The Kidney TERRY FOX RUN RETURNS TO 05 SINGAPORE IN 2011 A NEW LEASE OF LIFE 06 SPOTLIGHT ON PARTNERS 07 GUARDIAN HEALTH & BEAUTY

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1 UROLOGICAL CANCERS MYTHS AND FACTS Article contributed by Dr Colin Teo MBBS, MRCSEd, MMed (Surgery), FAMS (Urology), FEBU Urology Consultant Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Which part of the body is this and is it common? Urological cancers are cancers of the urinary system or the male reproductive system. 1 in 4 Singaporeans will be diagnosed with a cancer of any system based on the latest statistics. In males, prostate cancer is now the 3rd commonest while bladder stands at 9th followed by kidneys and other urological cancers coming in at 10th position. While cancers are predominantly found in the old, the young may be struck with some urological cancers. The major organs of the urinary system include the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra; while those of the male reproductive system include the testes, prostate and penis. The more common urological cancers include those of the kidneys, bladder, prostate and testes. The Kidney Volume 11 No.1 MICA (P) 084/05/2010 Kidney Cancers Our kidneys produce urine to help clear our body s waste products. The commonest form of kidney cancer is called renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and risk factors include smoking, having close relatives with kidney cancers and prolonged dialysis among kidney failure patients. Nowadays, most kidney cancers are picked up incidentally during health checkups such as for employment or insurance reasons through ultrasound scans and they are symptom free. However, about 10% of kidney cancer patients present with loin pain, swelling and bloody urine, leading to their diagnosis of kidney cancer. In advanced cases, there may be weight loss, tiredness, leg swellings and many other symptoms. When diagnosed early, there is a good chance of cure by surgery. It is commonly done key-hole style if detected early and the patient may even be able to preserve part of that kidney. Patients who are not fit enough to go through major surgery may be treated with radio frequency ablation or ice probe (cryotherapy) inserted CONTENTS UROLOGICAL CANCERS 01 MYTHS AND FACTS UROLOGICAL CANCERS 02 MYTHS AND FACTS (Continue) UROLOGICAL CANCERS 03 MYTHS AND FACTS (Continue) SHOOT FOR A CAUSE 04 SINGTEL TOUCHING LIVES FUND 04 CHEQUE PRESENTATION TERRY FOX RUN RETURNS TO 05 SINGAPORE IN 2011 A NEW LEASE OF LIFE 06 SPOTLIGHT ON PARTNERS 07 GUARDIAN HEALTH & BEAUTY SPOTLIGHT ON PARTNERS 08 GUARDIAN HEALTH & BEAUTY (Continue) SAY I DO TO REGULAR MAMMOGRAM 08 SCREENING DANCE FOR HEALTH 09 PAYING IT FORWARD 09 FUN AT THE ZOO VANESSA S JOURNAL 10 FAMILY MATTERS! 10 GIFTS OF SPECIAL ANG POWS 11 PAMPER WITH HAMPER 11 COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS 12 CAMPAIGN 2011

2 ABOUT SINGAPORE CANCER SOCIETY SINGAPORE CANCER SOCIETY was established in It has since taken a leading role in cancer prevention and control. As a self-funded voluntary welfare organisation, funds are needed to be raised to support its various welfare programmes and free services. Our Mission: The Singapore Cancer Society is a community-based voluntary health organisation dedicated to minimising the impact of cancer through public education, screening, patient services, financial assistance, research and advocacy. Our Vision: To be the leading cancer organisation in Singapore and the region, with a reputation for effective programmes for the prevention and control of cancer. Our Programmes: 1. Financial Assistance - Cancer Treatment Fund (Cancer treatment subsidies for cancer patients) - Welfare Aid for needy cancer patients 2. Free Cancer Screening - Pap smear test (For Cervical cancer) - Health Education: Breast Self-Examination - Faecal Occult Blood Test [FOBT] (For Colorectal cancer) 3. Public Education - Cancer awareness campaigns - Cancer-related talks and forums - Cancer information (via website & telephone service) 4. Rehabilitation Support - Support group activities for cancer patients 5. Home Hospice Care - Medical and psycho-social care for terminally ill cancer patients 6. Cancer Research - Cancer research grants and awards 7. Volunteer Management - Volunteering opportunities to suit people with different interests and skills CONTACT US AT 15 Enggor Street, #04-01 to 04 Realty Centre, Singapore Tel: Fax: You can also log on to our website at for news and event information or us at enquiry@singaporecancersociety.org.sg How You Can Help Us There are many ways in which you can help us in our fight against cancer. Make a pledge to support us today and make a difference to the lives of people affected by cancer. Volunteer Your Time Volunteers share a precious relationship with us. The time and effort rendered by them help make a real difference to people who are affected by or living with cancer. The time contributed by volunteers