Singapore Cancer Society raises S$1.1 million to date from Relay For Life 2025
The funds will go towards the non-profit’s programmes, such as cancer screenings and hospice services
[SINGAPORE] Non-profit organisation Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) raised S$1.1 million to date from this year’s edition of its annual fundraising initiative Relay For Life.
More than 5,000 participants joined the overnight relay this year – a 25 per cent increase from 2024. From Saturday (Mar 8) to Sunday, they took part in a non-competitive challenge to walk and/or run 100 km around the relay track at the National Stadium.
Relay For Life also has a digital component, called “My Fight Back Challenge”, where participants can choose any activity to pledge support to those affected by cancer. This year, SCS partnered fitness providers to offer participants free access to classes including barre, boxing, and strength and conditioning training.
Tan Kwang Cheak, chief executive of SCS, said: “With the rising incidence of cancer, and cancer incidence occurring in younger Singaporeans, the extent of support and programmes needed by our community is also increasing.”
The funds raised will go towards the organisation’s programmes, which span cancer screenings, rehabilitative care, psychosocial services, welfare aid, palliative care and hospice services. The initiatives aim to reduce cancer incidence, increase survivor rates, and encourage greater community action and support.
“Our programmes and services have supported our cancer community in coping with the illness and improving their quality of life, while outreach initiatives and public education programmes have also helped to promote cancer awareness and prevention,” Tan added.
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Greater support
In an interview with The Business Times, Tan said that rehabilitation is an “often overlooked but critical part of cancer recovery and survivorship care”.
“Cancer rehabilitation improves treatment outcomes and reduces side effects such as fatigue, weakness and pain.”
With more funds being channelled towards this, SCS will enhance its support and bring together occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dieticians, cancer exercise trainers and other specialists.
The society will also use the funds to improve hospice and palliative care services, which benefit not only cancer patients, but also their caregivers.
Lim Yi Xi, assistant senior social worker at SCS’ psychosocial services, who participated in Relay For Life 2025, said: “Hospice care also remains widely misunderstood, and many do not realise the full range of support available to both patients and caregivers.”
Besides medical support, SCS provides psychosocial services, caregiver support and financial aid. For example, it assists caregivers in managing patients’ symptoms and offers basic nursing support.
Lim added: “(Our) patient-centric approach ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and compassionate care possible, while caregivers also receive the guidance and respite they need.”
Its hospice care services are tailored and customised to each patient.
“Every patient’s needs, values and preferences are unique, which is why personalised care is essential. SCS’ hospice care services are designed to prioritise the patient’s comfort, dignity and quality of life, whether through symptom management, emotional support or end-of-life planning,” she noted.
A global movement
Relay For Life is one of the world’s longest-running global movements for cancer survivors, founded in 1985 by the American Cancer Society. Singapore was the 25th member country to join the movement in 2017.
Toh Hui Lin and Marcus Leong participated in this year’s edition in remembrance of Leong’s late mother, who died due to ovarian cancer. In partnership with SCS’ Psychosocial Support Services, the couple launched an Artvocacy project to showcase different facets of the lived cancer experience.
They said: “We hope to shine a light on the often-overlooked cancer key communities, such as caretakers, doctors and other healthcare professionals, through our film and production.
“The goal is to create a ripple effect that extends beyond the event itself, encouraging others to engage with the cancer community and support initiatives that promote cancer research, awareness and support.”
Tan said Relay For Life will continue to rally the community to support those affected by cancer, whether it is through “deeper engagement, new partnerships or innovative ways to rally support”.
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