Breast Cancer Foundation raises more than S$600,000 for key programmes

Business Times

11-05-2025

[SINGAPORE] The Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) raised more than S$600,000 at Tee for Pink – its annual signature charity golf event and dinner – for its key programmes, which raise awareness of breast cancer and early detection services, and provide emotional support for its members.
In its 11th edition this year, the event rallied nearly 150 golfers at Tanah Merah Country Club on Friday (May 9). The contributions were matched dollar for dollar by the Tote Board.
Chew Gek Hiang, president of BCF, said of the funds: 'It supports our befriending services... and three breast cancer satellite centres aimed at providing the necessary support for our breast cancer community.'
BCF partnered several hospitals around Singapore for its Befrienders programme, which pairs newly diagnosed patients with survivors from a similar background to provide psychosocial support.
Another programme is Healing through the Arts, whereby BCF members – breast cancer patients, their caregivers and survivors – come together for various activities including pilates, sewing and painting. The programme provides social support and a therapeutic outlet for them.
In 2018, BCF teamed up with Singapore Cancer Society and National Healthcare Group Diagnostics to launch the Community Mammobus Programme, which makes mammogram screenings more accessible and affordable to the public.
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On a weekly basis, members also participate in BCF's dragon boat programme. Paddling is associated with breast cancer as a form of rehabilitation and wellness. Adeline Kow, general manager of BCF, said this particular programme is important because it showcases the strength of breast cancer survivors. BCF's dragon boating team, Paddlers in the Pink, participate in international competitions and regularly undergoes rigorous and intense training.
In terms of outreach, BCF works with educational institutions and community centres to give talks about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
'We want to create awareness for early detection, because breast cancer is so treatable… In Singapore, every day, six people are diagnosed with breast cancer,' she added, noting that a lot of Singaporeans do not do self-examinations.
There is also a need to act fast, because the cancer can spread fast, Kow added.
She said: 'This is a disease that can happen to old and young, and now we do see it happening more to younger women. We want to make sure women look after themselves and are aware of their own bodies, so that we can treat it much earlier.'
In April 2024, BCF opened its second breast cancer satellite centre in Woodlands, which 'brings essential support services even closer to our heartland communities, and is a significant step forward in improving accessibility to care and information', noted Chew.
The social service agency is in the final stages of adding its third satellite centre at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.