Mr Tan Chew Lee, 60, was diagnosed with cancer of the small intestine two years ago, around the same time when his brother, well-known 'getai' singer Chen Jin Lang died of colon cancer.
He suffers from Lynch syndrome, a genetic disorder passed down by his parents which leaves sufferers at high risk of developing colorectal cancer, as well as urological and gynaecological cancers.
To raise awareness on colorectal cancer, the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) is holding a health fair to encourage people, especially those with family members struck by cancer at a young age like Mr Tan, to go for screening so that they can be treated early.
At the fair, 1,200 test kits to screen for colorectal cancer - the most common cancer here - will be given out free to those aged 40 and above, or younger people with a strong family history of the cancer.
Those who test positive will be invited to get a free colonoscopy at the hospital later on to check if they do have cancer.
The test kit usually costs about $40, and the colonoscopy, between $400 and $1,800.
The two-day fair at Suntec City Mall will be opened on Aug 16 by Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan.
