Mr Tan Geok Tian

Chairman, Singapore Cancer Society

Mr Mark O’Dell

Executive Vice President and GM, AIA Company Limited

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

I am happy to join all of you here this evening for the Cheque Presentation Ceremony between AIA Singapore and the Singapore Cancer Society in connection with their “Partners in Community Service” programme.

2.                Cancer remains one of Singapore’s top killer diseases.  Every year, around 8,000 are diagnosed with cancer. With our ageing population, we can expect the numbers to increase over time. Bowel (colorectal) cancer is currently the most common cancer amongst Singaporeans. This is followed by breast cancer in women, and lung cancer in men.

3.                However, there is some good news. The death rate from cancer is dropping. It declined by 16% from 122 per 100,000 Singaporeans in 1997, to 102 per 100,000 in 2003. This represents a 2.7 percentage-point decrease in the death rate every year despite an increasing number of cancer cases. This reduction is more than that seen in counties such as the US and UK (Source: MOH mortality figures). What this means is that cancer is no longer an automatic death sentence for the 8,000 Singaporeans who fall victim each year.

4.                The death rate has fallen because of nationwide programmes to control cancer. These include early screening of groups at risk, public education, closer monitoring of the chronically ill, and improvements in medical technology. Screening of people who have a high risk of developing cancer enables the disease to be detected early. This results in better treatment and recovery rates. Early diagnosis also reduces the possibility of serious complications of cancer. Early detection is in fact the best chance for recovery and survival.

5.                Even more important than early detection is prevention. For example, the number of new cases of lung cancer has been decreasing over the years. I think this is solid testimony to the national effort to control smoking.

6.                The Singapore Cancer Society organises many community services to raise public awareness of cancer. The Society spreads the message of proper prevention and management of cancer, and assists those stricken by the disease, especially poorer patients and their families. The Society also plays an important role in providing continual support for cancer survivors, rehabilitation care for patients, and home medical care for the terminally ill.

7.                Being a self-funding voluntary welfare organisation, the Singapore Cancer Society depends on public and corporate donations to finance all its community activities and welfare programmes. This year, about $2 million has been designated for its public education, patient care and welfare programmes.

8.                This is where the private sector can play an important role. The $1 million donation by AIA Singapore today will help the Singapore Cancer Society fund its public education and health screening activities as well as provide financial assistance to those afflicted by this disease.

9.                I am heartened to see such active involvement on the ground in our battle against cancer – not just from healthcare professionals but also voluntary organisations and community champions from the private sector. This will go a long way in providing funds for research, public education and patient services. Ultimately, it will help improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

10.           I congratulate AIA Singapore and the Singapore Cancer Society on this meaningful community partnership, and wish you every success in the future. Thank you.