SINGAPORE: With cancer incidence on the rise in Singapore, generous contributions from philanthropic foundations and individuals are helping to bolster comprehensive care at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). This influx of support comes as Singapore grapples with a growing number of cancer cases.
At the NCCS charity gala dinner held at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore hotel on Sunday (October 22), three benefactors announced donations exceeding S$27 million, reinforcing the commitment to improving the lives of cancer patients and their families. Additionally, NCCS’ Cancer Fund has been actively raising funds for cancer patients and research. In 2023 alone, the fund raised more than S$14 million between April and September. The fund plays a critical role in supporting around 26,000 cancer patients annually, funding essential research, patient care, and cancer education programmes.
Between 2017 and 2021, Singapore reported over 84,000 new cancer cases, and experts predict that this trend will continue in the coming years. Recognizing the importance of community involvement and philanthropy in enhancing cancer care and support, these substantial donations have the potential to make a significant impact.
The highlight of the evening was a whopping S$20 million donation by 81-year-old Mrs Margaret Lien, the wife of the late philanthropist Lien Ying Chow. This donation was used to establish the Lien Ying Chow Endowment Fund, a pledge that underscores her commitment to improving the lives of cancer patients and their families.
The Lien Ying Chow Endowment Fund is poised to address a crucial gap in financial assistance for vulnerable cancer patients by providing financial and psychosocial support. It aims to alleviate the emotional and financial burden on patients and caregivers, ultimately enhancing their quality of life. This initiative will also assist patients in acquiring essential medical equipment.
The Goh Foundation and New Century Foundation also pledged substantial donations of S$6.35 million and S$1 million, respectively.
Goh Foundation’s commitment is geared towards establishing the Goh Foundation Innovation in Supportive and Palliative Care Programme. This programme will enhance palliative care services, offering counselling and health management for patients and their families.
Meanwhile, the New Century Foundation’s contribution will be instrumental in supporting clinicians and researchers in leveraging innovative technologies to advance cancer research and improve the overall quality of care at NCCS.
In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, the guest of honour at the event, addressed the growing cancer prevalence in Singapore. He pointed out that one in four people in Singapore is affected by cancer, with nearly 16,000 new cancer cases diagnosed annually.
While acknowledging that cancer survival rates have improved, rising from 19.5 per cent in the 1970s to nearly 60 per cent today, Mr Heng stressed the multifaceted challenges that cancer poses to survivors and their families. He said, “Cancer care has therefore become more multifaceted, not just treatment, but also post-treatment support and care.”
Prevention and early diagnosis, investment in research, and community support have been identified as the three essential pillars of improving cancer care. Mr Heng said that government subsidies and financial assistance are in place but also underscored the role that community support, exemplified by the National Cancer Center Cancer Fund, plays in the holistic approach to tackling cancer in Singapore.