Correction to article – The FIT50 Project only applies to individuals who are 50 years old this year and not anyone above the age of 50 years old. We apologize for this confusion.
Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) launched its FIT50 Project, which is an initiative by the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) to mark its 50th anniversary. Held in collaboration with Health Promotion Board (HPB), SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP), National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP) and Medi-Rad Associates Ltd, the project aims to encourage those entering their silver years to stay “FIT” and adopt regular cancer screening as a way of life for the three commonly diagnosed cancers affecting Singaporeans.
Female Singapore citizens who are 50 years old this year, they can receive free Mammogram from the Singapore Cancer Society and those aged 25 years old and above can receive a free pap smear test to detect cervical cancer. Singaporeans of both gender aged 50 can pick up a free FIT Kit (Faecal Immunochemical Test) to test for colorectal cancer.
Eligible Singapore citizens can make their appointments for pap smear tests and screening mammograms at participating SingHealth Polyclinics, NHG Polyclinics and Medi-Rad Associates Radiologic Centre at HPB, or at SCS Multi-Service Centre for Pap smear tests. FIT kits will also be available for collection at Guardian Health and Beauty outlets as well as at the SCS Multi-Service Centre at no cost.
Those eligible for the free screenings will be informed by a letter of the screening centres will be sent out in phases by HPB from March to August 2014. If letter is not received after September 2014, you may wish to enquire with Health Promotion Board via email.
Dr. Ang Peng Tiam, SCS council member and chairman of 50th anniversary committee, wrote:
“Cancer remains the country’s number one killer. According to recent statistics, at least 14 people die from some kind of cancer every day. On average, 28 people are diagnosed with cancer each day.
This is a fight that calls for many – we need to know how to recognise the signs of cancer early, and be armed with knowledge on treatment. We need to know also how to prevent cancer, the sort of lifestyle we should lead, the choices we need to make.”
If you are not born on 1964, you may be charged $50 for Singaporeans and $75 for Permanent Residents for Mammogram . As for pap smear test, the usual cost is $15 at polyclinics. This is subject to change by HPB. It is offered free at the SCS Multi-Service Centre.
All offers of free test and test kit are valid till 31st December 2014.
F.A.Q
Hi, I am male and born in the year 1964. Is FIT50 suitable for me? Do I have to wait for the invitation letter or it is possible to register on-line?
The two screening and test for pap smear and mammogram are only applicable to females. For males, you can opt to collect the FIT kit.
FIT kits are available all year round at the SCS Multi-Service Centre and at 16 selected Guardian Health and Beauty outlets. In March and April, the FIT kits are available at 73 selected Guardian Health and Beauty outlets. (see full list)
List of the 16 outlets that offers the FIT kits all year round.
- Causeway Point 2
- Hougang H205
- Northpoint
- Serangoon NEX
- Suntec City Mall
- Bedok Central
- Compass Point
- Parkway
- Tampines Mall
- Clementi Mall
- Bukit Panjang
- IMM 2
- Jurong Point
- West Mall
- Ang Mo Kio Central 3
- Toa Payoh Blk 190