Breast cancer is the number one cancer affecting women in Singapore with over 2,000 women diagnosed each year and approximately 280 dying from this disease⁺. However, early diagnosis of breast cancer through recommended screening and subsequent treatment greatly improves outcomes*. While breast cancer is a highly treatable and curable disease, women from low-income families often may not be able to access life-saving mammogram resulting in late diagnosis and poor outcomes.

365 Cancer Prevention Society (365CPS) and Icon Cancer Centre are teaming up in a bid to close the healthcare gap and empower women in need with access to vital cancer screening. The “#My1stMammo” fundraising campaign will run from 1 September to 31 December 2021 raising money for women aged 40 and above from lower income households to receive free access to a sponsored comprehensive mammogram including pre and post consultation with a GP at a SATA Medical Centre within their community.

Icon Cancer Centre Singapore CEO, Serena Wee says Icon is committed to improving health outcomes for all women across Singapore.

“We know early detection saves lives. As a leading cancer care provider, we are dedicated to making a lasting difference for cancer patients no matter their circumstances,” said Ms Wee.

Mr Andrew Soh, 365CPS’ Head of Department of Fundraising, Marketing & Volunteer Management, believes this campaign is an important step in increasing health literacy and support of cancer awareness.

“Currently subsidised mammograms are only available for women who are 50 years old and above under the National Screen for Life programme. As a registered charity committed to making a difference to as many cancer patients as we can, we hope the #My1stMammo campaign will help close the gap and give hope to families in need, giving women the opportunity to place their health first,” said Mr Andrew Soh.

The #My1stMammo campaign is aiming to raise $80,000 which will provide over 500 women who are 40 years and above with access to comprehensive mammogram, including pre and post consultations with a doctor. Any excess funds raised from the campaign will go towards supporting the cause of 365CPS.

Community partners participating in this campaign are Ain Society, Bukit Panjang Zone 1 Residents’ Committee, Clementi Grassroots Organisations, Radin Mas Community Club Women’s Executive Committee, Singapore Women’s Association and Women In Recovery Association. These community partners are invited to open these sponsored mammograms to their female beneficiaries.

To make a donation and support the #My1stMammo campaign, click here.

⁺ Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2018

*Singapore Cancer Registry 50^th  Anniversary Monograph Report