Singapore, 22^nd October 2020 – The national Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) Organising Committee has partnered with National Gallery Singapore to raise awareness for breast cancer by lighting the windows of the iconic National Gallery Singapore in PINK for the month of October.

Located in the heart of the civic district, National Gallery Singapore, a leading visual arts institution overseeing the largest public collection of modern art of Singapore and Southeast Asia is an instantly recognisable landmark. Lighting its windows in attractive pink will act as a beacon to raise awareness for breast cancer, offer support to those affected by breast cancer and promote early detection by regular screening.

The initiative is part of the national BCAM 2020 ‘It’s Time for Breast Health’ campaign, led by the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and partners, Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF), Health Promotion Board (HPB), National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) and Singapore Cancer Society (SCS). offer support to those affected by breast cancer and promote early detection by regular screening.

Breast cancer is the top cancer and leading cause of cancer deaths in women in Singapore. One in 13 Singaporean women will develop breast cancer before the age of 751. Breast cancer is commonly thought to affect older women. However, one in six women diagnosed with breast cancer are below 45 years old¹. BCAM 2020 aims to encourage women to make time for breast health by regular breast self-examinations, attending mammogram screening, and engaging in 150min of exercise each week to reduce one’s risk of breast cancer. Should a woman notice a change in her breast, she should not delay seeing a doctor due to COVID-19 concerns. Clinics and hospitals have many infection control steps in place to allow for a safe visit.

“We are delighted that the National Gallery Singapore has joined us to raise breast cancer awareness. With breast cancer incidence rising in Singapore, lighting up this national landmark in signature pink will arouse curiosity and help spread the message that women can play an active role in taking care of their breast health, even with the ongoing pandemic,” said Clinical Associate Professor Veronique Tan, Co-Chairperson of BCAM 2020 Organising Committee, and Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Breast Surgery, Division of Surgical and Surgical Oncology, NCCS and Singapore General Hospital (SGH).

“The Gallery is very pleased to do its part to support this meaningful cause of raising awareness on breast cancer. We hope that this will raise the public’s awareness to take action and increase early detection,” said Chong Siak Ching, CEO of National Gallery Singapore.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Gillian Tan

National Cancer Centre Singapore   
Corporate Communications   
Email: gillian.tan@nccs.com.sg

About National Cancer Centre Singapore

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 sub-specialisation 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. www.nccs.com.sg

About Breast Cancer Foundation

Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) is a social service agency with the mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. Set up in 1997, BCF is committed to raising awareness about breast cancer through talks, events and publications that advocate early detection through regular screening, as well as supporting survivors and their families through various befriending and training activities. As one of the few advocacy groups in the world with a Men’s Support League that was integrated with Caregiver Support Group in year 2017, BCF aims to encourage greater male participation in society’s fight against this affliction. For more information, visit www.bcf.org.sg or follow BCF on Facebook and Instagram.

About Health Promotion Board

The Health Promotion Board (HPB) was established as a statutory board under the Ministry of Health, Singapore, in 2001 with the vision of building “A Nation of Healthy People”. The Health Promotion Board aims to empower the people of Singapore to attain optimal health, increase the quality and years of healthy life and prevent illness, disability and premature death. As the key agency overseeing national health promotion and disease prevention programmes, HPB spearheads health education, promotion and prevention programmes as well as creates a health-supportive environment in Singapore. It develops and organises relevant health promotion and disease prevention programmes, reaching out to the healthy, the at-risk and the unhealthy at all stages of life – children, youths, adults and older Singapore residents. Its health promotion programmes include nutrition, mental health, physical activity, smoking control and communicable disease education. HPB also promotes healthy ageing, integrated health screening, and chronic disease education and management. More information can be found at www.hpb.gov.sg.

About the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore

The National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) offers a broad spectrum of cancer care and management covering both paediatric and adult cancers, with expertise in prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. The Institute’s strength lies in the multi-disciplinary approach taken to develop a comprehensive and personalised plan for each cancer patient and his or her family.

Our award-winning clinician-scientists and clinician-investigators conduct translational research and clinical trials, providing patients with access to evidence-based cancer diagnostics, technology and therapies. For more information about NCIS, please visit www.ncis.com.sg.

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 enquiries specific to the various organisations, please contact:

National Cancer Centre Singapore

Gillian Tan   
Corporate Communications   
Mobile: 8157 3671   
Email: gillian.tan@nccs.com.sg

Breast Cancer Foundation   

Mazuin Khamis   
Public Relations & Communications   
DID: 6833 4736   
Email: mazuin@bcf.org.sg

Health Promotion Board

Lim Wee Leng   
Corporate Communications   
DID: 6435 3549   
Email: lim_wee_leng@hpb.gov.sg

National University Cancer Institute, Singapore   

Winnie Lim   
Communications Office   
Mobile: 9777 2170   
Email: lim_winnie@nuhs.edu.sg

Singapore Cancer Society

Kumudha Panneerchelvam   
Corporate Affairs   
DID: 64365 237 / 9819 6589   
Email: kumudha_p@singaporecancersociety.org.sg

¹Singapore Cancer Registry 50th Anniversary Monograph (1968 – 2017)