Speech by Mr. Chan Heng Kee, Permanent Secretary for Health, at the opening of the 15th Asian Breast Diseases Association Annual Scientific Meeting and Teaching Course, on 4 November 2017

SPEECH BY MR CHAN HENG KEE, PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, AT THE OPENING OF THE 15TH ASIAN BREAST DISEASES ASSOCIATION ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING AND TEACHING COURSE, AT ACADEMIA, SINGAPORE GENERAL HOSPITAL, ON 4 NOVEMBER 2017

Associate Professor Philip Iau, President, Asian Breast Diseases Association (ABDA)

Professor Tan Puay Hoon, Vice-President, ABDA

Dr Angela Chong, Chairman of the Organising Committee

Delegates,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1.     Good morning. I am delighted to join you today at this ABDA Annual Scientific Meeting. It has been 10 years since the event was last held in Singapore. The rousing lion dance performance which we have just enjoyed provides a fitting welcome to all of you, especially our overseas guests, many of whom have travelled across the region.

Breast Cancer & Disease an International and Local Challenge

2.     Breast cancer and disease is a challenge for populations around the world. It is the leading cancer amongst women, impacting over 1.5 million of them each year. In 2015, an estimated 570,000 women died from breast cancer, constituting 15%, the highest proportion, of all cancer-related deaths among women. The rates are increasing in nearly every region and country^[1], including Asia and Singapore.

3.     While it is an immense challenge, high survival rates and good health outcomes are achievable with good prevention, early detection and effective treatments. Some of these efforts would have to be tailored to the local context in different regions and populations, including Asia. This is where regional networks, such as the ABDA, play an important role. In providing a platform to discuss common concerns; to share knowledge, and to seed collaborations. In this regard, Singapore is happy to share our challenges and experiences.

Early Detection

4.     In Singapore, breast cancer is also the most common cancer affecting women. Between 2010 and 2015, breast cancer accounted for almost 1 in 3 (29%) cancer diagnoses among female Singapore residents. An estimated 1 in every 14 women here will develop breast cancer before the age of 75.

5.     We are investing resources and effort in early detection and treatment. Under our national Screen for Life programme, women aged 50 years and above receive government subsidises that make screening mammograms affordable. This year, close to 40,000 women have gone for their mammograms under Screen for Life. For women from lower income backgrounds who still find screening unaffordable, our voluntary welfare organisations provide additional support. For example, the Singapore Cancer Society and Breast Cancer Foundation run free mammogram screening for the lower income.

6.     Despite efforts to make mammograms affordable, only two in five in Singaporean women aged 50 to 69 years old have regular two-yearly mammograms.^[2] I understand that this phenomenon is not unique to Singapore. Women in other Asian countries too have under-utilised breast cancer screening. The reasons are similar – such as lack of awareness, concerns about modesty, lack of encouragement from family and physicians, and misunderstanding about the treatments of early breast cancer.

7.     It is important that we address these concerns and raise our screening rates. I am pleased to note that the Singapore Cancer Society has been working hard with partners such as the Breast Cancer Society, Health Promotion Board and our healthcare institutions on public awareness campaigns and events island-wide in tandem with WHO’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October each year. The government will continue to support such efforts.

Effective Treatments

8.     Besides detection, we should also work towards improving treatments. Here, our public healthcare institutions have established strong multi-disciplinary breast cancer care teams. Today, The Breast Clinic @ TTSH and KK Breast Centre offer a one-stop service for patients requiring consultations, imaging and biopsy. The National University Cancer Institute for adopts a Total Breast Care Treatment Approach that enshrines clinical care and psycho-social intervention. Arising from better treatment and care, the survival rate of breast cancer patients here between 2011 and 2015 have improved significantly compared to the preceding 5-year period².

Importance of Research

9.     Research too plays an important role in addressing the challenge of breast cancer. In Singapore, breast cancer has been identified as a priority cancer indication for research. Research grants, including those from our National Medical Research Council, are available to support good research projects in these areas.

10.     Over the years, Singapore has developed capabilities in breast cancer research. For example, the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health has established a Breast Cancer Prevention Programme^[3]. This focuses on health services research, such as investigating risk factors and influences on behaviour towards seeking early diagnosis and treatment. The programme taps on the Singapore Breast Cancer Cohort, which has collected valuable genetic and lifestyle data as well as bio-samples from more than 9,000 breast cancer patients. I believe that the programme has potential to make a significant positive impact in the years ahead.

Conclusion

11.     Ladies and Gentlemen, there is much that we can learn from one another in prevention, early detection and treatment and care for breast cancer. Scientific meetings such as this provide valuable opportunities for this. It enables us to share practices, experiences and lessons. To discuss scientific work, techniques and ideas. And to forger regional and international collaborations.

12.     I know that the ABDA has been hard at work in these areas. Since it was established 15 years ago, the association has been diligently running symposiums like this, as well as teaching conferences. I would like to commend ABDA on its work and wish it continued success.

13.     On that note, let me wish all of you an enjoyable and fruitful event. Thank you.

^[1] World Health Organisation. Cancer. Breast Cancer. http://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/diagnosis-screening/breast-cancer/en/

^[2] Health Promotion Board. Health Behaviour Surveillance of Singapore 2015.

^[3] PI Mikael Hartman