the temporary suspension of screening activities in healthcare facilities and the implementation of other safe management measures, impacted health screening behaviours in 2020, highlighting that the importance of health screening remains a priority.

Each year, over 2,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer 2 and women must continue to go for regular breast cancer screening even when they feel healthy, as they continue to take the necessary COVID-19 related precautions. When breast cancer is detected at an early stage, treatment is easier, and patients have a higher chance of a full recovery.

Clinical Associate Professor Veronique Tan, Chairperson of Singapore Cancer Society Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Committee, and Head and Senior Consultant of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Breast Centre and Department of Breast Surgery, Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) said, “Based on the Singapore Cancer Registry 50 th Anniversary Monograph, it is estimated that 1 in 13 women in Singapore will develop breast cancer before the age of 75. Women above the age of 50 years old are strongly encouraged to go for regular mammogram screening to check for abnormalities even when they feel perfectly well and healthy. Having a mammogram is a simple process and the slight discomfort is worth it if a cancer is detected at an early stage. I urge everyone to be an advocate and give your loved ones a nudge if you know that they have yet to go for their mammogram screening.”

In 2020, SCS supported more than 16,000 women with their mammogram screening by providing a $25 funding assistance to each eligible participant.

Women between 50 to 69 years of age can continue to enjoy funding assistance again this year if they book an appointment with participating screening centres island-wide during the month of October and November.

“It is important for women to make healthier choices in their lifestyle and go for regular screening so as to detect breast cancer early to improve treatment outcome. SCS’ strategy of cancer education and increasing cancer screening uptakes play a critical role. Amidst the COVID-19 situation in Singapore, SCS continues to reach out to the community using new tools and platforms to ensure that education on cancer and screening remains accessible to everyone,” said Mr Albert Ching, Chief Executive Officer, SCS.

United Virtually for Breast Cancer Awareness

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Due to the ongoing pandemic, the National BCAM Organising Committee, chaired by SCS and comprising of Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF), Health Promotion Board (HPB), National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), will hold a series of online events to raise awareness of breast cancer.

SCS will be launching the Pink Ribbon Virtual Launch Party on 1st October 2021, 8pm live on Facebook and the event features an interesting line-up of medical experts, a breast cancer survivor as well as celebrity guests.

There will also be a behind-the-scenes segment bringing viewers into a mammogram screening room as we debunk some of the misconceptions commonly associated with breast cancer screening.

Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Manpower, will be the Guest of Honour for the Pink Ribbon Virtual Launch Party.

He says, “Through this year’s theme and message, we hope that the community will initiate conversations and provide a safe space for women to open up to their peers and family about their thoughts and feelings on breast cancer and screening. By having a companion, we hope that women will feel less alone and be empowered to take the first and most crucial step in making health a priority and screen themselves for breast cancer.”

Public can also join an online Pink Plank Challenge. Much like doing planking, a seemingly difficult and tiring activity, when done with a buddy, it becomes easier and in fact, more fun. This is parallel to the cancer care journey where a journey alongside a circle of support becomes less daunting.

Planking also highlights the importance of exercise that may reduce one’s breast cancer risk. Studies have shown that 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week can reduce one’s risk of breast cancer.

Three Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the Pink Plank Challenge by recording themselves completing a 20-second plank with a friend or family member and sharing the video on their social media platforms.

To bring about greater public awareness, rally community support and increase giving for the cancer cause, SCS and its partners spearheaded the inaugural collaboration with the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre to widen outreach and fundraising efforts through Singapore’s one-stop online giving portal, Giving.sg.

We encourage the public who are interested in donating to breast cancer related causes to visit www.giving.sg/breast-cancer-awareness.