Date: 17 February 2024
SPEECH BY SINGAPORE CANCER SOCIETY (SCS) CHAIRMAN, MR LEE MENG TAT AT THE LAUNCH OF THE SCS 60THANNIVERSARY IN CONJUNCTION WITH WORLD CANCER DAY CARNIVAL AT OUR TAMPINES HUB ON 17 FEBRUARY 2024 AT 3.15PM
Minister for Health Mr Ong Ye Kung,
Senior Minister of State (Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment & Ministry of Manpower) and Adviser to Tampines GRC Grassroot Organisations, Dr Koh Poh Koon,
Our dearest cancer beneficiaries,
Ladies and gentlemen,
OPENING
Today marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s fight against cancer. Not only are we commemorating World Cancer Day with over 100 countries around the globe,1 we are also proud to launch the Singapore Cancer Society’s (SCS) 60th Anniversary celebrations.
2024 is SCS’s Diamond anniversary. This is fitting as SCS has been a shining beacon to the cancer community since our inception in 1964. We trace our roots to a group of public-spirited individuals from the Rotary Club of Singapore West, the Lions Club, and the Jaycees, who wanted to fight the number one killer in Singapore at the time: Cancer.
One of SCS’s earliest initiatives was the introduction of free Pap screenings as well as a publicity campaign on how to spot the signs of cancer.2
Since then, we have expanded both our services and our voice. As Singapore’s leading cancer charity, we now offer programmes across the entire cancer continuum. This includes empowering individuals with cancer knowledge, conducting cancer screenings, providing patient services such as cancer rehabilitation, survivorship programmes and financial support, supporting patients and families during end-of-life care, as well as initiatives to rally Singapore in support of the cancer community.
In 2023 alone, SCS screened more than 124,000 individuals and provided over $2 million in financial support. To date, SCS has disbursed more than $46 million via the Cancer Treatment Fund, the Cancer Care Fund and Welfare Aid Fund and others, benefitting more than 23,000 beneficiaries. Our one-of-its-kind cancer rehabilitation centre that we pioneered in Singapore, has also provided rehabilitation services to over 2,600 cancer patients and continues to be the only dedicated cancer rehabilitation centre locally.
IMPACT STORIES
We are also humbled to have been a part of many individuals’ cancer stories. Each one of them tells a narrative about the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Allow me to share a couple with you.
Jeannie Wang
Jeannie Wang is a former nurse who had previously donated to SCS. She never expected to be on the receiving end, as a beneficiary, after she was diagnosed with nose cancer in 2019.
Following her cancer treatment, she found herself without a job and with a weakened body. She started going for sessions at the SCS Cancer Rehabilitation Centre, undertaking physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics and exercise programmes to manage the side effects of her treatment. An SCS Social worker also helped her apply for the Society’s financial assistance scheme, giving her peace of mind.
Jeannie remarks that she wouldn’t have found the strength to survive without SCS.
Madam Foziah Yeon
Another SCS’s beneficiary, Madam Foziah Yeon, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. The treatment left her with weakened arms and trigger finger. Even a simple task like lifting a cup of water was difficult. This was a blow because her hobbies include gardening and art, both of which require the use of her hands.
Undeterred, Madam Foziah attended SCS’s rehabilitation services where she regained her strength and mobility. She also took part in SCS’s enrichment activities including art therapy workshops and forest bathing, which improved her state of mind.
Madam Foziah returned to her job at a Welfare home after six months of treatment and recovery. Today, she conducts art classes for its residents, using mediums like paint which are easier on her fingers. Additionally, she oversees the home’s new therapeutic garden, a project she spearheaded after her treatment. She cultivates air plants like orchids which eliminate the need for strenuous soil work. She has also implemented an automated watering system, reducing the physical demands of garden maintenance.
Stories like Jeannie’s and Madam Foziah’s continue to inspire and shape our mission. They teach us that with support, creativity, and a positive mindset, it is entirely possible to lead fulfilling lives after cancer.
60TH ANNIVERSARY THEME: MANY LIVES, ONE LEGACY
This brings us to our theme for our 60th anniversary, “Many Lives, One Legacy.”
We will be unveiling the anniversary logo shortly, but I would like to take some time to share the special meaning behind the logo.
SCS has started and shared many journeys with the community in our drive to minimise cancer and maximise lives. Journeys with the beneficiaries are at the heart of our cause so too are journeys with everyone from patients and caregivers to volunteers to partners and journeys to strengthen our programmes – to build a stronger and integrated continuum of care, both for now and the future. Through the years, each of these journeys have intersected and built on each other to form SCS’s intricately textured ecosystem of cancer support – This is what makes our legacy.
You will see later that the logo represents all the above. The lines made by threads represent our beneficiaries and SCS is their web of support. The intertwined lines tell stories of individuals and communities, creating a strong and intelligent cancer ecosystem. It is a testament to our collective effort of coming together so that no one fights cancer alone.
SCS PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
SCS has progressed and expanded its programme and services over the years to improve the lives of many cancer patients. Looking ahead, SCS is not resting on its laurels. We want to remain a beacon of hope for the next 60 years and beyond. To do so, we are pleased to share forward-looking initiatives in three key areas: (1) Drive the cancer ecosystem forward, (2) Intensify upstream preventive efforts, and (3) Nurture an empathetic and supportive society towards cancer care.
1. Driving the cancer ecosystem forward
Our first area of focus is to drive Singapore’s cancer ecosystem forward. We want cancer patients to be able to access all the services they need in a smooth and connected way. This includes not just medical treatment, but also emotional, mental and even social support so that every aspect of a person’s wellbeing is addressed.
