Community Rallies Behind Children and Families Affected by Cancer at Race Against Cancer 2026

20 September 2026

Organised by Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) and title partner Singtel, the 18^th Race Against Cancer brought together corporates, families and individuals to raise over S$1.55 million in support of cancer patients and their loved ones.

The Singtel – Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer (RAC) 2026 brought together more than 6,700 participants and raised over S$1.55 million to support cancer patients, survivors and families affected by cancer.

The event drew broad-based support from across the community, including 1,500 participants from corporate partners spanning over 12 industries. Families were also strongly represented, with over 200 family groups participating together in support of those affected by cancer.

Acting Minister for Manpower and Senior Minister of State at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, Ms Jasmin Lau, attended the event as Guest of Honour and flagged off the 15KM race category.

Supporting Families And Children Affected by Cancer

For many families, a cancer diagnosis can extend beyond treatment, bringing emotional, practical and financial challenges.

Mr Tan Kwang Cheak, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Cancer Society (SCS), said: “Cancer brings a complex range of medical, financial, emotional and practical demands. In our work with the community, one thing we hear consistently is how the burden of navigating these needs often falls on caregivers, even as they manage the impact of cancer on their own lives. This is why we believe community support must intentionally include families and caregivers, not just the person diagnosed. Through Race Against Cancer, we hope to rally the community so that no one has to navigate cancer alone.”

Funds raised through RAC go toward SCS’s comprehensive programmes for people affected by cancer, including their families and caregivers. Since 2009, SCS’s Help the Children & Youth Programme has supported 3,063 children and youths affected by a parent’s cancer diagnosis, providing home tuition, family engagement activities, recognition awards and enrichment opportunities through the arts. 

Ms Aileen Tan, Singtel’s Group Chief People and Sustainability Officer, said, “We’ve been the title sponsor of the Race Against Cancer for nearly two decades, and it’s heartening to see how it has grown over the years. Since 2008, funds raised for the Singapore Cancer Society have helped to support those navigating some of life’s toughest moments, while raising awareness of prevention and early detection. We’re especially grateful to the many participants who return year after year. Their commitment has helped transform Race Against Cancer from a fundraising event into a community that continues to make a meaningful difference.”

Building a Cancer-Inclusive Society

Among this year’s RAC participants was Melvin Lim, a father of three young children who has experienced cancer as both a caregiver and patient. After supporting his wife through cancer journey, Melvin was later diagnosed with cancer himself. His family’s experience reinforced how cancer can affect not only the patient, but also the spouse and children navigating the journey together.

New this year, RAC’s Stories of Hope initiative invited participants to share their personal motivations for taking part. More than 700 submitted stories of supporting a loved one, remembering someone they had lost, or going through cancer themselves — reflecting the many ways cancer touches lives and the reasons people continue to rally behind the cause.