Date: 22 February 2025
SPEECH BY MR TAN KIAT HOW, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF DIGITAL DEVEOPMENT AND INFORMATION & MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
CAMPUNG FESTIVAL ON 22 FEBRUARY 2025
Mr Lee Meng Tat, Chairman of Singapore Cancer Society (SCS)
Mr Tan Kwang Cheak, CEO, SCS
Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning,
It is a pleasure to be here at CAmpung Festival 2025 to celebrate World Cancer Day. It’s very heartening to see everyone here today, since this festival, organised by Singapore Cancer Society, is meant to embody the kampung spirit — where individuals, communities, and organisations come together to support one another and take collective action against cancer.
As some of you may know, this is not my first encounter with SCS. I’ve had the honour of attending the finals of the annual Interschool Competition in 2023 and the inaugural Youth Summit in 2024. That’s because the cancer cause has a special place in my heart.
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SCS has come a long way since its formation in 1964. Today, as Singapore’s leading cancer charity, its care touches people across the entire cancer continuum. In just 2023, SCS screened more than 124,000 individuals and provided more than 2 million in financial support to cancer patients and their families.1 Furthermore, the establishment of the community rehabilitation centre in the NCCS building is yet another step toward giving patients an integrated experience, particularly as they transition from acute care to community care.2
Singapore’s cancer care ecosystem has made significant strides, thanks to advancements in treatment, care, and collaboration among healthcare institutions and community partners. However, cancer remains the leading cause of death in Singapore, and the need for early detection and prevention has become even greater.3
To give you a better understanding of the cancer landscape in Singapore, allow me to quickly share some important statistics with you.
Due to low screening rates, late-stage diagnoses remain concerningly prevalent. Stage three and four colorectal cancer diagnoses are as high as 59%, with breast cancer at 23.3% and cervical cancer at 39.4%.4
Furthermore, screening disparities also persist across different Singaporean communities.5 These gaps highlight the importance of targeted outreach efforts to ensure that all segments of society can benefit from early detection.
While there have been some improvements in the last decade or so – thanks to increased accessibility to screenings and more innovative screening methods – more needs to be done to improve screening participation and timely follow-up assessments.
The good news is that we are not alone in this fight. Across the public, private, and people sectors, we see increasing efforts to improve access to screenings, promote cancer awareness, and support those impacted by the disease.
I commend SCS for its relentless efforts over the past 60 years and for working closely with key partners such as National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), National University Cancer Institute Singapore (NCIS), and community organisations to extend their reach.
These partnerships have made a huge difference in cancer prevention and care, whether it was bringing mammogram screenings closer to underserved communities, increasing education on early detection, or providing holistic support for survivors. But a part of the work still falls on us, as individuals, to spread cancer awareness. It will take all of us, as one community, to drive change.
This weekend, CAmpung Festival has a whole range of activities that help us stay informed, engaged, and to hopefully inspire action in all of us. There’s something for everyone — whether you want to learn about cancer as a disease from doctors or our booths, about personal journeys from the Life in Lavender exhibition, or simply soak in the kampung spirit.
Don’t forget to stop by CAmpung Cafe, a special spot run by our cancer survivors, where every cup of coffee comes with a story of resilience and hope.
And because early detection saves lives, the Community Mammobus will be also on-site, offering breast cancer screenings and making it easier than ever to stay on top of your health.
Remember, this CAmpung Festival isn’t just an event — it’s about showing up, standing together, and making a real difference. So come down, bring your friends and family, and let’s take a step forward in the fight against cancer, together.
As I approach my big five-zero, I have been reflecting on my own health goals. Like you, I have a responsibility for my own health. We all have a part to play – whether it’s prioritising screenings, encouraging our loved ones to take charge of their health, or spreading awareness within our own small communities.
On that note, I would like to extend my appreciation to Singapore Cancer Society, with the support of NCCS, NCIS, and our many community partners, for organising this impactful event. To all of you — thank you for showing up and for walking with cancer patients and caregivers.
Remember, small actions, when multiplied, can lead to significant positive change that impacts generations to come.
Let’s continue to build a healthier Singapore together. Enjoy the festival, and let’s continue to bring this action beyond these two days.
Thank you.