FAQ

1. How to participate?

Email your company details to empowher@singaporecancersociety.org.sg

When your organisation is ready to come on board, SCS will provide a ‘Welcome Pack’ pertaining all the information needed for your staff to go for their screening at our participating screening centres. 

2. What is required of my organisation?

When you pledge to EmpowHER, your organisation will be our pillar in increasing cancer awareness and providing screening benefits to ensure the wellbeing of your staff.

Your organisation may choose how you want to increase cancer awareness and who to provide the screening benefits.  Our benefits can be extended to part-time, contract and freelance staff.

3. Are there criteria for organisation to join?

There are no criteria for organisations. We welcome organisations from all industry and size. However, screening criteria apply to staff who are going for the screening.  

4. How do employees utilise these subsidies?

Step 1: Staff should refer to the Screening Guide to check if they are eligible for the screening subsidies and for the list of participating screening centres.

Step 2: The screener can call her preferred participating screening centres to make the appointment for their breast or cervical cancer screening. Colorectal cancer screening is an at home test kit that can be collected here.

Step 3: On the day of screening, the screener needs to bring her NRIC, and provide her company’s name and UEN number on the consent form and EDM.

Step 4: The screening centre will contact the screener directly within 4-6 weeks for screening results.

5. Are there any costs associated with this partnership?

There is no cost to be part of this programme.

6. Are there any subsidies for male employees?

The colorectal cancer screening (FIT test) is eligible for Singaporean/ PR men aged 50 and above.

7. Are there any subsidies for foreign employees?

At the moment, SCS only provides subsidy for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.

8. How many times can my staff use the subsidies?

If the staff is eligible for all three screenings, she is encouraged to get all three cancers screened.

Our screening eligibility follows the Ministry of Health's screening guidelines and recommendations. Screening should be done based on the recommended frequency.

9. Does SCS provide screenings other than breast, cervical and colorectal cancer?

No. At the moment, there are limited evidence on the efficacy to screen other types of cancers.

10. Can my staff get screened if they do not meet the eligible screening age?

Breast cancer and colorectal cancer screening are only recommended when a person reaches a certain age. Currently, there is no evidence that regular mammogram screening of women under the age of 40 can detect early breast cancer. This is because the breast tissues in pre-menopausal women is denser, making mammograms very difficult to read.

11. I don’t meet the eligible age , but I have family history of cancer, can I still get screened?

Unfortunately, if you do not meet our eligibility criteria, you will not be able to receive EmpowHER funding assistance from Singapore Cancer Society. However, if you think you have a higher risk of developing cancer, you should seek advice from your doctor.

12. What happened after screening?

If your results are normal, continue to go for regular screening at the recommended frequency.

If your results are abnormal, you will be referred to a hospital to have further investigations done. It is important for you to attend this follow up at the hospital.

13. My organisation would like to be part of EmpowHER initiative, but we are already providing cancer screening for our staff. Can we still be part of EmpowHER?

Absolutely! We are happy to hear that the wellbeing of your staff is a priority in your organisation We would like to invite you to join our EmpowHER Alliance to demonstrates the collective strength and interest of companies in Singapore to bring about positive change for women in workplace. Please email empowher@singaporecancersociety.org.sg for more details.

14. Who should I contact if I have questions regarding the EmpowHER screening programme?
Please email empowher@singaporecancersociety.org.sg

Screening Centres

Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram)

Please bring along EmpowHER EDM, mammogram consent form and NRIC on the day of screening.

Eligibility Criteria for $25 funding assistance

• Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Female
• Aged 40 to 49, have not had a mammogram the past 12 months*
• Aged 50 years and above, have not had a mammogram the past 24 months
• Have no breast symptoms such as breast lumps or blood-stained nipple discharge
• Have not been breastfeeding for the past 6 months
• Have not received breast implants

*Women in this age group should consult their doctor about the benefits and limitations of going for a mammogram at this age.

For more details on breast cancer click here.

For more information on mammogram preparation click here.

Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap/HPV Test)
Eligibility Criteria

• Singapore Citizen (Screen at Parkway Shenton Clinic listed below and SCS Clinic @ Bishan for $0)
• Permanent Resident (Screen at SCS Clinic @ Bishan for $0)
• Female
• Have previously engaged in sexual intercourse
• Not pregnant
• Pap Test: Aged 25 to 29, recommended to get screened once in 3 years
• HPV Test: Aged 30 years and above, recommended to get screened once in 5 years

For more details on cervical cancer click here.

Colorectal Cancer Screening (FIT Test Kit):
Eligibility Criteria

• Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Aged 50 years and above, have not had a FIT test the past 12 months
• Have not had a Colonoscopy in the last 10 years

For more details on colorectal cancer and collection points click here.
[Send me a FIT kit]