Madam Lim Sok Choo, despite having a family history of cancer, hadn't undergone breast cancer screening for years. Last August, she stumbled upon a flier at her Anchorvale flat offering free breast cancer screening and decided to seize the opportunity.
Early Detection Saves Lives
In September, Madam Lim underwent a mammogram at Sengkang Polyclinic, followed by a retest in October. To her surprise, despite lacking any noticeable symptoms, a biopsy revealed Stage 0 breast cancer, confined within her breast ducts.
Accessible Screening for Lower-Income Women
Madam Lim's case is just one of the success stories of the North East Community Development Council's (CDC) free breast cancer screening programme. Launched in May 2023, this initiative specifically targets lower-income women, aiming to detect breast cancer early and provide necessary support.
Overcoming Barriers to Screening
North East CDC Mayor Desmond Choo highlighted various barriers to screening, including religious beliefs, modesty concerns among Muslim women, and misconceptions about mammograms. To address these, the programme collaborates with community partners and offers mobile screening at mosques.
Financial Support and Encouragement
Women diagnosed through the programme receive financial aid of up to $10,000, along with encouragement to undergo treatment. This support is crucial, as early detection significantly improves survival rates.
Empowering Women to Prioritise Health
Mayor Desmond Choo emphasised the importance of empowering women to take charge of their health. By providing accessible screening and support services, the programme aims to make breast health a priority for all women, regardless of background or beliefs.
Expert Recommendations for Prevention
Associate Professor Benita Tan, a senior consultant at Sengkang General Hospital, underscores the importance of regular screenings and self-examinations. Detecting breast cancer at Stage 0 offers an excellent chance of cure, highlighting the importance of early detection.
A Message of Hope and Resilience
Madam Lim's journey reflects the resilience of breast cancer survivors. Despite her apprehensions about radiation therapy, she remains optimistic, buoyed by the support of her family and friends.
Taking Action Against Breast Cancer
With initiatives like free breast cancer screening, communities can make significant strides in early detection and support for those affected by this disease. By breaking down barriers and providing accessible healthcare services, we can work towards a future where breast cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and survivors thrive.
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