enables us to extend and develop the quality and scope of our services. Please help us in our fight against cancer by being a volunteer. You can your contact details to valerie_ko@singaporecancersociety.org.sg CONTRIBUTORS Dr Colin Teo Annabelle Low Elizabeth Law Valerie Ko Vanessa Lim Veronica Nathan EDITORIAL TEAM Cheng Lay Tin Janet Ling Madeleine Chong UROLOGICAL CANCERS MYTHS AND FACTS (continue) directly into the cancer to destroy its tumour cells. Advanced kidney cancers are usually beyond cure, but there are many new drugs that can effectively suppress the disease for a certain time period. Many people are born with only one kidney and still have adequate kidney function. Thus, if you have two kidneys and one is found to be cancerous, removal of the cancerous kidney can still be done without worries about the need for dialysis. This is assuming that you have a normal remaining kidney and are not suffering from existing kidney disease. If you have a small cancer, surgery to preserve a part of the kidney is also an option. Bladder Cancers Our bladder serves to store urine. The commonest form of bladder cancer is transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Smoking is the most important risk factor for bladder cancer, while prolonged exposure to chemicals in certain jobs, previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy, bladder stones and repeated urinary tract infection may also increase the risk of getting bladder cancer. The commonest symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which may or may not be visible to the naked eye. Frequent urination, sense of urgency and pain on passing urine are other possible symptoms. The best way to confirm Urothelium Lamina Propria Muscle the diagnosis of bladder cancer is via the bladder scope (flexible cystoscopy), which involves seeing the inside of the bladder in real-time using an advanced camera system. This is done in the clinic under local anesthesia and is painless in skilled hands. Urine tests may also show cancer cells. The best chance of treatment is when you have no symptoms and the tumour has not invaded deep or has spread. Early cancers can be treated with minimally invasive surgery through the urethra. Removing the bladder or radiotherapy is reserved for advanced tumours. These cancers are notorious for recurrences so bladder cancer patients will need close monitoring. Prostate Cancers Peritoneum Perivesical fat The good news is that prostate cancers tend to be slow growing. However, if you have it early in life, it can affect your longevity and make you miserable if you have the aggressive type of cancer. The normal prostate hugs the bladder opening and its main function is to nourish the sperm. In aging men, the prostate usually enlarges because of a non-cancerous condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Ta T1 T2b T3a T3b

3 UROLOGICAL CANCERS MYTHS AND FACTS (continue) that leads to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). These are difficulty in passing urine, dribbling, frequency, incontinence, incomplete voiding or retention and 1% experiences kidney failure. Prostate cancers have no specific symptoms. Most symptoms (LUTS) are due to BPH. Occasionally, blood in the semen can be a sign of prostate cancer. In advanced cases where cancer has spread, there may be bone pain, weight loss, lower limb swelling or kidney failure. Penis Testicle A special blood test, called prostate specific antigen (PSA) level when raised above 4ng/ml may indicate the presence of cancer cells but may also be due to infection or BPH. Transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy is a clinic procedure under local anesthesia that can be used to diagnose prostate cancer. Early prostate cancer can be effectively treated with surgery or radiotherapy. In Singapore today, in addition to conventional open surgery, medical advancement offers robotic and key-hole laparoscopic surgery which allows for shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, less pain and a better chance in preserving erection and continence. New radiotherapy treatment provides implanted radioactive seeds into the prostate (brachytherapy) with good results for early prostate cancers. When advanced, hormonal treatment is employed to starve the prostate cancer cells from the testosterone male hormone that they are dependent on. They can be taken orally daily or by 3-monthly injection. Testicular Cancers The testes have two main functions: to make sperms and to produce the male hormone. This is the commonest cancer in males between 20 and 40 years old and has very good cure rates when detected early. A very important risk factor is a history of undescended testes. The commonest symptom is a swelling of The testicle Testicular mass or lumps Bladder Urethra Prostate gland Vas deferens the testes. Surprisingly, very few men examine their testes regularly and early detection is missed, thus delaying diagnosis. Blood tests and