National Cancer Centre Singapore and Team Singapore athletes set first national record to support young cancer patients

  • National Cancer Centre Singapore and Team Singapore athletes “stepped up” on stepper machines in support of adolescent and young adults with cancer 
  • 344,744 steps accomplished, setting the first record in the Singapore Book of Records for the most number of steps achieved on stepper machines.

Singapore, 4 August 2019: The National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and Team Singapore athletes – Michelle Sng, Christopher Cheong and Sasha Christian, united today to set the first national record in the Singapore Book of Records (SBR) in support of adolescent and young adults (AYA) cancer patients, and to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

The activity, “A Time for You to Act” which was held at OCBC Square, saw members of the public, cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, NCCS healthcare professionals and staff, and Team Singapore athletes contributing their steps on stepper machines to set the first record in the SBR for the most number of steps achieved on stepper machines. This activity is part of GetActive! Singapore, a week-long sporting bash organised by Sport Singapore.

AYA oncology refers to individuals with any type of cancer between the ages of 16 and 39 years old. Common cancers of this age group include lymphomas and leukaemia, sarcomas, germ cell tumours, brain tumours, breast and cervix cancers. The NCCS sees between 450-550 new AYA cancer cases each year.

“Learning of a cancer diagnosis is difficult for anyone - even more so for young adults who are only starting to venture out and integrate into the working society. What is supposed to be the prime of their lives is now overshadowed by illness and the difficulties associated with seeking and undergoing treatment. With one diagnosis, their lives have changed drastically.” said Dr Eileen Poon, consultant medical oncologist at NCCS, and advisor to the NCCS AYA support group, which was set up in 2017 to allow AYA patients, their caregivers, and survivors share their experiences, and offer one another emotional comfort, moral support, practical advices and resources.

“We are heartened to see the community coming together today to pledge their steps for a great cause and at the same time, be a part of this national record. Through this event and with Team Singapore athletes partnering us, we hope to destigmatise this whole perception of having cancer. We want young people with cancer to know that they are not alone and that we are on this journey with them, that they have people they can turn to.” said Dr Poon.

“It was very heartening to see so many Singaporeans from all walks of life come together to be a part of something bigger than themselves.” said Michelle Sng, Team Singapore high jumper. Michelle is currently the top high jumper in Southeast Asia and is the first Singaporean female high jumper in 52 years to win the Gold medal at the 2017 SEA GAMES.

About National Cancer Centre Singapore (www.nccs.com.sg)

National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) provides a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment and patient care. We see close to 65 per cent of the public sector oncology cases, and they are benefiting from the subspecialisation of our clinical oncologists. To deliver among the best in cancer treatment and care, our clinicians work closely with our scientists who conduct robust cutting-edge clinical and translational research programmes which are internationally recognised. NCCS strives to be a leading global cancer centre, and shares its expertise and knowledge by offering training to local and overseas medical professionals.

About GetActive! Singapore GetActive!

Singapore builds on the legacy of the 28th SEA Games and the 8th ASEAN Para Games hosted in Singapore in 2015 and will comprise a week-long series of sports festivals, ground-up sports initiatives and competitions. Held in the lead up to Singapore’s national day, GetActive! Singapore aims to rally Singaporeans together to celebrate National Day through sport whilst providing a platform to inspire the Singapore spirit and celebrate our national identity, transforming our sporting spaces into social commons to facilitate greater sport participation and expanding opportunities in promoting an active sporting and healthy lifestyle. GetActive! Singapore will have programmes that reach out to participants of all ages, abilities and skill levels. Working with partners, Sport Singapore will foster community participation and engage Singaporeans to co-create sporting activities under the themes of “Fun, Play and Compete.”

For more information on GetActive! Singapore, please visit http://www.getactive.sg

For more information, please contact:

Ms Siti Zawiyah
Corporate Communications
National Cancer Centre Singapore
DID : 6236 9429
Email : siti.zawiyah.aboo@nccs.com.sg

Mr Gerald Leong
Public Relations
Sport Singapore
DID : 6500 5249
Email : Gerald_Leong@sport.gov.sg