In 2015, SCS Bishana Support Group member Ms Connie Goh was diagnosed with Stage 1B cervical cancer at the age of 41. She displayed no symptoms prior to the diagnosis and only discovered the cancer by chance after she decided to go for a health check-up due to work stress.
As it was early stage cancer, Ms Goh was not required to go through any treatment but under her doctor’s recommendation, she underwent a hysterectomy. However, about a year later, a cancerous growth was detected where Ms Goh’s uterus used to be. Scans revealed that there were 2 tumours and this time, Ms Goh’s medical oncologist insisted that she go for chemotherapy.
Ms Goh underwent 6 cycles of chemotherapy. After the 2nd cycle, she was advised to undergo surgery to remove the bigger tumour. She did another scan after the 6 cycles of chemotherapy which revealed more tumours. As my side effects from the previous treatment were manageable the doctor advised her to go for another 4 cycles of chemo with a different drug. To date, Ms Goh is still on targeted treatment.
Ms Goh has advice for all the ladies, “Prevention and early detection can save lives. I have come to learn that HPV vaccination can reduce the risk of cervical cancer, and Medisave can be used for females aged between 9 and 26 years to pay for the vaccination. But by the time I realised it was too late as I was over the age limit for the vaccination. Ladies, don’t wait any longer, go get your HPV vaccination and Pap smear screening done!”
In line with our Mission to minimise cancer, during the Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Campaign period from 2 May 2018 – 31 Jul 2018, SCS will be funding the cost of Pap smear screening ($2) for ladies holding a valid CHAS card between the ages of 25-69 under the Enhanced Screen for Life Programme at our partner clinics.
In addition, ladies can also come forward to have their Pap smear screening done at SCS Clinic @ Bishan throughout the year. This screening is available to all female Singaporeans and Permanent Residents aged between 25 and 69 years who are sexually active, and have not had a Pap smear in the last three years. Singapore Cancer Society offers pap smears at no charge to eligible women.
To find out more about our Women’s Gynaecological Cancers Campaign and Pap smear screenings at no charge, visit