How are we going to do this? Through our Cancer Rehabilitation Centres and Care Kits
Cancer Rehabilitation Centre
Rehabilitation or rehab is a crucial component of cancer care. SCS has always provided quality community-based rehab services at our SCS Cancer Rehabilitation Centre.
We are partnering with Singapore’s leading cancer institutions to open two new rehabilitation centres this year to offer a comprehensive continuum of rehab support.
The first is our flagship at the National Cancer Centre Singapore Building that is jointly developed with NCCS. By the second quarter of 2024, the NCCS-SCS Rehabilitation Centre will begin providing cancer rehab services to support patients in a sub-acute setting for patients newly diagnosed with cancer or undergoing treatment.
SCS will also further expand our outreach and cater to the needs of patients residing in the West by offering our community rehab services at the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS).
SCS has been supplementing the rehab support in the community by partnering with ActiveSG so that survivors can continue to undergo rehab at ActiveSG gyms in the heartlands. This provides patients with a smooth transition from inpatient care to after care to care in a community setting and help them gain access to a full range of rehab and supportive services, including physical therapy, counselling, support groups and work-life reintegration.
Cancer Care Kits
Our experience shows us that cancer care is a journey and recognises that people need specialised support at every stage. SCS will be launching Care Kits for all eligible Singaporeans to give them support and assurance.
There will be four different Care Kits, each tailored to the four main phases in the cancer journey: Screening, Diagnosis, Post-Treatment Recovery and Remembrance. Each pack will contain information, resources and thoughtful gifts to cater to individuals and families depending on the stage they are at.
More information will be shared later this year.
2. Intensifying Upstream Preventive Efforts
Our second area of focus is to intensify upstream prevention efforts as we strive for a cancer-free Singapore and early detection whenever possible.
This is aligned with HealthierSG, a nationwide strategy to focus on preventive care and empower Singaporeans to take charge of their health. For many years now, SCS has been investing resources in education and cancer control and prevention, including screening. This is because early detection can dramatically improve the odds of successful treatment.
SCS will also continue to collaborate with NCCS on the cancer genetics service screening programme and explore other forms of screening to detect cancer early.
Improving touchpoints and accessibility of cancer screening services
SCS’s goal is to improve the availability and accessibility of cancer screening services. SCS is working closely with the Regional Health Clusters to bring preventive health and cancer controls closer to the heartlands, and including follow-through services for those with positive cases. SCS will strengthen advocacy, outreach and educational programmes for the general public and even healthcare professionals.
3. Nurturing an empathetic and supportive society towards cancer care
Our third and final area of focus is to foster an empathetic society that supports the cancer community.
Improvements in medical care have led to a rise in cancer survivorship rates. Cancer survivors have specific concerns such as accessing rehab services to improve their quality of life, as well as support in reintegrating back into the workplace and community.
Recognising the diverse needs of survivors, SCS launched a Survivorship Centre in Woods Square last year to offer information and resources, as well as a safe space for survivors to connect.
Our goal is to partner with more like-minded agencies to advocate for survivors and expand resources available to them.
In addition, we have three other initiatives this year – the Life in Lavender exhibition, the BEACON program and the Next Gen Rising pilot program.
Life in Lavender Exhibition
To mark our 60th anniversary, a year-long “Life in Lavender” exhibition will be held to create more awareness of the experiences of our cancer community, including patients, survivors and caregivers.
Members of the public will be able to experience the journeys of either a cancer patient and survivor, or a caregiver, through immersive displays, artwork created by the cancer community, and a remembrance garden. We want the Life in Lavender exhibition to foster empathy and show that the cancer journey does not end with diagnosis and treatment. Our hope is that it will foster dialogue on what more we can do to support the cancer community.
BEACON Programme
SCS will be expanding its befriending programme BEACON which stands for Befriend, Educate, Advocate – Cancer Outreach Network, to build up a pool of cancer-informed advocates. This programme will train individuals to provide basic emotional support to patients and help them navigate cancer resources. I would encourage all of you to join this meaningful programme and build a legacy with SCS that we can all be proud of.
Next Gen Rising
Many of us who know of the cancer community have someone close in our life who have been impacted by this disease. What about others who have not heard about cancer? It is therefore important that SCS expands its outreach to different communities to educate them about it. One key group that has been of interest due to recent rise in incidences and because they are the very next generation of Singaporeans, are the youths and students.
SCS has been deepening its engagement with them in recent years and this year, we will be launching a pilot youth initiative, called Next Gen Rising. It will be the umbrella that streamlines SCS’s existing youth engagements, in addition to being a launchpad for new ones.
Next Gen Rising will kick off with a brand new Youth Summit in July this year. To be held in conjunction with SCS’s annual inter-school competition, the Summit will be open to youth ages 18 to 35 and provide them with a platform to make meaningful connections and engage in conversations with like-minded peers and subject matter experts in cancer prevention.
The initiatives I have shared represent just a glimpse of our extensive engagement programmes planned for 2024. We have a comprehensive calendar filled with opportunities for the public to participate in.
These include our annual Relay for Life event in March, Race Against Cancer in September, as well as an event to round off our 60th anniversary celebrations in December. Please look out for more details on our website and social media platforms.
CLOSING
The journey of SCS has not just been about combatting a disease. It has been – and will continue to be – about nurturing a legacy of care, support and resilience.
Each one of us plays a part in this journey. On the occasion of our 60th Anniversary, I invite you to join SCS in the fight against cancer and to uplift those who have been affected by it.
You can be a part of our story, a part of our legacy.
Thank you.