Speech by Mr Edwin Tong, Senior Minister of State for Health, at the Singapore Cancer Society Charity Golf & Dinner 2018, 2 November 2018

Mr Wee Leong How, Chairman, Singapore Cancer Society

Ms Amberly Woo, Organising Committee Chairperson, Singapore Cancer Society Golf & Dinner 2018

Mr Albert Ching, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Cancer Society

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

A very good evening to everyone.

1.          Thank you for inviting me here today and for the opportunity to be part of the Singapore Cancer Society’s (SCS) Charity Golf and Dinner event. It is heartening to see so many of you joining us to show your support for the cancer community.

2.             It also gives me great pleasure to be part of this inspiring event because it has been specially put together by individuals who had been affected by cancer in their family and who now wish to do their part to improve the lives of others.

Cancer in Singapore

3.               Cancer is the leading cause of death in Singapore, accounting for about 30% of deaths[1]. Given our ageing population, we can expect the incidence of cancers to continue growing. Many of us here today know someone who has been affected by the disease, and some have experienced the difficulties of living with cancer firsthand.

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

4.               While there are risk factors for cancers that we cannot change, such as genetics and family history, there are others, such as an unhealthy lifestyle and other behavioural risk factors, that we can take control of. If adequately addressed, they can lower one’s risk of developing cancer. In fact, studies have found that at least 1 in 3 cancers is potentially preventable[2]. Taking small but meaningful steps such as eating healthily, exercising regularly, avoiding excessive alcohol intake and not smoking are examples of ways to reduce one’s risk of cancer.

5.               In addition, early detection of cancers through regular and age-appropriate screening allows for earlier treatment. Since early stage cancers are generally also easier to treat, this would reduce costs due to complications and lead to better health outcomes. To that, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has enhanced subsidies for the Screen for Life (SFL) programme since September last year, to encourage more Singaporeans to attend regular screening and follow up. Eligible Singaporeans can have access to subsidised health screenings at $5 or less, and this includes the first post-screening consultation with a doctor, if required. Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) cardholders pay $2, while the package is free for our Pioneers.

6.               Vaccination is also an established approach to prevent some types of cancer such as cervical and liver cancers. In this aspect, I am heartened that SCS has adopted a proactive approach of implementing upstream prevention to reduce cancer incidence through the recent launch of its Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Education and Immunisation Programme to tackle cervical cancer.

7.               Besides better prevention and screening, it is also crucial that the right support structures are in place for cancer patients and their family members.

Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) Cancer Treatment Fund and SCS Welfare Aid Fund

8.               It has been important we have like-minded and supportive partners in this fight against cancer. The SCS Cancer Treatment Fund in particular, was set up to provide financial assistance to needy cancer patients, defraying part of their treatment costs. Likewise, the SCS Welfare Aid Fund provides temporary financial assistance and medical supplies to enhance the well-being of needy cancer patients. The cancer journey is not easy, and such funds help relieve patients and their families from some of their financial burdens. I am happy to note that in 2017, SCS had helped over 2,200 needy cancer patients by providing almost $4 million in financial and welfare aid.

9.               One such beneficiary is Mdm Irmawati who was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in 2013 when she was pregnant with her second child. SCS had provided her financial assistance for her scans, blood tests, and chemotherapy. In addition, her elder daughter who is in secondary school also receives financial aid from existing SCS assistance schemes. With all this support, Mdm Irwamati has been able to stay positive and focused on getting well without worrying about medical costs and her daughter’s education. Such help means a great deal to many patients and their families.

10.               SCS would not have been able to provide such an extensive outreach of assistance without the support from the community such as business partners and donors such as yourselves. Your support is crucial in providing hope to cancer patients and their families. Be it sponsoring a golf flight today, or coming onboard as our regular monthly donor, every bit of support counts towards benefitting cancer patients in tangible and intangible ways, more than anyone of us can imagine.

11.               This event today is yet another good opportunity to drum up awareness about cancer and how important it is to take proactive measures to stay healthy and go for screening regularly. I encourage all of us to continue to help spread this message to our friends, colleagues, and families, whenever possible, to start taking charge of their lifestyles for better health.

Conclusion

12.               I hope there will be more of such opportunities for the community to come together to make a positive impact to the lives of our cancer patients, survivors, and their families.

13.              Thank you and I wish everyone a pleasant evening.

[1] Ministry of Health, Singapore. Principal Causes of Death (https://www.moh.gov.sg/resources-statistics/singapore-health-facts/principal-causes-of-death).

[2] World Health Organization. “Cancer prevention” (http://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/en/).