Colorectal Cancer is the most common cancer in Singapore with more than 1500 cases reported each year⁽¹⁾. According to studies, Singapore has the highest incidence rate in Southeast Asia: 35.1% in men and 29.9% in women, more than twice that of the next country. These rates have been increasing at a startling average annual rate of approximately 2.6% and 2.35%, for men and women, respectively⁽²⁾.

“The good news is that the rate of mortality from colorectal cancer has been dropping for the last 15 years despite the increase in incidence of colorectal cancer in Singapore. Greater accuracy in screenings, early detection of colorectal cancer, and more effective treatments are the main reasons for the drop in mortality rate caused by colorectal cancer,” shares Dr Ang Peng Tiam, Medical Director and Senior Consultant Medical Oncology, PCC.

“It is important for the public to know that early detection of colorectal cancer can lead to a complete cure and that the government has recently allowed the use of CPF Medisave for screenings such as mammogram and colonoscopy. With our series of activities, we hope to raise awareness of colorectal cancer and the screenings that are available, including the self-check home kits and colonoscopy, with the latter showing greater accuracy in the early detection of colorectal cancer.”

PCC will be launching a series of activities from January to March which will include a charity drive to raise funds for a support group for cancer patients, and public seminars (English and Chinese) on 24^th March 2012 (Saturday) to share information on the Advances in the Management of the Top Cancers in Singapore. To kick start the programme, PCC will be organising a walk – Walk-for-Guts. The Guest-of-Honour for the walk is Grassroots Adviser Dr. Janil Puthucheary, Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC.

Details are as follows:
Date:    8th January 2012
Time:    8.45am to 11.30am (Registration starts at 8.15am)
Venue: Registration at the carnival ground in front of Punggol MRT Station.

Distance: Approximately 2km walk to Punggol Waterway

Free goodie bags for the first 500 participants. Admission is free.

Free screenings will be conducted by Singapore Cancer Society during the event.
1. Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kits to screen for colorectal cancer (For Singaporeans and PRs aged 50 years and above).
2. Register on-site for a free pap smear to be conducted at Singapore Cancer Society’s clinic.

The event is supported by NTUC U Live, Punggol Central Residents’ Committee (RCs), Punggol West Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC) and Singapore Cancer Society. Sponsors include Banana Boat, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Meiji and NTUC Unity.

To register, please call 6582 4984 or email uclub@ntucclub.com.sg with the following personal particulars:
<Full name>, <NRIC>, <Contact No>, <Date of Birth>,<Age>  and <Event Choice>

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