Mrs Grace Ban
Managing Director of Estee Lauder Companies,
Mrs Fang Ai Lian
President, Breast Cancer Foundation
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Evening.
It is my pleasure to be here this evening to witness the special pink illumination of ION Orchard.
Estee Lauder Cosmetics Singapore has been illuminating buildings in pink for the past 11 years as part of their global initiative to focus international attention on breast cancer. This year marks another important milestone as an iconic landmark is illuminated in pink in the heart of Orchard Road.
We are here to celebrate the triumph of breast cancer survivors and to share the pain of those who suffer from the dreaded disease. We are also here to play our part and raise awareness on the importance for early detection as there is a cure for this disease.
According to statistics published by the Singapore Cancer Registry, the number of breast cancer cases has increased from 5,530 cases in 1998-2002 to 6,798 cases in 2003-2007[1]. Given that the incidence of breast cancer peaks among women between the ages of 55 and 59 in Singapore, it is important that women above 50 make it a habit to go for regular screening once every two years.
The survival rate of breast cancer patients is more than 90% if they are detected and treated early.
Women play an important role in our homes and daily lives. In times of crises, women often provide the courage and strength to hold the family together. Hence, when a woman is struck by cancer, the impact on her loved ones can be devastating and heart-wrenching. I have seen how cancer ravages the lives of individuals and their families. However, I am also in true admiration of those women who have battled the disease and are giving their all in spreading the messages on breast cancer.
Tonight, we have with us some strong amazing women who overcame the disease and became stronger. A woman of strength is Ms Rosemarie Wallace who discovered she had breast cancer when she just moved to Singapore from Hong Kong. Being alone in a foreign country was not easy. She had to give up her job and remain positive.
However, she was determined to fight the disease. Now, she has rebuilt her career and even started her own company.
Another woman of admiration is Ms Eunice Tan. Even after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she keeps fit with regular 5km walks, even on days of chemotherapy. She also keeps active by participating in BCF activities and her husband joins her too! Her strength of support comes from her family and loved ones, which is extremely essential in times like these.
The illumination of ION Orchard is symbolic. I hope the awareness that this illumination raises can save the lives of our friends and loved ones. I also hope that this symbolic gesture can ease the pain of those who are suffering by letting them know that they and their families are not alone in their journey and in their fight against the disease.
I would like to compliment The Estee Lauder Companies for organizing the Global Illuminations since 2000 and to thank ION Orchard for supporting Breast Cancer Foundation in making this illumination possible.
Let’s continue to do our part and raise awareness on breast cancer and the importance of early detection to save more lives.
Thank you and have a great evening.
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[1] http://www.nrdo.gov.sg/page.aspx?id=76