Health x Wellness
Are You at Risk? Singapore’s Free Lung Cancer Screening Could Be the Lifesaver You Didn’t Know You Needed
Lung cancer doesn’t always come with a warning sign — and it’s not just a smoker’s disease. In fact, nearly one in three lung cancer cases in Singapore are diagnosed in non-smokers.
That’s why 365 Cancer Prevention Society (365CPS), in partnership with AstraZeneca, is bringing back its free lung cancer screening campaign, Are You at Risk?, available until 15 November 2025.
Launched in conjunction with World Lung Cancer Day, the campaign offers eligible individuals a free Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan — a painless, highly accurate method that can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective.
Lung Cancer in Singapore: The Silent Threat
According to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2022, lung cancer is the third most common cancer among both men and women. It accounts for over thirteen percent of all cancers in males and almost eight percent in females. And while smoking remains a major risk factor, three out of ten cases diagnosed between 2018 and 2022 were in non-smokers — with Chinese women showing higher susceptibility.
The stakes are high:
- Stage 1 five-year survival rates can reach ninety-two percent
- Stage 4 survival rates drop below ten percent
Early detection is not just helpful — it’s life-saving.
What Is LDCT and Why Does It Matter?
LDCT scans use rotating X-ray beams to create detailed images of the lungs, revealing the size, shape and position of any tumours — even those too small to detect with a standard chest X-ray. For high-risk individuals, this scan is a powerful first line of defence.
Mr Andrew Soh, Assistant Director at 365CPS, explains:
“While smokers may be at a higher risk of lung cancer, we are also seeing a rise among non-smokers. A simple, painless scan can offer peace of mind or a fighting chance — not just for you, but for the people who love you.”
Lung Health Is About More Than Breathing
Ms Choo Kai Bing, Senior Physiotherapist at 365CPS, adds:
“Healthy lungs are key to staying active and independent. Screening is the first step — and physiotherapy helps build strength, ease breathlessness, and support recovery.”
This campaign isn’t just about detection. It’s about empowering people to take control of their health before symptoms appear.
Who’s Eligible?
You may qualify for a free LDCT scan if you:
- Hold a valid blue or orange CHAS card, or a Public Assistance card
- Are between 50 to 80 years old, have smoked 20 pack years or more, and are still smoking or quit less than 15 years ago
- Are a non-smoker aged 50 to 75 with a first-degree family history of lung cancer (parent, child or sibling)
Register by 15 November 2025 at bit.ly/ayar2025 or visit a 365CPS Social Service Centre.
Want to Support the Campaign?
Your donation can help someone breathe easier:
- $30 supports early detection efforts
- $50 covers consultation fees for one beneficiary
- $100 covers two consultations
- $500 fully sponsors a lung cancer screening for one individual
All donations are eligible for 250 percent tax relief. Give at Giving.sg
The Bottom Line
Lung cancer doesn’t always come with symptoms — but it does come with consequences. Whether you’re at risk or know someone who might be, this campaign offers a rare chance to act early, act smart, and stay a breath ahead.
Graphic credit to 365 Cancer Prevention Society.
