365 Cancer Prevention Society (365CPS) has launched Singapore's first free fatty liver disease screening campaign, "Better Liver, Better Health," which will run from now until August 31, 2024. In conjunction with Roche, this project focuses on at-risk individuals, emphasising early detection and management to reduce the incidence of liver cancer.
The ad is targeted at blue and orange CHAS cardholders aged 50 to 75 who have at least two risk factors, such as obesity, a first-degree relative with chronic liver disease, or type 2 diabetes. Interested parties are encouraged to register on the 365CPS website.
The "Better Liver, Better Health" campaign aims to raise Singaporeans' knowledge about the importance of liver health. Participants will go through a sponsored fatty liver disease screening that includes the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) blood test, which assesses the risk of fibrosis and will have pre- and post-screening discussions with a medical professional. Individuals at high risk will be given referral letters to follow up with their doctors.
Mr. Andrew Soh, Assistant Director for Fundraising, Marketing, and Volunteer Management at 365CPS, emphasised the liver's vital role in the body, which performs over 300 key activities such as detoxification, digestive help, and support for other organs. Despite its importance, liver health is often overlooked. With the global increase in liver cancer incidence, Soh emphasised the importance of screening for fatty liver disease to allow for early intervention and disease management, thereby lowering the risk of liver cancer.
Soh also urged the public to encourage eligible friends and relatives to register for the test. He also asked for donations to help fund the campaign, so that more at-risk people may benefit from the screenings.
To sign up for the "Better Liver, Better Health" fatty liver disease screening, go to bit.ly/betterliverbetterhealth. For any screening-related enquiries, please get in touch with screenings@365cps.org.sg.
Eligibility for the screening includes being between 50 and 75 years old and having a blue or orange CHAS card. Participants must also meet at least two secondary criteria: a first-degree relative with chronic liver disease, a BMI greater than 27.5, or current type 2 diabetes. Exclusion criteria include having a previous diagnosis of chronic liver disease, being a carrier of chronic Hepatitis B or C, and having Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) now or in the past.
Members of the public can financially support the "Better Liver, Better Health" campaign through platforms such as Giving.sg and Give.asia. Donations of differing amounts will support various phases of the screening procedure, ranging from physician consultations and early liver disease tests to full fatty liver disease screenings. All 365CPS contributions are eligible for a 250% tax refund.
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