testicular ultrasound helps with diagnosis. Primary treatment is surgery to remove the affected testes followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Most patients are cured and early detection through self-examination is key. COMMON MYTHS My friend told me... I didn t see doctor early because I thought I have no pain... Many patients experience some urinary symptoms without pain, and this absence of pain made them underestimate the need for early consultation with a urologist. This results in an unnecessary delay in diagnosis, losing the precious window of opportunity for cure. No pain does not imply no cancers. I am young... While it is true that most cancers affect older people, some urological cancers are known to affect young people. I didn t fool around... Many people, especially men, associate the risk of urological cancers with their sexual behaviours. A common response among patients newly diagnosed with prostate or testicular cancer is I did not find prostitutes.... Practising safe sexual behaviours reduces your risk of getting sexually transmitted infections, but does not prevent one from getting a cancer. Any urinary symptoms in a clean man warrant the same attention as those in anyone else. I thought modern medicine can cure many cancers anyway, so I didn t see a doctor early... There have been many advances in cancer treatments in the last few decades. While these improved cure rates and reduced treatment complications, they cannot replace the importance of early diagnosis. Advanced cancers are still beyond cure in most cases. And, with all else being equal, an early cancer still has a better outcome than a late one. I am scared to see the doctor, he may take away my kidney... This is especially true among elderly people, probably because they associate seeing the doctor as many tests, need operation, many injections, etc. Sometimes, they feel unprepared to be diagnosed with a cancer, so they choose not to have their urinary symptoms evaluated. The fact is: it is usually scarier to miss a diagnosis of cancer then seeing your friendly urologist, who will always stand side by side with the patient in their fight against cancer. So, please get yourselves seen early by a urologist if you experience any suspicious symptoms or have any concerns. CANCER IN FOCUS P3

4 GIVING TO SOCIETY SHOOT FOR A CAUSE Belle Hernandez, a cancer survivor, organised Shoot for a Cause on 22 and 23 January 2011 to raise funds for Singapore Cancer Society. Belle is a model based in Macau and Shoot for a Cause was a unique opportunity for photographers to participate in a two-day event to shoot Belle and her group of model friends at the Emporium Bar and the Yacht Club. The models who participated in the shoot were Belle and Joyce Lazaro, both from the Philippines, Kiran Zenkner from Germany, Veni Sundari from Indonesia, Nur Fureena from Singapore and Angelika Furstler from Austria. Belle s passion for Singapore and the cancer cause raised a total of $2,500. Belle Hernandez (middle, silver dress) and her model friends organised Shoot for a Cause to raise funds for Singapore Cancer Society SINGTEL TOUCHING LIVES FUND CHEQUE PRESENTATION On 21 January 2011, Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) and five other beneficiaries attended a cheque presentation ceremony at the MINDS Lee Kong Chian Gardens School. The cheque presentation was followed by a performance by the students of MINDS. Thereafter, the guests were treated to a tour of the MINDS facilities. SingTel was the Title Sponsor of SCS Race Against Cancer in SingTel s donation of $200,000 will go towards the SCS Help the Children and Youth Programme. Harith and his mother, Mdm Tazila SCS beneficiary, Harith, aged 10, was present at the cheque presentation ceremony. Harith and his sister received free tuition under the SCS Help SingTel raised $2.48 million for its Touching Lives Fund to help the less privileged children and young people. the Children and Youth programme. The programme was kick-started with a $200,000 donation from SingTel Touching Lives Fund in Harith s mother, Madam Tazila, is a breast cancer survivor and SCS had helped her by subsidising her treatment costs. About the SCS Help the Children & Youth Programme A pledge of $200,000 from the SingTel Touching Lives Fund kick-started this programme in 2009 to help children and youths whose lives have been affected by cancer. Called the SCS Help the Children and Youth programme, support will be provided in the following four areas: school allowance grant and bursary schemes, group intervention workshops, tuition services, and family engagement programmes The financial assistance and tuition services will help to defray education expenses and ease the burden on the families whose finances are already strained due to the illness. Group intervention workshop and family engagement programmes will provide psychosocial and emotional support to these children and youths who are often confronted with a range of emotions such as fears, depression, guilt or anger when coping with cancer or a sick parent. P4

