Latest news with #SingaporeCancerSociety
Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: Singapore Cancer Society remains committed to early cancer detection and support
Find out what's new on ST website and app. We thank Mr Ho Kheng Tiong for his letter, ' End of free test kit distribution can hurt fight against cancer ' (July 14). The Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) is deeply committed to early cancer detection and community outreach. We agree that screening and early detection save lives and appreciate Mr Ho's feedback on the accessibility of faecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits. SCS is proud to have distributed more than one million FIT kits to the community over more than 20 years. The shift away from direct FIT kit distribution by SCS was guided by the Ministry of Health (MOH) as part of the broader national shift under its Healthier SG strategy. While SCS no longer distributes FIT kits, we remain a steadfast partner in the nation's fight against cancer. We continue to offer other types of screening such as cervical screening and mammograms at no cost to eligible individuals at our SCS Clinic @ Bishan. In addition, SCS actively supports the community by raising awareness on the importance of cancer screening, reaching out through free health talks and community programmes, and helping individuals understand available cancer screening options. As a longstanding partner in Singapore's cancer prevention and care journey for over 60 years, we remain committed to working closely with MOH and our healthcare and community partners to ensure that cancer screenings remain accessible and available to all in Singapore. Cancer screening is important and saves lives. If you or someone you know is unsure where to start, please contact us via our website or call our helpline (1800-727-3333). We will be glad to help. Tan Kwang Cheak CEO, Singapore Cancer Society Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Business 5 things to know about Kuok Hui Kwong, tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter and Shangri-La Asia head honcho Asia Air India probe into Boeing 787 fuel control switches finds no issues Singapore Man charged over manufacturing DIY Kpods at Yishun home; first such case in Singapore Singapore Sex first, then you can sell my flat: Women property agents fend off indecent proposals and harassment Singapore Two women jailed for submitting fake university certificates to MOM for employment passes Singapore Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid in Bishan: Traffic Police officer sentenced to 10 years' jail
Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: End of free test kit distribution can hurt fight against cancer here
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox C olorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Singaporeans aged 50 and above, particularly when not detected early. For years, the Singapore Cancer Society, with government support, has played a vital role in raising public awareness and encouraging early screening through its outreach campaigns. One of its most impactful efforts was the community distribution of free faecal immunochemical test kits – a simple yet effective tool to detect hidden blood in stools, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer. As someone who regularly responded to these screening initiatives, I am grateful for this public health effort. It has helped to normalise the conversation around cancer screening and enabled early detection for many Singaporeans, especially those who would otherwise not have sought screening on their own. However, I was surprised and disheartened to learn recently that the Singapore Cancer Society has stopped distributing these kits, which now have to be collected through Healthier SG healthcare providers, where doctor consultation and screening test fees may apply. Given the ageing population in Singapore and the proven effectiveness of early screening, this shift feels like a step backwards in our nation's fight against cancer. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Govt will continue to support families, including growing group of seniors: PM Wong at PCF Family Day Singapore From Normal stream to Parliament: 3 Singapore politicians share their journeys World Deal or no deal? EU faces critical decision in response to Trump's latest tariff salvo Singapore Segregated recycling bins found to lower contamination rate as more spring up Sport Two participants injured after another breached safety protocol during Pesta Sukan archery event Asia Mahathir discharged from hospital after feeling fatigued during birthday gathering Singapore Medics treat 7 after blaze at HDB block lift lobby in Chai Chee Singapore I lost my daughter to Kpod addiction: Father of 19-year-old shares heartbreak and lessons Ho Kheng Tiong
.jpg%3Fitok%3DVgKTbgBb&w=3840&q=100)
CNA
09-06-2025
- Health
- CNA
Money Talks - Navigating the financial costs of cancer
Money Talks Play 21 mins Beyond the physical and emotional toll that comes with having cancer, the financial burden can be just as daunting. So what are the key costs to consider if you or your loved one are faced with cancer? Group director for clinical services at the Singapore Cancer Society Dr Dennis Chia is our guest.
CNA
09-06-2025
- Health
- CNA
Money Talks Podcast: Navigating the financial costs of cancer
Beyond the physical and emotional toll that comes with having cancer, the financial burden can be just as daunting. So what are the key costs to consider if you or your loved one are faced with cancer? Group director for clinical services at the Singapore Cancer Society Dr Dennis Chia is our guest on the Money Talks podcast. Here is an excerpt from the conversation: Andrea Heng, host: You talked about some of the costs earlier, direct and indirect costs. Can we talk about the range? From doctor's appointments, to chemotherapy, to radiotherapy and follow-ups as well. I understand that they can be provided or offered as a package, but perhaps give us a ballpark range, so that we have a clearer understanding of the digits. Dr Dennis Chia, group director of Singapore Cancer Society: So before subsidies, in a restructured hospital, by and large you're talking about a range of up to a five-digit figure for all of the treatment. Andrea: In total, or? Dr Chia: In total. I need to assure you. While I say that it goes up to five (digits) - and for some specific cancer treatments, it goes up to six-digit figures, like over S$200,000 - it can be as low as a few hundreds to maybe thousands (because of subsidies). Dr Chia: And there is welfare assistance (and) financial assistance available from the government, all the way to the Singapore Cancer Society. Be assured that there are people and organisations trying to help everyone defray that (cost). Andrea: Just out of curiosity, what's the most common expense that is unexpected? ... Is there anything else that, perhaps, may not have crossed our minds? Dr Chia: I think we have to remember the day-to-day expenses. For example, milk feeds. So when you are getting a bit weaker, and you can't really consume very much. You need specialised milk feeds. Temporary or permanently, you might require a nasal gastric tube, the tube that goes down, and those are ongoing costs. And you still have things like, perhaps, diapers, stoma bags.
CNA
06-06-2025
- Health
- CNA
Tan Tock Seng Hospital explores AI for faster, more accurate screening of breast cancer
Artificial intelligence will be used for breast cancer screening in at least one hospital in Singapore so patients can get faster and more accurate detection. This is as women who have gone for breast cancer screening in Singapore remains much lower than other developed nations. This is despite the disease being the most common cancer among women here. Dr Priyanka Rajendram, Clinical Head of Cancer Prevention & Control at the Singapore Cancer Society, discusses the low breast cancer screening numbers. She talks about reasons why women are not going for them and what can be done to encourage more to get screened.
