SINGAPORE — Three cancer screening tests will be offered at no cost to eligible Singapore citizens who turn 50 this year, under the sponsorship of the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS).

The initiative, called FIT50, makes available three types of cancer screening tests — mammogram, Pap smear and the Faecal Immunochemical Test — to detect breast, cervical and colorectal cancer.

This was announced today (Feb 4) at the launch of SCS’ 50th anniversary on World Cancer Day by Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong.

FIT50 is a year-long collaboration between the SCS, Health Promotion Board (HPB), Singhealth Polyclinics, National Healthcare Group Polyclinics and ParkwayHealth Radiology. It aims to promote regular cancer screening among older Singaporeans.

Eligible participants will receive a letter informing them of the screening test(s) they are eligible for and which centres they can visit from next month.

FIT50 will be available till Dec 31.

Pap smear and screening mammogram services are available at participating SHP, NHGP and the Radiologic Clinic located at the HPB.

In addition, the SCS has committed S$10 million to develop its Hospice Care service to better serve the needs of many more patients in their homes through offering counselling, physiotherapy and bereavement services. It aims to triple its capacity to serve up to 1,000 patients annually within the next three to five years.