If you are a sexually active female aged between 25 to 69 years old and have not had a pap smear screening in the last three years, you are eligible for a free one.
The second SCS Women’s Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Campaign
Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) has launched its second Women’s Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Campaign, which takes place from now until the end of July 2015. Jointly organised with KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, National Cancer Centre Singapore, National University Cancer Institute Singapore, Gynaecology and Oncology Specialist, Parkway Cancer Centre and Singapore O&G Pte Ltd, and backed by the Singapore Health Promotion Board, the main aim of this campaign is to create more awareness on the three main types of gynaecological cancers – that is, uterine, ovarian and cervical cancers – which are amongst the top ten cancers amongst women in Singapore.
Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer amongst women in Singapore. Ovarian cancer is the fifth and cervical cancer is the tenth – according to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report – Trends in Cancer Incidence in Singapore (2009-2013).
Gynaecological cancers are amongst the top ten cancers affecting Singaporean women
Said Dr Timothy Lim, SCS Chairman of the Women’s Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Campaign 2015 and Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Gynaecological Oncology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, “Gynaecological cancers still remain amongst the top ten common cancers afflicting women across generations in Singapore today. Yet few are aware. We are committed to raising awareness on the risk factors of the three main gynaecological cancers – that is, uterine, ovarian and cervical cancers.”
He added, “So we hope more women will come forward to find out more, to be better informed and seek medical help early. The campaign also aims to encourage screening and prevention of cervical cancers via regular pap smear screening and HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccinations.”
Survivors will share their experiences
For this year’s SCS Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Campaign, Ms Daphne Khoo, a host and former contestant of the Singapore Idol show, will share her experience of how she overcame ovarian cancer and her thoughts and feelings during this period of her life. Other survivors will also be giving insights of their own experiences, to encourage more females to go for regular check-ups.
Where to go for the free screenings
Women who are keen on the free pap smear screenings can get them done at the following GP clinics, from now until 31 July 2015.
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