Here’s How You Can Get Involved For Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Support the fight against the most common form of cancer
October 15, 2019
Photo: Getty
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month worldwide, which means that there is a whole host of great initiatives across Singapore that aims to build funds and awareness about this prevalent disease. And though the Pink Ribbon Walk has just passed, there are plenty of other ways to get involved.
From mammograms to talks, here are the things to look out for this month.
Breast Cancer is the #1 cancer killer of Singaporean women, with an estimate that 1 in 14 women in Singapore will develop the condition before the age of 75, according to the Singapore Cancer Foundation. One of the keys to surviving Breast cancer is early detection, which includes both self-examinations and mammograms. However, less than 40% of eligible women in Singapore have participated in a screening mammogram. If you are one of them, now is the perfect time to start. Try out subsided or free mammograms available for local residents in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) is offering a $25 subsidy for the months of October and December. Appointments must be made by 30 Nov 2019 with the participating breast screening centres and the mammogram screening must be done by 31 January 2020. Check here for eligibility and more information.
SKH Medical is offering an additional 20% discount off digital mammograms, with a $25 SCS rebate to Singaporeans and PRs aged 40 and above, from now till 31st January 2020. Find out more here.
Singapore Cancer Society Clinic @ Bishan is offering free mammograms to Singaporean women aged 50 and if you are under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), appointment only.
Photo: Getty
Self-Examine — With a nursery reminder
image
Each year, Singapore’s Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) kickstarts the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) with a nation-wide campaign. This year’s campaign, launched together with creative agency DDB Group Singapore and Bridgestone Asia Pacific, features a sing-along nursery reminder “Molly Monkey Sings and Saves” for breast self-examination. Sung to the familiar tune of “Wheels on the Bus”, with phrases like “up and down” and “round and round,” it easily breaks down the steps of a breast self- examination so they can be easily remembered.
This nursery ‘Molly Monkey Sings and Saves’ is also available in storybook form, which you can get with just a $5 donation down at the BCF office.
Photo: Youtube
With the help of an app
image
The Check Yourself mobile app is a free self-examination app launched by the Keep A Breast Foundation. It offers step by step self-check instructions via engaging animated gifs, automatic monthly self-check reminders, breast health information, and more, and available for download on the Apple and Android app store. Find out more here.
Photo: Instagram
Wear the Pink Ribbon
image
Each year, the BCF produces a specially designed pink ribbon pin where you can show your support for the cause through a $2 and $5 donation. It helps to spread greater awareness of the cause and important messages on early detection and screening. Find out more on where you can get a pink ribbon here, available for this month only.
Photo: Getty
Catch a movie in the gardens (19 Oct)
image
Enjoy a pleasant evening with your family under the stars while catching a screening of The Wizard of Oz at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Organised by the National Cancer Centre Singapore, this free event also consists of a Street Funk dance workout before the screening, and free flow of popcorn, candy floss and ice cream! A donation of $100 and above towards breast cancer research will also entitle you to a Noel Gifts picnic box. Find out more here.
Photo: Getty
Hear from Breast Cancer Survivors at Heroes in Pink (24 Oct)
image
Conducted by Love, Bonito and WeWork, Heroes in Pink aims to showcase notable local women who have been supporting and championing the fight against Breast Cancer, including one of Singapore’s most renowned oncologists and representatives from the Singapore Breast Cancer Foundation. The session includes a short Q&A session and ends with a simple headwrap styling workshop by style maven, Aarika Lee. Find out more here.
Photo: Courtesy
Take part in a silent auction
image
Open to all members of the public from now till 25th October, the National Cancer Centre Singapore is holding a silent auction to raise funds towards breast cancer research at NCCS. Look out for items such as exclusive porcelain dinner plates, Chanel leather bags, and even a pair of Singapore Airlines Business Class Return Tickets to Osaka, Japan. Take part in the silent auction here.
Photo: Courtesy
Get a Pink English Afternoon Tea
image
Look forward to an array of pink treats as part of the popular English Afternoon Tea spread at L’Espresso, Goodwood Park Hotel. Expect tantalising treats such as Grenadine Berry Jelly, Raspberry Butter cake, and even a pink chocolate foundation. You’ll also recieve a BCF pink ribbon worth $2 each, whose funds from its total value will be contributed to BC. At the same time, you may make a donation or purchase more pins at L’Expresso or The Deli via their BCF donation box, whose proceeds will go towards BCF. Find out more here.
Photo: Courtesy
Shop for a good cause
image
Local shoe retailer PAZZION has launched a limited-edition Pink Ribbon Suede Heel, available only for the month of October at all PAZZION stores and e-store. It retails at $83 and 30% of the sale proceeds will go to BCF to fund their member activities.
If you’re in need to replenish your beauty shelf, you can do so with a good cause. Estee Lauder’s #TimetoEndBreastCancer campaign will donate $20 towards the BCF with every purchase of their limited edition Advanced Night Repair Serum, packaged with a Pink Ribbon Pin bracelet, which is available for purchase at all Estee Lauder stores and Sephora in the month of October.
