Named Jeans For Genes, the campaign focuses on the role genes play in cancer.
Jeans For Genes, the international campaign to raise awareness about hereditary cancer, will make its debut in Singapore.
Globally, Jeans For Genes was first established in 1992 by the Chronic Granulomatous Disorder (CGD) Society in UK to fundraise for this diverse group of hereditary diseases. Today, it is a national appeal in countries around the world to fund revolutionary research that helps diagnose, understand, and find cures or treatments for various genetic conditions.
In Singapore, the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) is launching it on World DNA Day, 25 April 2019, in a bid to increase awareness for various hereditary cancer conditions and raise funds for research and treatment purposes.
It is well known that people with certain hereditary conditions have a higher risk of developing cancer. The identification of these individuals is essential for the early detection of cancer or to reduce the chance of cancer developing. In some cases this may help with cancer treatment decisions.
The Jeans For Genes campaign is designed to encourage Singaporeans to wear jeans/blue on World DNA Day every year to raise funds for and spark conversations about hereditary cancer.
The funds raised will support the work being done by the NCCS Cancer Genetics Service (CGS) team, led by Associate Prof Joanne Ngeow, which manages the care of people with personal or family histories of cancer through risk assessments, genetic testing and appropriate follow-up.
A specially designed campaign collar pin is made available for sale at the NCCS Specialist Outpatient Clinic Pharmacy. The enamel pin costs $5 each and over 1,500 pins have been sold since early April.
Associate Prof Ngeow, Head of CGS said, “1 in 10 cancers diagnosed is hereditary, and most cancers can be cured if detected early. Through genetic testing and counselling, families with a history of cancer can better understand their risks of inheriting cancer and take active steps to manage and potentially prevent themselves from developing cancer.” [APBN]