60 YEARS OF MINIMISING CANCER AND MAXIMISING LIVES

For 60 years, Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) has been a beacon of hope for cancer patients, survivors, and their families. A cancer diagnosis often brings fear and uncertainty, but SCS has worked tirelessly to transform these moments into resilience, empowerment, and strength.

Our 60th anniversary in 2024 was a testament to the unwavering support of the cancer community—patients, caregivers, volunteers, healthcare professionals, and partners—who have walked this journey with us. Their dedication has enabled SCS to expand access to care, enhance support services, and drive awareness. This annual report honours the community that has brought us this far and reflects how we used this milestone year to deepen our impact and better serve those affected by cancer.

The 60th anniversary was a milestone to reflect on the lives touched, the hope restored, and the legacy built.

Let us continue to empower hope, not just for today, but for tomorrow and the future ahead.

YEAR IN REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS 2024

Strategic Thrusts

In 2024, SCS redefined holistic cancer care with advancements across prevention, support, and community engagement.

Guided by our four strategic thrusts:

Reduce Cancer Incidence

Improve Quality of Life

Increase Survivor Rate

Greater Community Action

We remained steadfast in our mission to

Minimise Cancer and Maximise Lives.

Cancer Control and Prevention

2024

Total number of screenings
65,871
Pap Smear/ HPV Test1
2,364
FIT screening for colorectal cancer
(Based on participants screened)
58,349
Mammogram2
5,158

2023

0
4,786
94,861
24,622

1. Total number of Pap/ HPV tests includes tests done in SCS Clinic @ Bishan, through FIT50 Operation Campaign and empowerHER.

2. Total number of mammogram screening includes screenings done in SCS Clinic @ Bishan, under Community Mammobus Programme, under NHGD subsidy, through $25 Mammogram Funding Assistance, FIT50 Operation Campaign and empowerHER.

Cancer Care and Support

Rehabilitation services

2024
0
2023
0

Psychosocial Support Service beneficiaries

2024
0
2023
0

Cancer care navigation services

2024
0
2023
0

Financial care services and welfare support3

2024
0
2023
0

Hospice Care Services beneficiaries

2024
0
2023
0

Support group members

2024
0
2023
0

3. Unique beneficiaries across various funding assistance schemes under SCS. One beneficiary may receive more than one support.

BOLD MOVES, NEW BEGINNINGS, AND A BIRTHDAY BASH: HOW WE CELEBRATED OUR 60TH ANNIVERSARY

In 1964, the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) was founded on a simple yet powerful belief: no one should face cancer alone. Over six decades, SCS has grown from humble beginnings in a borrowed library space into Singapore’s leading cancer charity — bridging critical gaps in care and providing a full spectrum of services, from prevention to rehabilitation and end-of-life support.

To mark six decades of impact, SCS celebrated with the theme “Many Lives, One Legacy,” reflecting not only the milestones achieved but also the lives touched and forever changed. This year-long commemoration featured a blend of events, groundbreaking initiatives, and inspiring stories of resilience. From the bold launch on World Cancer Day to the debut of Cancer Survivors Day, the expansion of rehabilitation services, and the grand finale at Zouk, every moment carried the promise of a brighter future for the cancer community.

OUR 3 KEY
FOCUS AREAS

Bolstering Cancer Control and Prevention

SCS advanced cancer prevention efforts in line with Healthier SG, collaborating with the Ministry of Health, the Health Promotion Board, and the three Regional Health Systems to strengthen early detection. A major milestone was the NCCS-SCS Cancer Genetics Screening Service, a three-year partnership with SingHealth providing financial support for genetic screenings to detect hereditary cancers early.

The Gift of Light programme equipped primary care practitioners with resources to guide patients through screenings. Youth advocacy remained vital, with #NextGenRising: Youth Against Cancer promoting healthy living and anti-smoking efforts. The inaugural Youth Summit further empowered young leaders to drive cancer prevention in their communities.

Providing Cancer Care & Support

In 2024, SCS achieved key milestones in cancer care. The NCCS-SCS Rehabilitation Centre, Singapore’s first tertiary cancer rehab facility, opened in June, followed by the SCS Cancer Rehabilitation Centre @ NCIS in September. Together, our Cancer Rehabilition Centres at NCIS and NCCS have supported over 3,438 individuals.

SCS introduced a joint management plan, fostering collaboration between medical professionals and rehabilitation teams. The FACES programme, piloted with SportSG, also promoted active lifestyles among cancer survivors in local communities. Recognising the rising incidence of cancer among adolescents and young adults (AYAs), SCS has embarked on a collaboration with the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) to develop a dedicated model of care for this demographic.

Rallying the Community

Community engagement remained central to SCS’s mission in 2024, with a strong focus on survivorship. The inaugural Cancer Survivors Day united 400 attendees in a celebration of strength and hope, marking the start of an annual tradition. The Life in Lavender campaign amplified awareness through a travelling exhibition and care kits. SCS’s signature events, Relay For Life and Race Against Cancer, saw record participation of over 16,000, raising critical funds. A new 2km parent-child run encouraged intergenerational involvement, reinforcing the collective spirit that defines SCS’s mission in the fight against cancer.

Watch: Our Impact In 2024

PHOTO GALLERY