5 TERRY FOX RUN RETURNS TO SINGAPORE IN 2011 I am not a dreamer, but I believe in miracles. I have to. Terry Fox GIVING TO SOCIETY East Coast Park was awash in a sea of blue T-shirts and eager faces on Sunday, 23 January, as participants and supporters of the Terry Fox Run gathered in full force for the event, which was last held in Singapore in The world-renowned event was named in honour of Canadian amputee runner, Terry Fox, who at 21, attempted to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. The Terry Fox Run is one of the most important ways the Canadian community joins with friends around the (L-R) Mr Jack Gray, Organising Chairman of the Run, and His Excellency David Sevigny, High Commissioner of Canada to Singapore, presenting the cheque to Singapore Cancer Society s Chairman, Mr Choo Eng Chuan. Looking on is Ms Dee Pearson, a member of the Canadian Association of Singapore At 8 am, the Run was flagged off by His Excellency David Sevigny, High Commissioner of Canada to Singapore. The first runner to finish whizzed past the finishing line around 9 am, and by am, the day s activities were over. S$40,000 was raised through the sale of Terry Fox Run T-shirts and donations, with the proceeds going towards funding cancer research programmes at the Singapore Cancer Society. To date, close to $500 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry s name through the annual Terry Fox Runs held across Canada and around the world. Participants gearing up for the Run world in support of local cancer research programmes. Terry s legacy of hope, commitment and endurance is one that continues to inspire 30 years on, said His Excellency David Sevigny, High Commissioner of Canada to Singapore. Some 1,500 participants turned up for the 10 km run or the 5 km run/walk which marked the 30th anniversary of the Run. Early bird participants started to queue for registration at 7 am, and the Big Splash was a hub of activity, with information booths and food kiosks set up to cater to the crowd. The event was organised by the Canadian Association of Singapore. Sunny skies and sunny dispositions of all those present made for a perfect start. Participants setting off P5

6 STORIES OF HOPE A NEW LEASE OF LIFE Walking into Atlantic Optical at The Cathay, one is immediately warmly greeted by Ann Tan, who quickly goes on to promote the various packages the shop has to offer. A self-confessed chatterbox, Ann, 47, has a tenacity for life second to none. Originally from Perak, Malaysia, Ann was working as a beautician in Singapore when she found a lump in her right breast during an annual medical check-up in It turned out to be stage three cancer. Ann recalled, I was in denial for two months. Even though doctors told me I had to be immediately operated on, I refused. But my good friends kept telling me I had to go for treatment, and they made a promise that they would be there for me every step of the way. Finally after two months of persuasion, she removed her right breast and lymph nodes. In the same operation, she also had her breast reconstructed. Ann quit her beautician job when the strain of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments took its toll on her. Singapore Cancer Society subsidised her medical fees for treatment under the Cancer Treatment Fund, and placed her under the Welfare Aid Funding Programme. These days, Ann divides her time between her part-time work at the optical chain, her spiritual faith in the Soka Gakkai Buddhist teachings, and volunteering at the Society, where she helps out with administrative duties and provides a listening ear to breast cancer patients. Photo Credits: Elizabeth Law Ann Tan, 47, is a breast cancer survivor and volunteer at Singapore Cancer Society (Edited from Elizabeth Law, s photojournalism project. Elizabeth is a third-year journalism major student from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University), About the Welfare Aid Funding Programme When a family member is stricken with cancer, the family faces great financial strain due to unemployment, loss of income and hefty treatment costs which invariably affect daily living and family lifestyle. The Welfare Aid Fund aptly set up 47 years ago in 1964 aims to provide needy cancer patients and their families with temporary cash aid to tide them over the difficult period. Medical supplements like milk and stoma bags are also provided to patients who need them. Beneficiaries of the Fund are referred by Medical Social Workers and healthcare workers from hospitals, hospices and voluntary welfare organisations. About the Cancer Treatment Fund Coping with cancer is emotionally, psychologically, physically and also financially draining. Families are faced with the threatening situations and financial upheaval. One s life savings can be completely depleted within a short period of time. SCS has been helping needy cancer patients cope with their financial plight since April 2005 by providing subisidies for the costly chemotherapy drugs and cancer treatment. Needy patients are referred by their doctors or Medical Social Workers from the restructured hospitals. To find out more about SCS Welfare Aid and Cancer Treatment Fund, contact us at or welfare@singaporecancersociety.org.sg P6

