Jeans For Genes, the international campaign to raise awareness about hereditary conditions, has made 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) launched it on World DNA Day, 25 April 2019, in a bid to increase awareness for hereditary causes of diseases such as cancer as well as other hereditary 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 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.

Prof William Hwang, Medical Director, National Cancer Centre Singapore, said, “While our researchers focus their efforts on finding a cure for cancer, there are also enormous opportunities for early detection and prevention of cancer through cancer genetic screening and testing. We hope more Singaporeans will be aware of the role genes play in cancer and unite everyone to show their support in fun and simple ways."