Speech by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health, at the Pink Waves fundraising event, 27 Nov 2014

Mrs Noor Quek, President, Breast Cancer Foundation

My former parliamentary colleagues - Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon and Mr Tan Soo Khoon,

Distinguished Guests

1    Good evening ladies and gentlemen. It is indeed a pleasure for me to be here at this event! Pink is such a beautiful colour. It is one of my favourite colours. Many may think that pink is meant for the young girls. But this evening, when I look around this room, I think the colour pink reflects hope and courage.

2    It is very inspiring to see many different groups of people at the social and corporate level here this evening, supporting this cause. This room indeed sends a strong message that ‘Together We Are Strong’.

3    Breast Cancer is the most common cancer amongst Singaporean women. Statistically, all of us women have a 1 in 16 chance of developing breast cancer during our lifetime[1]. Early stages of breast cancer may not show any signs or symptoms and hence it is important to encourage women to go for regular screening mammograms. Early detection also increases the chance of successful treatment and better survival.

4    We all know that breast cancer not only affects a woman, but also has profound impact on her family and loved ones. It is so important, therefore, not only to provide support for those diagnosed with breast cancer but also to encourage and support their loved ones. Your contributions have been tremendously important to Breast Cancer Foundation - your support enables BCF to focus on what they do best - and that is to eradicate breast cancer as a life threatening disease.

5    The BCF ladies that you will see later on stage are indeed true warriors. They are beautiful and exude confidence. Their attitude towards breast cancer is, “SO WHAT?!” – It is by no means a death sentence! So ladies and gentlemen, these women have indeed a lot of fight in them. Let's give them a big round of applause.

6    Let me add that, it is especially wonderful to see so many men this evening – this further drives home the point that men have a significant role in the fight against breast cancer. We need our men – the husbands, the fathers, the sons, the brothers - by our sides to overcome and triumph over this disease.

7    Let me especially mention Dr Stephen Riady, who is supporting this event with venue and F&B sponsorship, and Dato Fred Ho of DeFRED Jewellery, who has very generously offered a piece of jewellery for the auction. Also, I understand that we are in for a special treat by my former parliamentary colleague - Former Speaker of Parliament, Mr Tan Soo Khoon, who will be performing with the band this evening.

8    Amidst this beautifully organised event, there is an important message to remember – early detection of breast cancer saves lives, saves breasts – a message that is at the core of BCF’s mission and vision.

9    A special message to all women - take responsibility for your health and empower yourself by going for regular screening and follow up. You can enjoy life with your family and loved ones by taking care of your own health first.

10    With that, I would like to wish all of you a most wonderful evening ahead! Thank you very much.

[1] The lifetime risk for breast cancer is 6.5% i.e. the Singaporean women have a 1 in 16 chance of developing breast cancer by age 75 years (National Registry of Diseases Office, based on 2008 – 2012 data)