Written by Bryan Sim, Business Development, AnjouHealth
World Cancer Day on 4 February highlights prevention, early detection, and supportive environments to reduce cancer’s global impact. In Singapore, corporate wellness programmes empower employers to promote healthier lifestyles amid rising chronic disease risks.
This guide explores how workplace wellness programmes integrate cancer prevention strategies, backed by local stats, and practical steps for Singapore organisations.
What Is World Cancer Day?
World Cancer Day, led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), calls for action to cut cancer’s burden through awareness, prevention, and early intervention. Globally, cancer caused 10 million deaths in 2022, with 30–50% preventable via lifestyle changes.
In workplaces, where adults spend ~1/3 of waking hours, corporate wellness programmes in Singapore create ideal spaces for these habits.
Why Cancer Awareness Matters in Singapore Workplaces
Singapore’s cancer incidence hit ~25,250 new cases yearly (2022), with colorectal, breast, and lung cancers leading; workplace factors like sedentary jobs contribute to obesity/diabetes risks (precursors).
Corporate wellness programmes influence daily habits, screening access, and support for conditions, reducing absenteeism (up to 27% via health promotion) and boosting resilience.
How Corporate Wellness Programmes in Singapore Support Prevention
Corporate wellness programmes in Singapore are employer-led initiatives that promote physical and mental health by reducing modifiable risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and stress, all of which are linked to cancer risk
They complement WSH by focusing on proactive prevention; e.g., WHO notes such programmes lower healthcare costs ~26% and sick leave ~27%. In Singapore, 70% of firms with wellness report better engagement; 31% fewer sick days.
Key supports:
- Regular onsite health screening Singapore for early detection (e.g., colorectal via FIT kits).
- Lifestyle education reducing obesity (20% adult prevalence, cancer risk factor).
- Workplace interventions that address chronic stress and its downstream effects on immune function and long-term disease risk.
Key Wellness Strategies for Cancer Prevention
1. Preventive Health Education
Campaigns on tobacco avoidance, alcohol limits, HPV vaccination, and sun protection. Tie to Singapore Cancer Society resources.
2. Onsite Health Screening and Checks
Annual onsite health screening in Singapore: BMI, BP, cholesterol, cancer markers; accessible for shift/blue-collar workers. Data from the Singapore Cancer Registry indicate that screening-led early detection is associated with significantly higher survival rates across major cancers.
3. Ergonomics and Work-Related Health Prevention
Workplace ergonomics curbs sedentary strain/obesity; assessments prevent WMSDs (Singapore: 353 cases/2023, indirect cancer links via inactivity).
4. Mental Wellbeing and Stress Management
Workshops and EAPs address burnout (affecting 40% Singapore workers), which is associated with poor health choices.
5. Active Lifestyles and Nutrition
Fitness challenges for activity; healthy vending and canteens for nutrition.
How to Start a Corporate Wellness Programme in Singapore
- Assess Needs: Surveys + WSH data (e.g., WMSD trends).
- Prioritise: Start with screenings/ergonomics (high ROI).
- Launch: Leadership buy-in, HPB grants for SMEs.
- Engage: Incentives, inclusive design.
- Measure: Track uptake/absenteeism; iterate yearly.
How AnjouHealth Supports Corporate Wellness
AnjouHealth delivers tailored corporate wellness programmes in Singapore:
- On-site health screening Singapore + cancer risk education.
- Workplace ergonomics assessments / ergonomic risk assessment for WMSD prevention.
- WMSD early intervention.
- Custom training aligned with WSH.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What role do workplaces play on World Cancer Day?
Promote awareness via talks/screenings; integrate into corporate wellness programmes.
- How do corporate wellness programmes reduce cancer risk?
Via education, screenings, lifestyle support, addressing 30–50% preventable cases.
- Worth it for SMEs?
Yes, low-cost initiatives like annual screenings can reduce sick days by up to 31%.
- Frequency of onsite health screening?
Annually, or biannually for high-risk groups.
Beyond World Cancer Day: Sustainable Wellness
Corporate wellness programmes in Singapore turn awareness into action, cutting chronic risks and costs.
Ready to launch? Contact AnjouHealth for workplace wellness programme support.