7 SPOTLIGHT ON PARTNERS GUARDIAN HEALTH & BEAUTY 2 What were some of the learning points from past collaborations with Singapore Cancer Society? It is heartening to note that by spending a few minutes of our time with each member of the public, we can potentially save lives. COMMUNITY OUTREACH Through our 2009 involvement in distributing Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kits, 120 individuals were fortunate to have benifitted from early detection of colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous condition which potentially saved their lives and helped them avoid huge medical costs. Serene Seow, 38, is the Pharmacy Practice Director of Guardian Health & Beauty. She has been working for Guardian for 15 years, and is responsible for the professional practice aspects of Guardian Health and Beauty. She leads the pharmacy team in Guardian s mission to offer consumers the best health care through professional services, comprehensive healthcare offerings and health and wellness promotion. We chat with her about Guardian s involvement in our Society s campaigns, especially the upcoming Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 2011, and her views on corporate social responsibility. 1 Why did Guardian decide to come on board to support the various campaigns organised by Singapore Cancer Society? In all our endeavours, Guardian strives to promote health and wellness to the community we serve. Whether it is offering pharmacist assessments for minor ailments in our pharmacies, giving public health talks in the community or conducting smoking cessation group discussion and counselling, Guardian pharmacists are committed to empower the public with health knowledge and assist them to solve issues concerning their health. Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and death in Singapore. Colorectal and breast cancer are common cancers in the community. It is thus a corporate social responsibility of Guardian to be concerned with the fight against cancer and lend our effort to this noble cause. With a wide network of pharmacies and a trusted team of pharmacists, Guardian is well positioned to create awareness and further this cause How is Guardian working with the Singapore Cancer Society on its campaigns for 2011, especially the upcoming Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign in March? Guardian and Singapore Cancer Society have been enjoying a close working relationship since This year, we can expect both organisations to work more closely to reach out to more members of the public to promote cancer awareness and early detection. In 2011, more distribution outlets will be opened up to promote cancer awareness. For the March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign. Guardian will also support Singapore Cancer Society by setting up dedicated booths in pharmacies with high shoppers traffic to further advocate this cause. As the Pharmacy Practice Director, how do you motivate your staff to support the campaign? I believe that the 3 Cs are key to success Clear Objectives, Communication and Celebrating Success. Before the start of the campaign, clear objectives of the campaign are communicated to the entire team during the pre-campaign meeting. In addition, the fruits of our success from the previous year s campaign are lauded during the meeting. During the campaign, success stories such as customers compliments, patients appreciations and key contributions by individuals are celebrated. These actions result in a highly motivated team who is focused on bringing the best care to our community. Can you shed some light on your personal view towards corporate social responsibility? The society that Guardian is in is akin to the soil that nurtures a flower. P7

8 COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPOTLIGHT ON PARTNERS GUARDIAN HEALTH & BEAUTY (continue) The fact that Guardian is able to flourish and blossom into the leadership position we have now, we owe this to the community who has been supporting us over the past 38 years. Thus, carrying out our corporate social responsibility is a great way for us to show our appreciation and commitment to our community. Singaporeans and PRs aged 50 and above can pick up their FREE FOBT kits at 56 Guardian outlets islandwide. NORTH Admiralty Place Northpoint Shopping Centre Sun Plaza NORTH-EAST Ang Mo Kio Central Blk 704* Compass Point* Heartland Mall Kovan Hougang Mall Serangoon Garden Serangoon NEX EAST Bedok Central Blk 210* Century Square Geylang Serai (Lion City Hotel) Parkway Parade* Paya