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Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: Subsidised colorectal cancer screening available with family doctors
Find out what's new on ST website and app. We refer to the letters by Mr Ho Kheng Tiong ( End of free test kit distribution can hurt fight against cancer , July 14) and Mr Daniel Yao ( Miscalculation to end distribution of test kits to detect cancer , July 18). The Ministry of Health (MOH) previously worked with the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) to distribute subsidised faecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits for colorectal cancer screening. It is a good preventive care initiative, but because residents are left on their own to do the test, they may not approach a doctor to discuss eligibility, interpret the results, and obtain advice on the next steps post-screening. Preventive care screening is most effective when paired with the advice and guidance of a family doctor, as part of a long-term patient-doctor relationship. Hence, MOH has shifted to distributing such FIT kits through family doctors to strengthen preventive care and enable better care continuity under Healthier SG. Family doctors can guide individuals along the screening process, from assessing the individual's risk status to explaining the results and promptly arranging for necessary follow-up tests or specialist referrals, if required. SCS remains a strong partner for the ministry to promote cancer prevention and screening. MOH will continue to work with SCS and other community partners to reach out to residents and improve preventive care. MOH strongly encourages eligible Singaporeans to enrol in Healthier SG and go for regular screening. Eligible Healthier SG enrollees can enjoy full subsidies for the FIT kit, screening consultation, and a follow-up consultation, if required. Ruth Lim (Dr) Director, Disease Policy & Strategy Division Ministry of Health
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: Miscalculation to end distribution of test kits to detect cancer
I refer to the letter ' Forum: End of free test kit distribution can hurt fight against cancer ' (July 14). I think it is a miscalculated step by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to end community-level distribution of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits by the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS). As a former staff member of SCS, I had first-hand experience witnessing the dedication and tireless efforts that went into promoting and distributing the FIT kits. My role involved recruiting and working alongside volunteers to support the outreach at community spaces such as community clubs, venues that seniors, the key target group, are already comfortable visiting. I still remember a heart-warming encounter with a senior during one of these outreach events. She told me that she had previously collected a FIT kit at a community event and, thanks to that early detection, her life was saved. That moment reaffirmed how critical and impactful such community-led efforts are. Beyond just distribution, these efforts also fostered a strong sense of community ownership and participation. Many volunteers shared how meaningful the experience was for them, knowing they were playing a part in promoting early cancer detection. Now that the FIT kits are only available through Healthier SG, where doctor consultations and screening fees may apply, access becomes more complicated. It's not always easy convincing elderly parents to sign up for Healthier SG or to schedule an appointment, compared with the convenience of picking up a kit at a community event. I say this with some shame, but even I have struggled to get my parents on board since the shift. While I acknowledge that the Government is doing its best to improve population health through the launch of Healthier SG, we must be careful not to lose the momentum built over the years by community-based initiatives. Daniel Yao Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Business 5 things to know about Kuok Hui Kwong, tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter and Shangri-La Asia head honcho Asia Air India probe into Boeing 787 fuel control switches finds no issues Singapore Man charged over manufacturing DIY Kpods at Yishun home; first such case in Singapore Singapore Sex first, then you can sell my flat: Women property agents fend off indecent proposals and harassment Singapore Two women jailed for submitting fake university certificates to MOM for employment passes Singapore Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid in Bishan: Traffic Police officer sentenced to 10 years' jail
Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: End of free test kit distribution can hurt fight against cancer here
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox C olorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Singaporeans aged 50 and above, particularly when not detected early. For years, the Singapore Cancer Society, with government support, has played a vital role in raising public awareness and encouraging early screening through its outreach campaigns. One of its most impactful efforts was the community distribution of free faecal immunochemical test kits – a simple yet effective tool to detect hidden blood in stools, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer. As someone who regularly responded to these screening initiatives, I am grateful for this public health effort. It has helped to normalise the conversation around cancer screening and enabled early detection for many Singaporeans, especially those who would otherwise not have sought screening on their own. However, I was surprised and disheartened to learn recently that the Singapore Cancer Society has stopped distributing these kits, which now have to be collected through Healthier SG healthcare providers, where doctor consultation and screening test fees may apply. Given the ageing population in Singapore and the proven effectiveness of early screening, this shift feels like a step backwards in our nation's fight against cancer. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Govt will continue to support families, including growing group of seniors: PM Wong at PCF Family Day Singapore From Normal stream to Parliament: 3 Singapore politicians share their journeys World Deal or no deal? EU faces critical decision in response to Trump's latest tariff salvo Singapore Segregated recycling bins found to lower contamination rate as more spring up Sport Two participants injured after another breached safety protocol during Pesta Sukan archery event Asia Mahathir discharged from hospital after feeling fatigued during birthday gathering Singapore Medics treat 7 after blaze at HDB block lift lobby in Chai Chee Singapore I lost my daughter to Kpod addiction: Father of 19-year-old shares heartbreak and lessons Ho Kheng Tiong
Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Govt will continue to support families, including growing group of seniors: PM Wong at PCF Family Day
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Prime Minister Lawrence Wong taking a group photo with the attendees at the PCF Family Day on July 13. SINGAPORE – Housewife Jenny Tan and her retiree husband Richard Ng, both in their 70s, feel younger than their age when they try new activities like e-sports and drone soccer at the active ageing centre at the ground floor of their Housing Board block. The PAP Community Foundation (PCF) Sparkle Care in Yew Tee has become their almost-daily haunt since the centre opened in 2022. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on July 13 that PCF has been stepping up in senior care, in line with government efforts to provide more support to this segment of the population and to partner organisations to do so. The Government will continue to support families in Singapore at every stage of life, he said at a PCF Family Day event held at Singapore Expo. Recent initiatives include financial support and parental leave for young parents with newborns, and more help for large families with three or more children. 'But these days, when we talk about family support, it is no longer just about supporting young parents with children. Because these days, our society is getting older,' said PM Wong. With an ageing population, providing family support has to also include seniors and their caregivers, he added. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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They are also stepping up care services, such as at long-term residential facilities and at community nodes. 'A lot of this work has just started. There is still much, much more to do, and we will share more of our plans when we are ready,' said PM Wong. He added that the Government will need partners – such as social organisations and agencies like PCF – to also play their part. PCF is a charitable organisation founded by the People's Action Party, which PM Wong leads as its secretary-general. PM Wong noted that PCF is already expanding its capacity to serve more seniors. A previous report said PCF will have 25 eldercare centres – senior care centres and active ageing centres – by 2027. Madam Tan, 74, and Mr Ng, 73, are among more than 10,000 seniors currently served by 13 existing centres. The couple have seen improvements in their general health, such as their posture, and have also made many new friends since becoming active participants at the Sparkle Care in Yew Tee. They came to know of the centre when a staff member approached them at their door. Madam Tan, who used to just take occasional walks in the park with friends for exercise, was intrigued by the karaoke, K-pop dance and Rummy-O sessions. When her husband retired from his job as a taxi driver, he was convinced by her to join in. The pair have since tried out unique activities like drone soccer and are part of an informal group of senior gamers called Yew Tee Gamers. In drone soccer, players pilot drones enclosed in protective cages and score by flying the 'striker' drone through a circular goal. They are currently training for a Counter-Strike 2 competition in October with a seniors-only category. 'We will be learning how to play Street Fighter next, and (my husband) is very excited,' said Madam Tan, in Mandarin. Street Fighter is a popular arcade game that is now available across consoles. In his speech, PM Wong said PCF can play a unique role of fostering intergenerational bonds, as it also runs many kindergartens and childcare centres. With more eldercare centres, PCF will have more opportunities as an operator to bridge generations, he added. The theme of July 13's PCF Family Day event was Bridging Generations, Inspiring our Future. PCF also raises funds to support different causes in the community, he added. The foundation is donating $60,000 to six charitable organisations covering seniors, children, low-income families, single mothers and those in need of mental health support. The organisations are Blossom Seeds, Bright Hill Evergreen Home, The Salvation Army Gracehaven, Food from the Heart, HCSA-SPIN and Club Heal. Each received $10,000. 'Families have been at the heart of our nation-building journey since the very beginning,' said PM Wong. Going forward, Singapore will be embarking on its next phase of nation-building post-SG60, he added. 'In this new phase, we will face new and more complex challenges. But I am confident that we can weather these challenges, and we can emerge stronger together.'
AsiaOne
13-07-2025
- General
- AsiaOne
PCF holds family day event to celebrate SG60, sets new Singapore Book of Records, Singapore News
The PAP Community Foundation (PCF) held their annual family day event at the Singapore Expo today (July 13) in celebration of Singapore's 60th year of independence. Held under the theme Bridging Generations, Inspiring Our Future, the event saw over 4,000 participants in attendance - a mix of seniors, educators and children from PCF's service arms - with 2,025 taking part in the PCF SG60 jigsaw puzzle challenge and setting a new Singapore Book of Records. The record for the largest number of people to complete a jigsaw puzzle was previously held by 1,716 individuals at Ci Yuan Community Centre. PCF Family Day 2025 Chairperson Yeo Wan Ling said the puzzle represents what PCF stands for. "Just like pieces of a puzzle, each of us plays a unique and important role in our community. When we work closely together, we create something stronger, something wholesome," she said during her opening speech. "That is what PCF has been doing across generations, across all these decades, helping families come together in new and meaningful ways, building the Singapore that we know and love today." Guest-of-Honour Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted that family support is "no longer just about supporting young parents with children". He explained: "Our society is getting older. We have many more seniors in our midst. And you can see this around us… When we talk about family support these days, we also have to pay attention to supporting our seniors as well as their care given. "And that's why we started work on this through Healthier SG and Age Well SG - national initiatives to ensure that our seniors stay healthy for as long as possible, keep active, stay engaged and also ensure a good living environment for them to continue to live their golden years with dignity." PM Wong added that in time to come, the public can expect PCF to also have more active-aging and senior care centres and communities across the island. PCF also held parenting conference workshops at the event, and donated $60,000 to charitable organisations across key social sectors: seniors, children, low-income families, single mothers and those in need of mental health support. [[nid:720112]] syarifahsn@ No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
