365 Cancer Prevention Society’s #My1stPapTest offers free ThinPrep Pap Test screenings to eligible women aged 25 to 69, in partnership with Icon Cancer Centre, to promote early detection of cervical cancer.
SINGAPORE, 19 March 2024 – 365 Cancer Prevention Society (365CPS) has launched #My1stPapTest, a free ThinPrep Pap Test screening for eligible women between 25 to 69 years old, from now to 31 May 2024. This free screening campaign is jointly organised with co-partner Icon Cancer Centre and marks the 7th addition to 365CPS’ annual line-up of free health and cancer screenings for lower-income individuals in Singapore.
Cervical cancer ranks as the 10th most common cancer among women, with the 8th highest mortality rate in Singapore. More than 200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Despite being mostly asymptomatic during the early stages of cervical cancer, it is a highly preventable cancer as any abnormalities during the pre-cancerous stages can be detected through screening tests. HPV vaccinations can also help to protect against cancer-causing HPV strains.
#My1stPapTest utilises the ThinPrep Pap Test, a liquid-based cytology similar to the traditional Pap smear. Cells from the cervix are collected and placed into a liquid-based solution for better sample preservation before analysis. This advanced screening technique improves the detection of abnormal cells and increases the accuracy of results.
“We have decided to include #My1stPapTest into 365 Cancer Prevention Society’s roster of free health and cancer screenings because it is extremely important to raise public awareness and education of how cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable,” shared Mr Andrew Soh, Assistant Director for Fundraising, Marketing and Volunteer Management at 365CPS. “Early detection saves lives. Through this campaign, we hope to not only encourage sign-ups for 365CPS’ #My1stPapTest, but also drive uptake for Singapore’s Screen for Life cervical cancer screening programme. Together, cervical cancer elimination can become a reality.”
A research study by the National University of Singapore in 2019 found that despite 88.5% of women knowing about the purpose of the pap smear, only 48.2% of women surveyed had done a pap smear within the past three years. This indicates the need to close the gap between these figures to reduce the incidence rates and improve the survival rates of cervical cancer patients in Singapore.
Sign up for #My1stPapTest Cervical Cancer Screening from Now to 15 May 2024
For any enquiries or to register for #My1stPapTest, members of the public can contact 365CPS community partners, email 365CPS at elyn.tan@365cps.org.sg or register on 365CPS website: https://www.365cps.org.sg/events/screeningcampaign/my1stpaptest/.
Screening eligibility
· 25 to 69 years old
· Valid blue or orange CHAS card holder
· Have had engaged in sexual intercourse
Make a difference in the lives of these at-risk individuals and support the efforts of 365CPS.
Members of the public who wish to support #My1stPapTest can do so via the following platforms.
Giving.sg: https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/my1stpaptest
Give.asia: https://give.asia/campaign/my1stpaptest
· Your $30 donation will be a support for #My1stPapTest campaign
· Your $50 donation will sponsor the pre and post-screening consultations for a woman from the lower-income group
· Your $100 donation will sponsor a full cervical cancer screening for a woman from the lower-income group.
All donations to 365CPS will be eligible for 250% tax relief. Any excess funds will be directed to supporting the Society’s tri-fold mission.
#My1stPapTest is jointly organised by 365CPS and Icon Cancer Centre to take an active step towards the fight against cervical cancer. It is made possible through 365CPS partnership with various community groups, medical partners and social service agencies to identify and encourage at-risk beneficiaries to undergo the sponsored screening.
Co-partner
● Icon Cancer Centre
Supporting Partners
● Advantage Medical Group
● Icon Health Screening
● StarMed Specialist Centre
Community Partners
● Ain Society
● Cashew Constituency
● Tampines Constituency
● Sunlove AAC
About 365 Cancer Prevention Society
365 Cancer Prevention Society is a non-profit organisation founded in 2003 to serve the community in its tri-fold mission – Cancer Prevention, Cancer Fighting and Cancer Education. The organisation promotes awareness of cancer-related illness and supports members through programmes and services including Care & Support, Counselling, Nutritional Support, Financial Assistance, Health Education and Detox Exercise.
365 Cancer Prevention Society also runs Social Service Centres to provide a positive and encouraging environment where cancer fighters, caregivers and their loved ones can share personal stories, support one another, and be educated on how to prevent and cope with cancer.