Lebar MRT Station Tampines Giant Building Tampines Mall Tampines MRT Station White Sands WEST Bukit Panjang Plaza* Choa Chu Kang MRT Station IMM* Jurong Point Shopping Centre Lot 1 Shoppers Mall West Mall Shopping Centre Yew Tee MRT Station CENTRAL Somerset Balestier Medical Centre Bugis MRT Station Centrepoint Chinatown Point CityLink Mall Clifford Centre Cold Storage Jelita Funan IT Mall Gleneagles Medical Centre Great World City* Holland Road Shopping Centre International Plaza ION Orchard Junction 8 Shopping Centre Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre Ngee Ann City Novena Square Orchard Towers Paragon Plaza Singapura Raffles City Shopping Centre Raffles Place MRT Station Sunctec City Mall* Tanglin Mall The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Thomson Plaza Tiong Bahru Plaza Toa Payoh Blk 190* United Square VivoCity *Available all year round (Refer to Page 12 for our Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Calendar of Events in March) SAY I DO TO REGULAR MAMMOGRAM SCREENING With its eye-catching pink and blue hues and bold slogan, it was no wonder that the revamped Mammobus attracted many curious passers-by at its launch on Saturday, 8 January 2011 at the Somerset URA open car park beside Orchard Building. Boasting a cheery new external facade and an upgraded interior with a brand new mammogram machine and a cosier environment, the revamped Mammobus offers women the benefits of convenience and accessibility when it comes to getting a mammogram. The Mammobus was first launched in 2001 by the Breast Cancer Foundation. National Healthcare Group Diagnostics (NHGD) later took over the Mammobus in April 2006 to The revamped mammobus was launched on Saturday, 8 January at the Somerset URA open car park beside Orchard Building provide the National Breast Screen Singapore Programme (BSS). Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) is one of the supporting partners, along with Health Promotion Board and Breast Cancer Foundation. Guest-of- Honour Ms Ellen Lee, MP for Sembawang GRC (Woodlands) and Chairman for Celebrate Wellness, graced the event. The activities included a pink carpet catwalk by models representing the community and a tour of the Mammobus. Community representatives, clad in exclusive i do signature T-shirts, handed out pink and white balloons along Somerset Road. In addition, breast cancer survivors were present to share their stories. Our SCS staff Shirley Au Yeung, who is also a breast cancer survivor, was one of those who shared her journey of overcoming breast cancer and encouraged women to go for their mammogram screening. Guest-of-Honour Ms Ellen Lee, MP for Sembawang GRC (Woodlands) and Chairman for Celebrate Wellness, graced the launch of mammobus P8 In the past 10 years, more than 35,000 women have been screened on board the Mammobus. With the new look and new mammogram machine, NHGD hopes to double the number of women to be screened by the next decade.

9 DANCE FOR HEALTH The Reach to Recovery (RTR) Support Group s first session for 2011 was held on Saturday, 8 January, from am to 1 pm. What better way to begin the year than to step in line with line dancing for beginners. Everyone did their twist and turn with cues from Priscilla Wee, an experienced line dancer of over 10 years. IN & AROUND SCS After line dancing for an hour, members mingled with one another, touching base, sharing personal stories and just chilling out. Thereafter, members shared on What matters most to me now and each had something insightful to give and take home. The RTR Support Group meets once a month. Reach to Recovery support group members practising their line dance moves with their dance instructor PAYING IT FORWARD On 27 and 28 November 2010, 16 Reach to Recovery (RTR) members attended the RTR Training for breast cancer survivors in the hope that they can in turn reach out to help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. The training was conducted by RTR International speaker, Ms Ranjit Kaur, who hails from Kuala Lumpur. Ranjit herself is a breast cancer survivor. Reach to Recovery support group members at a training session to learn more about helping other breast cancer patients Ms Ranjit Kaur giving training to RTR members The training covered topics on the helping relationship, basic inter-personal communication skills, role and responsibilities of a RTR volunteer, life threatening diseases and their impact on socio-cultural conditions including gender issues, the impact of being told you have breast cancer (physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual impact), essentials of Reach to Recovery, visiting and supporting a patient, tapping resources, networking and collaboration. The participants found the two-day training very useful and helpful as they now feel more equipped to reach out to others. About Reach To Recovery Established in 1973, RTR aims to help women cope with life challenges brought about by the diagnosis of breast cancer. Most of the women involved in the programme are breast cancer survivors who provide a listening ear and share their own experiences with fellow breast cancer patients, giving them valuable aid on their journey to full recovery: cosmetically, physically, emotionally, spiritually and psychologically. The members meet once a month and invite patients who have undergone breast surgery to attend the meeting. To join us or find out more, contact us at or welfare@singaporecancersociety.org.sg P9

