TO ERADICATE BREAST CANCER AS A LIFE - THREATENING DISEASE
I never thought I would get breast cancer. It was a
difficult period for me but with the help of my family,
my support group at Breast Cancer Foundation, and my doctors,
I have finally come to terms with my cancer and learnt to face it. More..
- Breast Cancer Survivor
BCF believes that members play an active role in education and raising awareness of breast cancer. Both men and women are encouraged to become members.
President’s Message
Breast cancer research has progressed so rapidly in recent years that many victims
now have more effective treatment options with a better chance of full recovery. Yet
statistics indicate that breast cancer remains the Number One cancer in women today.
It is estimated that about 1,000 new breast cancer cases will be diagnosed in Singapore
every year.
These are indeed grim figures, made more so by the knowledge that breast cancer can affect any woman. And its impact is far-reaching. Many lives have been affected by the loss of a loved one to breast cancer. The sad truth is that very often, this tragedy could have been averted if only society were better educated on the facts of breast cancer, including the goodnews that breast cancer need not be a death sentence. Early detection provides the greatest chance of survival.
Yet too many women fail to take the necessary preventive measures, either out of ignorance or fear, not realising that this negligence could well cost them their lives. It often also creates extreme financial and emotional pressures for the patient and her loved ones.
In an effort to heighten public awareness of breast cancer, October has been designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Only through greater awareness will we be able to prevent the tragic loss of lives through breast cancer.
At the forefront of this battle to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease is the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF), a newly formed lay-led organisation established in 1997. It is strongly committed to raising awareness of breast cancer among all Singaporeans, regardless of age, gender and profession.
On behalf of BCF, I urge you to take this opportunity to learn more about breast cancer and to share this knowledge with your family and friends. Please start now - make it a point to go for an annual mammogram and a clinical breast examination if you are 40 and above. Learn about breast self-examination and make it a part of your monthly routine.
I hope that through the concerted effort of all, we can look forward with confidence to the day when breast cancer takes a far lower toll on the lives of our women.
Mrs Fang Ai Lian
President, BCF