Strong Social Circle and Support System Alleviates Hurdles to Mammogram Screening

​​​​​Themed ‘Empower Her’, this year’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign brings screening and breast care education closer to the community with more than 20 nation-wide activities planned for the month of October

27 September​ 2024

​According to the 2023 National Population Health Survey, slightly more than one-third (34.7%) of Singapore women aged 50-69 had gone for mammogram screening in the last two years. This was a 3% dip from the previous year and a significant contrast from western counterparts that average a 50% to 80% mammogram rate at population level. The low screening rate among women in Singapore can be attributed to several factors, including; lack of urgency or necessity due to perceived health, fear of pain and diagnosis, and some just never thought about screening as they ‘feel fine’. To encourage and increase awareness about mammogram screening, the theme for this year’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) campaign is ‘Empower Her’. The campaign, which takes place yearly in the month of October, highlights the importance of a strong social support system for women to get screened and, if diagnosed with breast cancer, to undergo the necessary treatments, and lead a fulfilling and normal life.

“Breast cancer is not a journey that women should walk through alone – from the initial screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Medical professionals need to do our part to educate women on the importance and the ease of mammogram check-ups. Family, friends and relatives should encourage the women in their life to go for their regular breast screening, and stand by them should they be diagnosed with breast cancer. Most importantly, despite societal and individual expectations, women need to prioritise themselves and be their biggest advocate. This is what we hope the theme ‘Empower Her’ conveys to the public,” shared Adjunct Assistant Professor Juliana Chen, Chairperson of NBCAM 2024 Organising Committee and Senior Consultant, Breast and Endocrine Surgery at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

During the month of October, more than 20 nation-wide activities have been planned by the NBCAM committee, which consists of members from the Breast Cancer Foundation, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Health Promotion Board, Singapore Cancer Society, SingHealth, and National Healthcare Group’s (NHG) Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the appointed chairing organisation this year. (Full list of activities on Annex 1)

NBCAM 2024 was launched by Ms Jane Ittogi, First Lady of the Republic of Singapore, on 27 September 2024 at Bugis Junction. Twelve breast cancer patients and survivors, aged 41 to 70, brand Esse. Titled ‘Walk of Resilience: Garden of Flowers’, the fashion show conveyed that life goes on even after a breast cancer diagnosis.

“As a brand that champions body positivity and feeling confident in one's own skin, it is our honour to be a partner for this year’s NBCAM and dress the survivors for this fashion show. The resilience and positivity of the survivors are truly inspiring,” shared Alicia Tsi, Founder of Esse.​

Bringing Breast Care Closer to the Community

In partnership with the National Healthcare Group Diagnostics, a mammobus will be parked at two malls over two weekends in October. Eligible Singaporeans or permanent residents will be able to get their screening in the mammobus for free (details on eligibility criteria in Annex 1). Having the mammobus at the malls signals that getting a mammogram is as normal as heading to the mall and aims to encourage women to get screened.​​

Mammobus details:​

In July 2024, breast care specialists from Tan Tock Seng Hospital, a member of the National Healthcare Group, conducted a training session for primary care providers from clinics, polyclinics and community partners. Titled ‘Breast 101: Managing Common Breast Conditions and Understanding Breast Cancer’, the session allowed participants to better understand breast screening and its updated referral framework, challenges faced by breast cancer survivors, and how they can be supported in their cancer survivorship journey.

With the evolving breast care landscape, such training sessions empower general practitioners to stay up to date with the latest trends and developments – allowing patients to recover and receive treatment closer to home.

“We are honoured to be chairing this year’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month’s organising committee – which sees us working closely with our colleagues from the National Healthcare Group (NHG), namely Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Woodlands Health, to further educate on breast cancer and advocate on the importance of screening. Through close collaboration and knowledge sharing with other breast care specialists, and our partners in the community and neighbourhoods, we can make breast cancer a less daunting journey for our patients, and elevate the quality of breast care for all.” - Adjunct Assistant Professor Juliana Chen, Senior Consultant, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Breast Cancer Foundation

“Breast Cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women globally and in Singapore, highlighting the urgency of ongoing discussions around breast health, accessible screening, and early detection. This year, BCF is dedicating itself to addressing the specific challenges faced by Malay Muslim women and expanding our efforts to boost national breast cancer screening rates. Women from all walks of life must understand the severe risks associated with late diagnosis, and it’s our responsibility to continuously provide them with the necessary resources and information as a community.

We are deeply committed to educating both men and women through our extensive outreach and education programs, aiming to raise awareness, promote early detection, and support the breast cancer community. With signature events like Pink Light Up and the Pink Ribbon Walk this October, as well as sharing the poignant stories of survivors, we are uniting the community in this cause. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.” - Ms Adeline Kow, General Manager, Breast Cancer Foundation

Health Promotion Board

“Breast cancer remained the most common cancer among Singapore women in the past 50 years (source: National Registry of Diseases Office, 2024) Early detection and timely management is crucial in the fight against breast cancer. When breast cancer is identified early, treatment can be more effective, lowering the risk of serious complications and resulting in better survival rates. Regular mammogram screening serves as a critical tool for early detection, acting as the first line of defense against the progression of the disease.

We recommend women who are 50 years old and above to go for a mammogram once every two years. Women 40 to 49, can screen for breast cancer, annually, provided their doctor has discussed the benefits and limitations with them. We will continue to work with our community partners to educate and encourage women to take preventive steps to protect their health. Under Healthier SG, will refer you to participating polyclinics.” - Vivian Sim, Director of Health Screening & Management, Health Promotion Board

University Cancer Institute, Singapore

“Empowerment through knowledge and engagement is our strongest tool in the fight against breast cancer. This BCAM, we aim to unite to educate, screen, and support every woman. Together, we can empower her to take charge of her health and build a future beyond and free from breast cancer.” - Dr Matilda Lee, Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore

Singapore Cancer Society

“Breast cancer remains the most commonly occurring cancer and the top cause of cancer-related deaths for women in Singapore. However, with early detection and treatment, the chances of surviving Breast cancer increase significantly.

Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) provides mammogram screening at SCS Cancer Screening Clinic @ Bishan at no cost for eligible Singaporeans. Additionally, we partner the National Healthcare Group Diagnostics and the Breast Cancer Foundation where we work with grassroots organisations to bring the Community MammoBus to the heartlands for breast cancer screening. Take charge of your personal health and take action by booking a mammogram screening with SCS by calling 1800-SCS(737) 3333. Together, we can fight breast cancer!” - Mr Albert Ching, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Cancer Society

Singapore Health Services (Singhealth)

“Empowering breast cancer patients is a collective effort. At SingHealth, our multidisciplinary teams empower patients and their loved ones through health education and awareness of screening and cancer treatments. Our various patient support groups and programmes also provide emotional and community support to help uplift their spirits throughout their recovery and survivorship journey.” – Clinical Assistant Professor Sim Yirong, Senior Consultant, Department of Breast Surgery, Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore