NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health faculty, Associate Professor Mikael Hartman, with fellow rider, trauma and breast cancer surgeon as well as faculty member of the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, A/Prof Philip Iau, officially started The Long Ride 2014 – Singapore to Sweden for Breast Cancer Research today, 18 March 2014.
Families, friends and colleagues gathered to express their support and well wishes to the two riders who, accompanied by a support vehicle, will go across 17 countries in Asia and Europe to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research.
A/Prof Hartman saw more advanced breast cancer cases in Asia than he did in his last 10 years in Sweden. The incidence of breast cancer in Asian cities, including Singapore, has seen the fastest rise in numbers of any adult cancer ever recorded at any time ever. Despite high numbers in the West, many developed countries have lowered the number of lives lost to breast cancer with a combination of early presentation with screening programmes and better treatment.
“We feel compelled to spotlight the barriers and help bring about policy changes, establish awareness programmes and improve access to care through our efforts,” says A/Prof Hartman.
At many stops, the riders will meet cancer doctors, patients and caregivers, deliver lectures, participate in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and conduct surgical demonstrations and health education sessions. The team will also get to learn first-hand about problems faced by the local medical and healthcare communities in the respective countries in their efforts to treat and reduce deaths from breast cancer.
Our School wishes Mikael and the rest of the team a successful and safe ride as they fulfill their journey to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research.
For more photo highlights of the flag off and latest updates on A/Prof Hartman’s adventures in turning discovery into healthier communities, visit and ‘Like’ our Facebook page today.
Media Coverage:
- Mind Your Body, 31 March 2014, Monday