According to the Singapore Cancer Registry, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Singapore, with over 2,000 diagnosed with the disease each year.
Fortunately, mammograms can detect breast cancer even before you can feel a lump, and early detection can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment.
Source: Singapore Cancer Society
Yet despite screening being readily available and subsidised in Singapore, only about one in three women aged 50 to 69 have gone for a mammogram.
That’s why, in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) is holding Courage Starts with a Check, a launch event at VivoCity featuring mammogram screenings, educational talks, interactive booths, and other activities aimed at encouraging more women to take that first step towards screening.
For many, the hesitation comes down to fear, be it of the diagnosis, the screening process, the cost of treatment, or having to face it alone.
So even if you’re not quite ready for a mammogram or aren’t eligible for one just yet, you can still head down to Courage Starts with a Check on 26 Sept to learn more about breast cancer in a setting that feels far less intimidating than a clinical consultation room.
Tune in to fireside chats by SCS featuring healthcare professionals, cancer survivors, and advocates, who’ll share their knowledge and lived experiences.
Image courtesy of the Singapore Cancer Society
You can also browse educational and interactive booths by SCS and its campaign partners, including the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF), NHG Cancer Institute, Health Promotion Board (HPB), National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), and SingHealth.
The event has a few lighter activities lined up, too.
From 7.15pm to 7.45pm, 365 Cancer Prevention Society will lead a gentle chair exercise and share how light movement can help manage fatigue and support daily well-being.
Image courtesy of the Singapore Cancer Society
At 7.50pm, BCF will share practical styling tips on dressing for your body shape, finding flattering colours, and discovering your personal style.
Live music will run throughout the evening, with Uber Duber’s Chen Yi and Luke performing at 4.30pm and 8.30pm, before Singapore Idol and Asian Idol champion Hady Mirza rounds off the night with a live set at 8.45pm.
Source: @hadymirzaofficial on Instagram
Over at VivoCity’s Southeast Boulevard (#01-93, near The Shirt Bar), visitors can check out a meaningful art psychotherapy exhibition featuring works by cancer survivors, with free entry and a bonus gift. The exhibition, which runs till 27 Sept, is open from 10am to 10pm.
Beyond the talks and activities, the main call to action is simple: get screened.
From 4.30pm, eligible women can get a mammogram aboard the Community Mammobus, a community screening programme by SCS, BCF, and National Healthcare Group Diagnostics.
Image courtesy of the Singapore Cancer Society
The screening is open to Singaporean citizens and permanent residents aged 40 and above who meet the following eligibility criteria:
First-time Singaporean screeners can get the mammogram for free, while repeat screeners and permanent residents can enjoy subsidised rates. If you can’t make it down on 26 Sept, you can still schedule a screening at SCS Clinic @ Bishan or look out for other Community Mammobus sessions near you.
Image courtesy of the Singapore Cancer Society
There’ll be free goodie bags up for grabs at the event, while those who register for a mammogram appointment with any healthcare partner on-site will receive a pair of limited-edition Breastie Bestie grip socks.
Image courtesy of the Singapore Cancer Society
We all want the best for the people we love, but looking after them also means looking after ourselves, even when it involves something we’d rather put off.
That’s the message behind Courage Starts with a Check: feeling afraid doesn’t mean you can’t take action, and you don’t have to take that step alone.
Whether you’re due for a breast screening, supporting someone who is, or simply want to learn more through the talks and activities, head to the event and take that first step towards better breast health.
Here are the details to help you plan your visit:
Courage Starts with a Check
Address: VivoCity, Level 1 Outdoor Plaza (near Tim Hortons), 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585
Date: 26 Sept 2026
Time: 4.30pm to 9pm
Nearest MRT station: HarbourFront
To find out more about the Courage Starts with a Check event, visit SCS’s website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.
This post was brought to you in collaboration with the Singapore Cancer Society.
Featured image courtesy of the Singapore Cancer Society.