10 IN & AROUND SCS FUN AT THE ZOO VANESSA S JOURNAL More than 65 participants visited the Singapore Zoo on 13 November 2010 as part of a family engagement programme organised by Singapore Cancer Society (SCS). The outing was sponsored by Cartus Singapore. Vanessa Lim, 17, recounts her experience at the zoo with her family. She was one of our 2009 book prize recipients (an award for students with good academic results) and is a regular volunteer at SCS. Today is a very special day for me because it has been a long time since we had a family outing. With the help of Singapore Cancer Society, I had a chance to go to the zoo with my family. Though my father could not attend this outing due to his work, I m already contented to be able to have this chance to let my mum enjoy her day with her children by her side, especially after the tough year she had gone through with bravery and courage. Our last visit to the zoo was when I was two years old. I m 17 years old now. I m excited, and so is my mum she is curious and shocked by how much the zoo has changed. Who s a cheeky monkey? Vanessa gets up close with one of the zoo s inhabitants since their enclosure was not far from where we were. Despite the downpour, my mum and sisters accompanied me to find the place, carrying only two small umbrellas. At the entrance, we saw cute little monkeys camouflaged among the trees and parrots that looked fake at first sight. As we moved on, I saw clever and adorable elephants, elegant reindeers, peacocks that stood tall with pride, jumpy and motherly kangaroos, fierce but precious white tigers, bulky and slow rhinoceros and many more... However, what left the deepest impression is the love that my family has for me. Just when the performance that we were watching was about to end, it started to pour heavily. I was quite sad because we had only one hour left and we only toured half of the zoo. I also had not seen my favourite animals, the penguins, yet. I decided to go and see the penguins Vanessa and her family having a good time at the zoo In the end, I managed to see the penguins! However, we were all drenched due to the long route that I took. It was funny to know that we could actually reach the place through a shortcut without getting wet. Nevertheless, my mum and sisters did not say much. I really appreciate their love as I know that they are not really huge penguinlovers and yet they were willing to accompany me under such weather conditions. I would like to end off with this quote, Don t take things for granted! Don t wait till you lose it and then start to regret. Treasure your family and loved ones. Do not neglect them and make the mistake of realising what your most precious asset is only after you lose them. FAMILY MATTERS! Family ties grow stronger with more family bonding. That s precisely why SCS plans an average of four to five family engagement programmes per year for our beneficiaries. One of the programmes was a family outing to the Science Centre and Snow City on 8 Dec Over 50 families enjoyed themselves snow-skiing and exploring science experientially. They were also treated to a sumptuous buffet lunch. Some families shared that it was their first time visiting the Science Centre. Others felt that it was a rare occasion for them to have such outings due to their financial limitations. The day s event started at 9 am and ended at 5 pm all s well that ends well. Family outings are part of the Singapore Cancer Society s regular family engagement programmes P10

11 GIFTS OF SPECIAL ANG POWS To spread the festive cheer to our welfare beneficiaries, SCS presented a special ang pow a $200 NTUC shopping voucher to each of the 67 recipients who attended a luncheon event on 19 January The afternoon started out with a treasure hunt game where each one had to reach under their chairs to see if they had a lucky sticker with a quiz. And only five hot seats had them. A right answer won a gift. One 7-year-old non-chinese boy raised his hands high, even though he had no sticker under his seat. He came forward to share festive greetings in Chinese. Applause rang out in the hall for his indomitable courage. More than 80 beneficiaries and their family members turned up for the Ang Pow presentation luncheon IN & AROUND SCS A recipient, Mdm Ong Foong Leng, (right of photo) was nearly in tears when she opened the special ang pow of $200 NTUC voucher which came in so handy for groceries for their reunion dinner, she