Date: 31 May 2019

• SCS Women’s Gynaecological 2019 Cancer Awareness Campaign aims to bring greater attention to three cancers, namely Uterine, Ovarian, and Cervical cancer, which are among the top ten cancers affecting local women 
• New HPV testing service to be introduced at SCS Clinic @ Bishan is more accurate and effective in identifying precancerous conditions
• Singaporean/PR women will be empowered with comprehensive coverage against gynaecological cancers 
• Over 1.5 million Singaporeans/PRs expected to benefit from the free testing

Singapore, 31 May 2019: Singaporean and PR women aged 30-69 now have a better opportunity to detect HPV virus strain early at NO COST with Singapore Cancer Society’s (SCS) new human papillomavirus (HPV) test service. As such, ladies now have a better chance of detecting these viruses earlier, enabling early intervention and surveillance. 

The new service which will be rolled out in the 2nd half of the year comes as the Society celebrates its 55th anniversary and launches the annual SCS Women’s Gynaecological Cancer Awareness campaign. 

Comprehensive coverage against gynaecological cancers
Since 1969, SCS has been providing Pap test at no cost in the fight against cervical cancer. Since last year, SCS has been intensifying their cancer prevention efforts and as part of longterm plans to eradicate cervical cancer and reduce cancer incidence, the HPV Education and Immunisation Programme for girls aged 9-13 years old was launched in October 2018.

The Society is determined to provide greater holistic care and will be offering the HPV test service, in addition to the existing Pap test targeted at ladies aged 25-29 years old.

This new service will benefit women in detecting the abnormal cells and HPV Virus for cervical cancer, and allowing early detection of the cancer, leading to better treatment outcomes. With the comprehensive coverage ranging from vaccination to tests, young girls and ladies will be better empowered to protect themselves against gynaecological cancer.

Mr Albert Ching, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Cancer Society said, “SCS is dedicated to minimise cancer and maximise lives through various effective and impactful programmes for the prevention and control of cancer. With this new service and its outreach, we hope that it will increase the knowledge and awareness of HPV and cervical cancer among females and to ultimately increase the uptake of vaccination and screening.”

HPV testing and its benefits
HPV testing has been used for cervical cancer screening and evaluated in a variety of settings.

Research studies have shown that HPV testing is more accurate and effective in identifying women at greater risk of developing precancerous cervical lesions.

In a recent survey conducted by SCS, Pap test (82%) was found to be more commonly known as a screening test for cervical cancer as compared to HPV testing (41%). While 7 in 10 respondents are aware that women who ever had sexual intercourse should undergo cervical screening test from age 25, there is a noticeable lack of knowledge on the function of HPV testing and frequency of Pap test to be done even among those who are aware of the respective screening tests.

SCS Women’s Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Campaign (WGCAM)
In view of the results from the survey that most respondents feel there is a lack of awareness in the understanding of HPV and cervical cancer, SCS will intensify the education and awareness of the topic through schools and community outreach as well as through the annual SCS WGCAM.

The SCS WGCAM will run till 31 July 2019 and a special carnival will be held at Toa Payoh Hub Atrium on 8 June 2019. There will also be specialists sharing more about Women’s Gynaecological Cancers to the public attending the event.

The theme for this year’s campaign, “You are naturally beautiful when you are healthy” acts as a reminder to ladies not to neglect their health in their busy lifestyle and to keep themselves healthy.

“The diagnosis of gynaecological cancers can be particularly devastating especially when it affects women in the prime of their lives. Fortunately, screening and prevention is possible for some of these cancers. With medical advancements, primary prevention of cervical cancer is now possible and vaccines available today can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancers caused by the HPV. Besides vaccination, screening for cervical cancer is just as important. We hope more women will take charge of their health and learn more about these cancers and how to prevent them from our campaign,” said AProfessor Timothy Lim, Chairman, SCS Women’s Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Campaign 2019, Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Gynaecological Oncology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Women’s Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Event
Date: Saturday, 8 June 2019
Time: 10am-12pm (English Session), 2pm-4pm (Mandarin Session)
Venue: Toa Payoh Hub Atrium, 530 Lor 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310530 

Registration (Admission is free)
Visit: http://bit.ly/wgcamevent19
Call: 64215860
Email: communityhealth@singaporecancersociety.org.sg

Speakers
(English Session)
Associate Professor Timothy Lim
Head and Senior Consultant
Department of Gynaecological Oncology
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital

(Chinese Session)
Dr Cindy Pang
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Singapore O&G Ltd

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About Singapore Cancer Society (www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg)
Established in 1964, Singapore Cancer Society is a self-funded voluntary welfare organisation which provides patient care services to needy cancer patients through its welfare, hospice home care, cancer treatment subsidy and rehabilitation support programmes. In addition, the Society also provides free cancer screening services and promotes cancer awareness and prevention through its public education and community outreach programmes.

For more information, please contact:
Kumudha Panneerchelvam (Ms)
Corporate Affairs Senior Exec
DID: 6436 5237
Mobile: 9819 6589
Email: kumudha_P@singaporecancersociety.org.sg

Celia Au (Ms)
Corporate Affairs Manager
DID: 6421 5801
Mobile: 9668 9465
Email: celia_au@singaporecancersociety.org.sg