shared. Beneficiaries and their family members enjoying the buffet spread Mdm Ong Foong Leng (right) More than 80 beneficiaries and their family members were treated to a sumptuous buffet lunch and each received the traditional two oranges and a nicely wrapped gift on top of the special ang pow. Celebrating the Lunar New Year this way is indeed a meaningful and memorable one! PAMPER WITH HAMPER Indeed, many helping hands have lightened the work. With 60 volunteers and 20 cars, food hampers were distributed to the homes of 110 needy SCS welfare beneficiaries, all in a day s work on 10 Dec The food hampers, comprising basic necessities of rice, Singapore Cancer Society welfare beneficiaries are all smiles on receiving the food hampers from the volunteers Milo, biscuits, noodles, cereals and cooking oil, were co-sponsored by Carrefour and Pfizer. SingTel staff have kindly volunteered for this food distribution project to bring festive cheer to the beneficiaries. P11

12 WHAT S NEW COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN 2011 JUST ONE MORE MINUTE COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE I realized how lucky I was to have caught it early. At Stage 1, there is a good chance of a complete cure. Just send two FOBT kits to the Singapore Cancer Society to test for blood in the stool. Mr Robert Hoo, 68, was diagnosed with Stage 1 Colorectal Cancer in 2009 following positive FOBT results. do to prevent it, and what treatment options are available at public forums and roadshows organized by the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) in the month of March. Singaporeans and PRs aged 50 and above can also pick up their free Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kits at the public forum and roadshows. Colorectal cancer is the number one cancer in Singapore today, especially among those above 50. Each year, about 1,455 Singaporeans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 638 die from it.* Take charge of your own health and learn more about this disease its causes and symptoms, what you can FOBT is a preliminary screening to test for the presence of non-visible blood in the stools. If you are 50 years and above, it is recommended that you get yourself screened annually, as early detection saves lives. *Singapore Cancer Registry Report, Trends in Cancer Incidence in Singapore English and Mandarin Public Forums Date: 26 March, Saturday Time: English: pm (Registration starts at pm) Mandarin: pm (Registration starts at 2.30 pm) Venue: Bishan Community Club Address: 51 Bishan Street 13 Nearest MRT: Bishan Fee/Registration: Free For registration/enquiries, please call or to education@singaporecancersociety.org.sg. FOBT Kit Distribution Locations This March, Singaporeans and PRs aged 50 years and above can pick up free FOBT kits at Singapore Cancer Society s office, the SCS Satellite National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), and 56 selected Guardian Pharmacy stores. FOBT kits can also be collected from polyclinics islandwide from 14 March to 18 March (Monday to Friday). For enquiries, please call or to cancerscreening@singaporecancersociety.org.sg. Refer to page 8 for the full list of Guardian outlets. Roadshows in the Heartlands MARCH Date: 5 & 6 March, Saturday & Sunday Time: am to 9.00 pm Venue: Lot One Shoppers Mall Address: 21 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4 Nearest MRT: Choa Chu Kang Date: 4-6 March, Friday - Sunday Time: am to pm Venue: Jurong Point, Basement 1 Address: 63 Jurong West Central 3 Nearest MRT: Boon Lay Date: March, Friday - Sunday Time: am to pm Venue: Suntec, Level 2 Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard Nearest MRT: City Hall Date: 12 March, Saturday Time: am to 9.00 pm Venue: Tiong Bahru Plaza (Next to taxi stand) Address: 302 Tiong Bahru Road Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru Date: 19 & 20 March, Saturday & Sunday Time: am to 6.00 pm Venue: Void Deck open area at Blk 269 Queen Street (opp Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Waterloo Street) Address: Blk 269 Queen Street Nearest MRT: Bugis Date: Time: Venue: March, Friday - Sunday am to pm Northpoint, Basement 1 Address: 930 Yishun Ave 2 Nearest MRT: Yishun Date: 26 & 27 March, Saturday & Sunday Time: am to 9.00 pm Venue: White Sands Address: 1 Pasir Ris Central Street 3 Nearest MRT: Pasir Ris APRIL Date: 2 April, Saturday Time: am to 9.00 pm Venue: Jurong Point Shopping Centre Address: 1 Jurong West Central 2 Nearest MRT: Boon Lay Date: 8-10 April, Friday - Sunday Time: am to pm Venue: Toa Payoh, Level 1 Address: Blk 190, Toa Payoh Lorong 6 Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh Date: April, Friday - Sunday Time: am to pm Venue: IMM, Level 1 Address: 2 Jurong East Street 21 Nearest MRT: Jurong Date: April, Friday - Sunday Time: am to pm Venue: Vivocity, Level 1 Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk Nearest MRT: Harbourfront For more information, please visit P12